Tuesday, 16 April 2019 10:43

Farmer forums kick-off

Written by 

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums start this week with dairy’s future and opportunities heading the agenda.

The forum’s theme is ‘Future perspectives’ – local and global impact. 

DairyNZ says speakers will explain developments in New Zealand and overseas, how they may impact local farmers and how farmers can prepare with confidence. 

Each year the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums alternate between a national event and regional events; six forums will be held NZ-wide for the next six weeks. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will speak at two of the six forums – Timaru (by video-conference) and Westport. The Timaru event is the first one, on April 17. 

Keynote speakers will vary with locality. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones will speak at the Whangarei forum. 

Other keynote speakers are Massey University professor of farm and agribusiness management professor Nicola Shadbolt, NZ special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen, DairyNZ principal economist Graeme Doole and NZX Ltd head of analytics Julia Jones.

Other speakers at specific events include:

• Jamie Fitzgerald, adventurer and member of the Institute of Directors will tell stories of bridging the gap between strategy, leadership and teams.

• Robotics Plus Ltd chief executive Dr Matt Glenn will speak about developing robotic and automation solutions for global agriculture and horticulture.

Workshops and science snapshots will show the latest R&D to help farmers improve how they farm. 

Topics include finding new traits to improve cow genetic merit for fertility, plantain-based pastures for production and environmental benefits, and ‘tightening up our belch’: how we’ll reduce methane emissions.  

The forums will have information tailored for each region. 

They are free for levy-paying farmers and their staff.

Register at dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum

More like this

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter