Gunnedah member Tom Fearby said it was "the logical thing" and they had to "move on with the times".

Read also:

Tambar Springs member Xavier Martin said it was a well-attended meeting and members discussed potential issues of merging and found that "the advantages far outweighed any disadvantages".

He said while the large area covered by the merged branch was a challenge, technology would play a key role in keeping members connected.

"I think it's the best way forward. People are time-poor and are not wanting to travel long distances to sit in halls to hear information. They want things dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner," Mr Martin said.

"I think the biggest issue is dealing with the drought and looking forward to recovery from the drought is the big issue in the front of people's minds. I think it's part of the reason it was a well-attended meeting."

In 2019, Mr Fearby and fellow Gunnedah member Malcolm Heath told the NVI that the Gunnedah branch, which was in recession, must merge or would be forced to fold because it has lost half its membership over the years.

They said attendance at meetings had dropped over the years and believed two key contributors were the drought and the loss of farming families in the district because of mining.

Mr Heath said the successful merger ensured "a strong farming organisation for the Gunnedah district".

He is hopeful younger farmers will put up their hands to get involved and said the upcoming conference was a good opportunity for them to become active.

The Gunnedah Tambar Springs branch will meet in the coming months to discuss resolutions and elect delegates for the NSW Farmers conference in July.

Monies from the branches will be consolidated and the remainder of Mr Heath's grandfather's bequest has been gifted to Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.