NSW grazier Peter Spencer is ending his hunger strike on the advice of his doctor, but feels he's made his point against land clearing laws.
Mr Spencer has gone without food since November 23, earning nationwide attention.
But after increasing concern for his health, Mr Spencer said he was coming down from his makeshift perch on a wind tower, and ending his protest hunger strike at his property near Cooma in southeast NSW.
Today was to be his 52nd day without food.
"As much as the nation is concerned about me, my concerns are directed at the families of the hundreds of farmers who have suicided and the politicians who have failed to show any concern," Mr Spencer said in a statement.
The grazier will continue to lobby the federal government to hold a royal commission into land-clearing laws that have prevented him from felling native vegetation on his property.
"I will be relentless in this pursuit."
"My committed stance on the tower was to press the point."
Mr Spencer will stay in hospital until he recovers.
His family was delighted he was back on terra firma and said they were grateful for the support they'd received.
Hundreds of people have rallied in Canberra and at the farmer's property in a show of solidarity in recent weeks.
"We are so proud of the man he is," daughter Sarah Spencer said.
Coalition frontbencher Barnaby Joyce, who has visited Mr Spencer during his protest, said he was relieved he was down.
"The last thing we wanted was any harm to come to Mr Spencer," he told Sky News, adding they could continue the fight against "these crazy environmental laws" on the ground.
"It takes a lot of courage to climb up that pole, but it takes even more courage to come down."
The protest had not been in vain, Senator Joyce said, noting it had brought the issue under public scrutiny.
