Federated Farmers Podcast
The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith.
Federated Farmers Podcast
What’s next for Federated Farmers — with Mike Siermans | EP 74
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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Siermans, the new CEO of Federated Farmers, to talk about what’s next for the organisation and for farmers.
Mike shares his journey from growing up around farming in rural South Auckland to a commercial career in the pharmaceuticals industry — including helping launch Viagra in New Zealand — and why he’s now taken on one of the most influential roles in rural New Zealand.
We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing farmers, how Federated Farmers can strengthen its advocacy, and how to modernise a 125-year-old organisation while staying true to its roots.