A group of South Island farmers say they are about to expand their range after the successful launch of an apparel business based on blending hemp fibre with m
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Jess said he got involved because most farmers had a good year last year, while a lot of people didn’t. He did work with Silver Fern Farms Waikato regional livestock manager Simon Boshier, and said he approached him about getting involved. Silver Fern Farms are a founding partner of the charity, created by YOLOFarmer Wayne Langford and Siobhan O’Malley of Pukeko Pastures. They help the supply chain by processing the livestock and facilitating the delivery of the end-product to foodbanks. Jess said he talked about it with Boshier and they both decided they had to be involved. However, they were surprised by the lack of buy-in from other farmers, and would like to see more in Waikato get involved.
“We read about it in the media,” John, who farms inland from Otaio, said. “We liked what they were hoping to achieve and donated a couple of beasts last year. We’ve got another one or two going next week. We’d like to keep supporting them.” He said dairy farming was going quite well, and they were happy to give back. Each beast was worth about $700. “Farmers don’t talk about these things much, but it’s had quite a lot of support.”
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Meat the Need is supporting foodbanks around the country. Langford said the high level of support from farmers and Silver Fern Farms, were critical to the charity’s success.