Three successful 'Another Boring Farm Do - Yeah Right' evenings around the North Island show how the promise of a fun night out brings farming communities together.
The first event was organised way back in 2010, when the Federated Farmers Tararua provincial executive wanted a light-hearted way to raise the
Federation's profile. Former Tararua president John Barrow booked in former national president Don Nicolson and chief executive officer Conor English as guest speakers.
The iconic Mangatainoka Brewery, headquarters of the world-famous New Zealand Tui beer, is in the heart of Tararua country. It has ideal facilities for such events and inspired the name.
Thanks to sponsors who subsidised the tickets, this first eventsold out with 200 farmers coming along and several new members signing up. This year the Wairoa sub-province wanted to raise their profile, so they held their own 'Another Boring Farming Do - Yeah Right' in September.
Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills and Progressive Meats' Craig Hickson spoke at the event. Once again sponsorship was sought and subsidised tickets were sold.
What farmer would turn down a meal and drinks for only $10 per person? The night was a roaring success with potential new members in the pipeline.
Tararua has since hosted 'Another Boring Farming Do II, starring Bruce Willis - Yeah Right', in November. Yes, the guest speakers were Bruce Wills, our new national president, and Conor English.
Word of the first one had spread and tickets sold out in five days. OUTGRO even flew the guest speakers and Tararua president Richard Murfitt to Tui HQ in a new helicopter. Gisborne now hopes to top this with a similar event this year.
So, if you see a Federated Farmers event advertised in your neck of the woods make sure you come along for a bit of a feed and lots of fun.
