Forum celebrates farmer network

Slattery, a Te Aroha dairy farmer, says she joined the DEL forum after being invited to attend a gathering in Wellington a few years ago.

“I really enjoyed it, got a lot from it and increased my network of farmers and also met different stakeholders and speakers and got exposed to different information which is always cool,” she told Dairy News.

This year’s forum has a whole host of speakers with a range of insights, from former All Black Sir Buck Shelford who is set to discuss leadership and getting the most out of teams, to KPMG NZ global head of agribusiness Ian Proudfoot talking about the concept of the ‘conscious consumer’.

“We’ve got information on methane technology, all sorts of science and policy, and a political panel,” Slattery says.

She says there are multiple benefits to attending the forum, including “networking with like-minded farmers, learning more about markets and what’s happening worldwide”.

Slattery says that, with 300 dairy environment leaders throughout New Zealand, the network of farmers aim to influence farmers on-farm and in their community, but they also try to advocate for farmers at a policy level.

“We do that by showcasing leadership on-farm for environmental stewardship, helping make practical solutions from a regulatory side of things and supporting communities and other farmers on the journey,” she says.

She says that in 2023 the network is aiming to grow its group of farmers and the impact it can create in the community.

The DEL forum will take place 22-23 March 2023 in Wellington, with more than 60 leaders expected to attend.