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A forum to discuss the direction of dairying will be held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, on May 8 and 9.
The DairyNZ-led Farmers Forum will hear from keynote speakers Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Minister for Climate Change James Shaw.
Other speakers will address politics, economics, sustainable farming, future food and farm practices.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the forum will also discuss how the new strategy ‘Dairy Tomorrow’ will be achieved.
“Understanding our sector’s future from a range of viewpoints is important, because the political, economic and environmental outlooks, and our markets, drive what we do daily on farms.
“The dairy sector is dynamic and challenging, and as we plan for the future through the strategy it’s a great time to discuss and debate all the issues and opportunities.”
DairyNZ expects at least 700 farmers at the event.
O’Connor will discuss the future of dairy farming from the Government’s perspective and priorities for food production; Shaw will discuss the sector’s opportunities for climate change and greenhouse gases.
Farmers can also submit a question to both ministers for a Q&A session on day one (questions can be submitted when registering to attend the forum).
Other speakers will include future-of-food specialist Julian Cribb; economist Cameron Bagrie; future thinking, strategy and innovation leader Roger Dennis; mental health campaigner Mike King and a range of dairy sector leaders.
A panel discussion of dairy company leaders will look at what the ‘Dairy Tomorrow’ strategy will mean for farmers.
Day one of the forum looks at what is driving change in the global markets, the changing political environment, implications for NZ dairying and how the sector can adapt.
On day two, the focus will shift to the farm, looking at new technologies and techniques, plus tips, tools and advice for boosting farm businesses. Farmers can choose from eight workshops.
The forum is free to levy paying dairy farmers and their staff.
Registrations are open and essential prior to the event.
• To view the full programme or register, visit www.dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum.
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