Listen: Why farming leaders have banded together

John Loughlin (left), Bruce Wills, Michael Spaans, James Parsons, Carolyn Mortland and Mike Petersen. In front Federated Farmers president Katie Milne. Photo / Warren Buckland

For the first time in this country, a group of pastoral farming leaders have joined forces and committed to working towards making New Zealand's rivers swimmable for future generations.

The Farming Leaders Group is made up of seven members said to represent 80 per cent of New Zealand's pastoral farmed land. The groups was formed in May this year to work on issues of importance to the sector.

Group member and Chairman of Beef + Lamb NZ, James Parsons spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain more about the Farming Leaders Group and how they intend to change the public perception of farmers being "environmental villains."

Listen to the full interview in the Soundcloud embed below:

Who is in the Farming Leaders Group?

The current membership is Mike Petersen (Sheep & Beef Farmer), Michael Spaans (Dairy Farmer and Dairy NZ Chair), James Parsons (Sheep & Beef Farmer and Beef + Lamb NZ Chair), John Loughlin (Meat Industry Association Chair), Katie Milne (Dairy Farmer and Federated Farmers President), Bruce Wills (Sheep & Beef Farmer and Ravensdown Director), and John Wilson (Dairy Farmer and Fonterra Chair).