Denis Haselwood, president of the Glen Innes branch of the NSW Farmers’ Association as well as Matheson farmer and Region 2 executive council member Archie Cameron were at the conference held at Sydney Olympic Park

from Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21.

Mr Cameron was one of four

representatives from Region 2, an area which covers Glen Innes,

Tenterfield, Guyra, Armidale and Walcha.

The conference was officially opened by acting NSW Premier Andrew Stoner on Tuesday morning. NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson also gave a moving address on the final day of the conference.

She explained to delegates the importamce of recognition of mental health issues in regional areas.

Ms Hodgkinson also took the opportunity to announce a review into the Livestock Health and Pest authority before holding a number of face to face meetings with key commodity commitees from within the NSW Farmers’ association.

Mr Cameron said he believed they have come away with some positive outcomes following the conference.

“It went very well,” he said.

Mr Cameron said one of the highlights of the conference for him was the Food and Fibre Q and A session on the Wednesday.

He said that two of the main issues discussed at the conference were mining and the Murray

Darling Basin.

“The mining side of things was a big one, the coal seam gas thing is very concerning,” he said.

“The Murray Darling Basin and the developments there is a very major thing.”

Mr Cameron said one of the main issues affecting the Glen Innes area discussed at the conference was plummeting milk prices.

“The duopoly of Coles and Woolworths cutting down milk prices was another big topic,” he said.

Fiona Simson was elected the next NSW Farmers’ Association president at the AGM on the Thursday afternoon.

Mr Cameron said he believes Ms Simson is well equipped to carry out the job.

“She’s been a delegate on the council for many years and I think she’ll do a good job,” he said.