Irrigation, Trading Among Farmers and the push to unite the red meat industry are some of the pressing rural issues to be discussed and debated at Federated Farmers national conference which begins in Ashburton on Wednesday.
About 300 farmers are expected to attend the three day conference.
As well as issues of national interest, the federation's industry groups will also meet and elections, or in this year's case, one election will be held.
Constitutionally the leaders of all industry groups - from dairy, to bees, to grain and seed can be challenged for their seat at the national conference.
But this year, the only position being contested is the chair of the meat and fibre group - currently held by Rakaia farmer Jeanette Maxwell.
She's been challenged by Lyn Neeson from Taumarunui.
