New associate director for DairyNZ
After 20 years of milking cows, Northland farmer Greg Collins is ready to step into the governance side of dairy.
A farmers' forum to be held next month will help farmers understand the current financial climate and what they can do to manage through it, says DairyNZ.
The two-day event in Hamilton is expected to attract 700 farmers.
The speakers' line-up will be spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.
DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for sustainability, Rick Pridmore, says the event will give dairy farmers insight into how to adapt their businesses to the times and how the global environment will shape the future of NZ milk production.
"Adapting to the changing environment is more important than ever," Pridmore says. "Farmers are looking hard at where they can improve their businesses."
On day one English will speak on the Government's view of dairying's future, and Spierings will speak about what the dairy industry needs to do well to succeed.
Other keynote speakers include Tim Hunt, Rabobank head of food and agribusiness research and advisory, who will speak about what is happening in global markets and what this means for NZ dairy farmers.
Day two keynote speakers include Zespri International chief operating officer Simon Limmer and grower Ian Greaves, who will outline lessons learnt by the kiwifruit industry after the PSa outbreak.
"The Farmers' Forum is a great opportunity for dairy farmers. It's rare to hear from a line-up of speakers of this calibre at a single event, and it is important to get off-farm and interact with other farmers," says Pridmore.
Farmers can also choose from 11 workshops over two days.
A workshop by Lincoln University's professor of trade and environmental economics, Caroline Saunders, will address what overseas customers want from our milk and what they are willing to pay for it.
A panel discussion of dairy company leaders will look at value add, including Tatua chief executive Paul McGilvary, Open Country Dairy chairman Laurie Margrain, Miraka chief executive Richard Wyeth and Lewis Road Creamery co-founder Peter Cullinane.
Waikato University agribusiness professor Jacqueline Rowarth will host a workshop discussing genetic modification and whether it should be part of the industry's future.
Other workshops include a pasture-first strategy, exploring whether $3/kgMS farm working expenses is doable, staff roster systems, growing better quality and more persistent pastures, breeding better cows and dealing with environmental constraints.
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
Event details
• DairyNZ Farmers' Forum 2016
• May 17-18
• Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton
Speakers include:
• Deputy Prime Minister Hon Bill English
• Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings
• Fonterra chief operating officer velocity, Jacqueline Chow
• Rabobank head of food and agribusiness research and advisory, Tim Hunt
• Lincoln University's trade and environmental economics professor, Caroline Saunders
• Waikato University agribusiness professor, Jacqueline Rowarth
• Entrepreneur Melissa Clark-Reynolds.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.