In the heart of rural Waikato, on 20 hectares in Ōhaupō, Simon Boshier runs 150 head of beef cattle each year. Farming is in his blood – he was brought up on a farm, in what he calls “quintessential rural New Zealand.”
Today, alongside farming, Simon works as a representative for Silver Fern Farms, dealing daily with dairy, beef, and lamb farmers across the country. He’s been in the industry since he was a teenager.
But six years ago, something shifted.
Seeing the Need Up Close
Simon first heard about Meet the Need through his work at Silver Fern Farms, right at its inception. Then he visited a partner foodbank – Sir Michael Jones’ The Village Community Services Trust where he saw the impact first-hand.
“I love rugby, so that’s really what pulled me to visit” Simon says, “but seeing a foodbank in action – it’s a pretty special cause.”
What he saw there stayed with him.
A woman came in with her five children. They were emotional and incredibly grateful, especially for the mince.
“That really hit home,” he recalls. “I thought, this is something I really want to contribute to.”
It’s Not Hard to Give a Beast
Simon is pragmatic about the role farmers can play in supporting Kiwis facing food insecurity. “Farmers are doing well. They’re getting record prices for their beef and milk. It’s not hard to give a beast.”
For him, it’s about perspective, and responsibility. “We’ve got to remember we’re lucky to be born into this rural life.”
Each year, Simon donates one animal. It’s his way of leading by example.
“I feel like I’ve got to lead by example; I always give one a year.”
And he’s quick to point out that farmers don’t even need to donate a whole animal. Meet the Need allows farmers to donate a portion of a beast, making it accessible at any scale.
More Than a Donation
For Simon, donating livestock isn’t complicated. “It’s the least I can do. I’m doing half alright so it feels like the right thing to do.”
But the impact goes well beyond the farm gate; donated livestock is processed into mince and distributed to foodbanks across the country, providing high-quality, nutritious protein to families who might otherwise go without.
“This is not just giving money,” Simon says. “It’s giving quality food that people truly need.”
That’s what makes it meaningful. Farmers aren’t just contributing financially, they’re feeding families with the very product they work hard to produce.
A Message to Other Farmers
Simon doesn’t mince his words: “There’s no better time than now, while prices are so high.”
And if hesitation is the only barrier?
“They’ve got to get the moss out of their wallet.”
His message is simple:
“There’s no better charity for us. I’d encourage all farmers to do it.”
Because for Simon, giving a beast a year isn’t about recognition. It’s about remembering the privilege of rural life — and making sure Kiwi families can put mince on the table.
