Farmer conference shows strength of grassroots advocacy

Rebecca Reardon and Justin Everitt were elected unopposed as president and vice president of NSW Farmers, with outgoing president Xavier Martin

04th Aug 2026

Fresh from being awarded Life Membership of NSW Farmers, former president and Guyra grazier James Jackson says this year’s Annual Conference demonstrated the continuing strength of grassroots advocacy, with local branches playing an important role in shaping state agricultural policy.
Speaking after the conference, Mr Jackson said delegates from across New South Wales debated a wide range of issues affecting regional communities, from renewable energy and drought policy to biosecurity and feral animal management.
The Guyra Branch successfully secured support for motions calling on NSW Farmers to examine the potential trade implications of mRNA vaccines, improve biosecurity by introducing wash-down requirements for fire brigade vehicles, and advocate for rainfall deficits to be used as a key factor in drought declarations.
One of the conference’s most significant outcomes for the New England came through the Armidale Branch, where Deputy Chair Tony Menkins successfully presented a motion calling for NSW Farmers to adopt a policy supporting a three-gigawatt cap on large-scale renewable energy development within the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
Mr Jackson said the proposal reflected a balanced approach to renewable energy development.
“The thinking behind the policy is straightforward,” he said. “Around three gigawatts of generation can largely be accommodated by the existing transmission network, avoiding the need for extensive new transmission infrastructure across productive farming country.”
“The policy recognises the need for renewable energy while also protecting agricultural land and rural communities.”
Not every proposal was successful. A Guyra Branch motion seeking to deregulate access to 1080 baits for landscape-scale feral animal control was defeated.
Mr Jackson said many livestock producers remained frustrated that existing accreditation requirements limited participation in coordinated baiting programs, reducing the effectiveness of efforts to control wild dogs and other feral pests.
Reflecting on receiving Life Membership of NSW Farmers, Mr Jackson said the honour was unexpected and belonged as much to the many volunteers he had worked alongside over the years as it did to him personally.
“I was humbled and honoured to receive Life Membership of NSW Farmers,” he said.
“It was an unexpected recognition, and one I share with the many dedicated people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Like most achievements in farming organisations, it reflects the efforts of many volunteers who are prepared to give up their time to improve outcomes for agriculture.”
Mr Jackson said the conference reinforced the importance of local branch involvement in policy development.
“Whether or not every motion succeeds, New England farmers are making their voices heard, and that’s exactly how a member-driven organisation should work.”

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Farmer conference shows strength of grassroots advocacy

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