Rebecca Reardon to lead NSW Farmers

THE North West region can proudly boast of strong representation on NSW Farmers, with the new president again hailing from the region.

Rebecca Reardon, of Moree, was elected to the position unopposed at the farming body’s annual conference held in Sydney last week.

Ms Reardon took the reins of the organisation from outgoing president Xavier Martin, of Mullaley, following his successful four-year term.

NSW Farmers thanked Mr Martin for his contribution over the past 30 years.

A mixed farmer, Ms Reardon brings extensive experience across agriculture and agribusiness, having held leadership and directorship roles in the ag sector for more than 25 years.

Ms Reardon has been a strong advocate for farmers through her involvement with NSW Farmers and serving as chair of the grains committee, executive councillor, treasurer and more recently as vice-president.

“With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to representing farmers across the state, Rebecca will lead the organisation as it continues advocating for a better lot for farmers as they face increasing challenges,” NSW Farmers said when announcing her appointment.

Addressing members and delegates, Ms Reardon said her commitment was to leave the industry and association in a stronger place than where it is today.

“This isn’t going to happen by us standing still. We’re going to have to get a renewed focus, and we’re going to have to be willing to make changes,” she said.

“Changes that address the way we do advocacy in today’s challenges and the way we actually go about supporting our members.

“All farmers here are being smashed today by increasing prices, by increased regulation, by erosion of our rights to farm.”

Ms Reardon gave a detailed explanation of changes and improvements she thought could be made in the area of advocacy.

She also told the gathering she wanted to see more support for local branches.

“We also need to support our branches better, particularly when it comes to regional battles that they are having,” she said.

“When we have support on those regional battles, it actually helps our statewide advocacy and lends credibility to what we’re trying to do on a statewide level.

“My job at the end of the day is to make sure your voice is not just heard, but you’re actually listened to.

“That governments don’t make decisions without seeking and respecting your input, and that’s what I have to do from this role.

“I have energy to boot for this role. I have a real vision.

“I’ve got some real drive, and I’m really excited to be in this role.”

Among the other appointments to the state’s peak farming body was Justin Everitt’s election to the position of vice-president.

A mixed farmer from Brocklesby, in the Riverina region, he has been a strong leader within the grains industry and has served as chair of NSW Farmers’ Grains Committee since 2021.

Other appointments to NSW Farmers at the conference included newly-elected directors Peter Comensoli (Central Coast), Jessica Ryan (Southern NSW) and Ian McColl (Southern NSW).

This year’s conference brought together more than 350 delegates, including more than 250 members, for discussion and debate about key issues and future-focused policy development.

Big ticket items on the conference agenda included food security, drought support, fuel and fertiliser supply, pest management, water policy, technology and innovation, supply chain resilience, and future-proofing Australian agriculture.

Food security was one of the main headline items, with delegates backing calls for government and industry policies to strengthen the nation’s domestic fuel and fertiliser production capacity.

Restricted supplies of these essential agricultural inputs sent shockwaves to farmers across the state this year in what NSW Farmers said had rivalled some of the state’s worst natural disasters.

The farming body has also called on the extension and expansion of the instant asset write-off beyond June 2026 to support storage investment and the adoption of fuel and fertiliser efficiency technologies.

The state’s political leaders also addressed the gathering, with Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane speaking on the Wednesday of the conference.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe also addressed delegates and members.