Federated Farmers has today announced its long-serving chief executive, Terry Copeland, will step down from the role at the end of the month.
“Terry has been the leader we needed in a crisis. He was the man who kept us together through the toughest times, through the Mycoplasma Bovis incursion and then COVID, through droughts, fires and disastrous floods,” said Federated Farmers national president, Wayne Langford.
“Terry’s seven years with Feds has also been marked by unprecedented political and advocacy challenges for our members. His cool head in times of need was hugely beneficial for the organisation.”
Mr Copeland was responsible for setting up the highly successful Primary Industries NZ Summit and Awards, now into its seventh year, which attracts more than 600 delegates annually.
Mr Langford said continual business improvement was another legacy from Mr Copeland’s time leading the organisation.
“His championing and overseeing the investment into better processes and systems across finance, information technology, human resources and project management will ensure the great advocacy and policy work Federated Farmers does is supported by a well-functioning machine,” he said.
In a statement, Mr Copeland said it was time for a new person to lead the membership organisation, and he was proud to be leaving the influential association stronger than he found it.
“Federated Farmers is a terrific organisation to have been a part of. I have been able to contribute to the powerhouse of New Zealand’s economy – the primary sector – and it has been an honour to work with some of New Zealand’s best farmers,” he said.
