Federated Farmers has elected a woman as its president for the first time in its 118-year history.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne succeeds William Rolleston, who has stepped down after his three-year tenure.

Ms Milne has previously been on the board of the farmers' lobby group and president of its West Coast arm, and was Dairy Woman of the Year and Rural Woman of Influence in 2015.

The Manawatu dairy farmer Andrew Hoggard has been elected vice president.