Federated Farmers: South Taranaki sharemilker off committee after 23 years

Othmar Hebler.

If you have been to an industry meeting or rural event in Taranaki, you have probably seen Othmar Hebler, wearing his Taranaki Federated Farmers shirt.

The South Taranaki farmer, who has been involved with the Taranaki Federated Farmers Sharemilkers Employers Committee since 1995 has retired from the committee.

Othmar held various positions, as well as sitting on the Taranaki Federated Farmers committee from 2011 to 2018, and the National Sharemilkers Employers committee.

"Sharemilking helped me achieve my goals and this was a way of giving back to the organisations. I also realised that we need an organisation representing farmers inputs into local and national law-making, concerning rural communities," he says.

Seeing farmers come together and help each other through tough times had been a highlight.

"Having witnessed and been a part of the Federated Farmers Cyclone Bola clean up with farmers helping farmers, that really impressed me."

The 1989 Sharemilker of the Year winner is going to be missed by Taranaki Sharemilker Employers Chair Brendan Attrill.

"He was a superb contributor and leader regarding the SME section," Brendan says. "He is an all round nice guy who helped and support numerous families in the Taranaki province.

"I would like to acknowledge Othmar for a job well done. You have been a pleasure to work with."

Othmar is a proud farmer, and is also a talented accordion player, impressing everyone with his skills at last year's Taranaki Federated Farmers Christmas party.