SIDE heading to Ashburton

Dairy farmers are being encouraged to attend this year's SIDE event, at Ashburton's Event Centre, to take advantage of a range of practical workshops offering solutions they can apply on-farm.

SIDE chairman Andrew Slater says it aims to support farming businesses to navigate their changing environment, something highlighted by the event's theme 'Evolve'.

"The sector has come a long way and our farmers have to be proud of. But the level of change we are facing now, is unprecedented, so we need to focus on the future and keeping up with the changing climate," says Slater.

"Gone are the days of sitting behind your farm gate and continuing to do what you have always done. So much is changing, so we're all having to evolve, or we risk being left behind."

This year's SIDE will give farmers the opportunity to see and head leading research, technologies and farming systems, to build a successful future and drive sector progression, says Slater.

"We are lucky to have inspirational keynote speakers for the event, including psychiatrist and author Dr Ceri Evans, along with entrepreneur and inventor Logan Williams."

Evans will discuss how to be high performing under pressure, drawing from his work with sports teams including the All Blacks and the use of his red/blue mind model. Williams will be sharing his journey to becoming an internationally acclaimed serial inventor, entrepreneur and scientist, while providing insights around upcoming science and technology.

A range of practical, innovative farmer-focused workshops will offer farmers take-home skills around a variety of topics include cost control, getting calves off to a great start and preparing for a successful winter.

The event also features BrightSIDE, which farm assistants and 2ICs are encouraged to attend. It includes workshops to boost career progression and provides the opportunity to network with hundreds of dairy leaders who attend the SIDE conference.

Farmers are encouraged to register now for the event. For more information and to register, go to side.org.nz

SIDE 2021

• June 22-23

• Ashburton Event Centre

• Register online at side.org.nz

• Event run by farmers, for farmers.

• Three keynote speakers and 16 workshops

• This year's theme is 'Evolve'