Keynote speakers lined up
SIDE 2024 organisers have secured some key speakers for the event. Here are four of the keynote speakers:
Organisers of the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2024 say it was a ‘roaring success’, with over 400 attendees.
SIDE held its 25th event at Lincoln University in Canterbury last month.
Event committee chair of SIDE 2024, Jonathon Hoets says the event is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about fostering innovation and pushing boundaries.
“The dairy industry is constantly evolving and events like this are crucial in helping farmers adapt to change.”
One of the highlights of SIDE 2024 was the participation of BrightSIDE attendees. Abby Rawcliffe, the BrightSIDE coordinator, emphasised that young attendees play a vital role in shaping the future of the dairy sector.
“Empowering our youth to take on roles within the industry is essential for its longevity,” says Rawcliffe.
“BrightSIDE provides a platform for students and young farmers to ignite curiosity and ambition among young individuals in the industry, connect with experienced professionals, and learn some hands-on skills.”
The conference featured a lineup of keynote speakers, including former Australian SAS medic Dan Pronk, Jeremy Hill, Fonterra, farmer Siobhan O’Malley, and economist Cameron Bagrie. Attendees also enjoyed a field trip to Ashley Dene and Lincoln University Research Farms, and informative sessions with workshops and panels covering a wide range of topics.
Owners and lessees of certain Hino Trucks New Zealand diesel vehicles have just 10 days remaining to register or opt out of a proposed $10.9 million class action settlement.
Silver Fern Farms has successfully produced and delivered 90 tonnes of premium chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates via airfreight.
For the first three months of 2026, new tractor deliveries saw an increase over the previous two months, resulting in year-to-date deliveries climbing to 649 units - around 5% ahead of the same period in 2025.
QU Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has issued a warning saying that global fertiliser scarcity caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will lead to lower yields and tightening food supplies into 2027.
Federated Farmers is urging Canterbury's council leaders to move quickly on local government reform.
Having represented New Zealand at the 2024 and 2005 World Ploughing Championships, in Estonia and The Czech Republic respectively, Southland contractor Mark Dillon was at Methven last month for the NZ Ploughing Champs.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.