Wanganui Federated Farmers' members have paid tribute to their dairy chairman Tony Rogers as an outspoken, committed and invaluable leader of his sector.
Federated Farmers Wanganui provincial president Brian Doughty said they were "saddened by the untimely death.
"Tony was such a great character.
"He loved to rib us sheep and beef farmers, at times with some justification, though he was such a good sport given how well we've done as of late.
"I have worked with Tony on Federated Farmers' matters over the past 10 years but we've known each other since being at school together.
"It took a while for us to nab him for the dairy industry role but boy, we were glad we did.
"The last few years he has been a committed dairy chairman and an invaluable member of my executive.
"Since he also sang in our local male choir, you could say he found his policy voice in Feds. Tony could be outspoken at times but that's because he spoke from a position of authority.
He added: "Tony was as much renowned for his love of cheese as he was for his insight into the dairy cooperative system. He was an ardent and lifelong supporter of Fonterra and Westland as dairy cooperatives.
"Sometimes you could sense his frustration on certain issues but he loved the industry he'd committed his entire life to. Sadly a contribution cut short by that cruel disease called cancer.
"Frankly, there's not a gentler, caring or more committed person you could hope for. Nothing was too hard or too tall for him. He offered the younger farmers wisdom, experience and innovation in equal measure.
"We'll miss Tony and offer our deepest sympathies to Sandra and their family."
He said farmers and others may wish to make donations to the Cancer Society.