No let-up on farming: Buckley

Don't expect a farmer-dominated regional council to suddenly ease up on restrictions on farming, says farming leader-turned-councillor Peter Buckley.

Mr Buckley stepped down as president of Waikato Federated Farmers on Saturday and is tipped to be elected chair at the newly elected Environment Waikato's first meeting tomorrow.

While Mr Buckley would not comment on his prospects for the top job, he said the role of regional councillor and Federated Farmers president was simply too big to do either justice and he would step down to prevent possible conflicts of interest. Matamata dairy farmer Stew Wadey will take the president's role.

Federated Farmers has challenged Environment Waikato's regional plan over fears its provisions could restrict current farming operations and limit intensification plans.