Federated Farmers confirmed it had elected a new president on Friday, with Andrew Hoggard moving into the organisation's top spot.
Hoggard, previously the vice-president, replaced outgoing president Katie Milne.
The new positions to the national board were confirmed in the organisation's Annual General Meeting.
Hoggard said Milne would be a tough act to follow.
"They’re big gumboots to fill. She brought her own style to the role and made it a priority to increase the level of understanding between urban and rural New Zealand," he said.
"I want to continue that work, and also the advocacy we’ve been doing with central and local government politicians and officials on getting them to recognise that policies and regulations need to achieve a balance between protecting the environment and preserving livelihoods, always keeping practicality and cost-effectiveness in mind."
Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said Hoggard had proved himself to be an energetic and capable representative in his previous roles of spokesperson for climate change, commerce and connectivity.
Wairarapa farmer Karen Williams will be moving into the vice-president position after finishing her term as arable industry group chair.
Her previous position will be filled by South Canterbury's Colin Hurst.
Two new members were elected to the board - Golden Bay provincial president Wayne Langford and Wairarapa provincial president William Beetham. They will take up the positions of dairy industry group chair and meat and wool industry group chair, respectively.
Chris Lewis and Chris Allen were elected to take up the board's 'at-large' positions.
The AGM also saw two members - Miles Anderson and Andrew Maclean - retire from the board.
