Safer Farms is proud to introduce our first three Regional Champions that will be taking the Farm Without Harm message directly into the rural community.

Chloe Butcher-Herries, winner of the 2022 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Award for sheep and beef, George Dodson, 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and Roger Barton, Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer, will be sharing their own safety experiences, practical tips and lessons learned with other farmers. They will also be attending local events and speaking to community groups.

Lindy Nelson, Farm Without Harm ambassador and Safer Farms director, says the appointment of the Regional Champions marks a major milestone for the programme.

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“Farmers trust farmers. We were looking for relatable people with strong rural community connections, who are curious and keen to share their own journeys. Roger, Chloe and George really ticked all the boxes.

“Being a Regional Champion is about sharing stories, showing practical solutions and connecting with rural communities. Roger, Chloe and George will be playing a critical role in helping influence change from the ground up.”

Chloe Butcher-Herries (@chloe.herries.50, @wahine_farmers), a 2026 Zanda McDonald Award finalist, farms in Hawke’s Bay. She says farmers are best-placed to have conversations with each other about how to farm safely.  

“We all have had near misses, spot potential hazards and have all learned from them. None of us are perfect, I’m the first to admit that. I’m passionate about sharing real, practical safety that works on farm and just as keen to learn from other farmers. At the end of the day, I want to say, ‘Happy Days, Job Done’, then go again the following day.’”

George Dodson (@georgefarmsnz, @Georgefarmsnz), manager of a dairy farm in Hororata, Canterbury, is already sharing his ideas on social media. “Farm safety isn’t about rules, it’s about looking after your team, your family and your business. I’m enjoying showing what works on my farm, hearing from other farmers and helping normalise a culture where failing safely is part of everyday farming.”

Roger Barton says being a Safer Farms Regional Champion is about sharing what he’s learned on farm and hearing from others. “As I’ve got older, I am much more aware of the cost of accidents on the business, but also aware of those around you impacted by a poor decision.”

Safer Farms is now building a wider team of Regional Champions across New Zealand. For more information on becoming a Safer Farms Regional Champion, email info@saferfarms.org.nz or visit farmwithoutharm.org.nz/regional-champions

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