rivettingKateTaylor

A very good chap just been given life membership of Federated Farmers for his response to the drought in Hawke’s Bay and for more than 30 years service.

Kevin Mitchell has become a friend since I first met him, Rae and others when I became part of the Glengarry Road/wider Te Pohue community 20 years ago. He was even my boss for a while when I was regional coordinator for HB Feds (then worked for his brother Dennis for TB Free!)

Congratulations Kev.

Here’s the press release.  I was going to add a cool photo I took of him during the drought before the most recent one…. but my burglars have it. That’s another story.

Drought “response hero” gets life membership

A long-standing Federated Farmers member has been granted life membership of Federated Farmers. Former Hawke’s Bay provincial president, Kevin Mitchell, was bestowed the honour after more than 30 years of outstanding service to the Federation.

 “It is the least our organisation can do,” said Will Foley the current Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay provincial president.

 ”Kevin was my first introduction to Federated Farmers and has been an inspiration.  He has always strived to uphold the Federation’s drive to achieve profitable and sustainable farming.

 “Kevin has worked tirelessly, giving up much of his time for the cause of his provincial members ensuring their voice is heard at a local level. 

 “Luckily for myself as current president, I still have the services of Kevin on my executive and so we all as members continue to benefit from his involvement.

 “Kevin showed great diligence and tenacity in assisting with the recent drought, on the Hawke’s Bay Drought Committee.

 “Hawke’s Bay was hit just as hard as anywhere else and all Hawke’s Bay farmers were offered the opportunity to purchase feed with reduced shipping and handling costs. Kevin was involved alongside Rural Support Trust-East Coast in making that happen, Mr Foley said.  

 Federated Farmers’ National President, Bruce Wills, a former Hawke’s Bay provincial president, also spoke warmly of Mr Mitchell.

 “Kevin is a great guy and has done so much for farmers in the Hawke’s Bay region. This is a special award for a very special person,” he added.