Tough job
OPINION: The Hound reckons school teachers like nothing better than to complain constantly about how tough things are for them and that their generous holidays are all spent ‘marking school work and preparing for next term ahead’.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership programme at Lincoln University has had a makeover with a new structure and fresh content.
"The changes introduced this year include a shortened six-month programme and a second course starting in June," says Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme general manager Anne Hindson.
Twenty-three participants have enrolled under the new structure, which includes three residential components and an industry-based project.
"The previous model was an 11-month programme with one residential module in January and another in November, causing issues for some of the large sectors. A January course is difficult for those in arable and horticulture sectors, particularly if they are hands-on farmers," says Hindson.
Field trips are another new initiative, giving participants the opportunity to visit different producers and businesses in the larger sectors.
"This is linked to syndicate work, where strategy and leadership are explored in the context of visited organisations," Hindson says.
Programme participants are selected to ensure a varied mix in terms of sector, age, gender, and geographical location.
According to Hindson the cross-sector mix encourages greater knowledge of the New Zealand primary industries and builds networks
"As well as people from the dairy, red meat, horticulture and arable industries, there is a large group from the agri-business sector including bankers, consultants and vets working in rural communities," She says.
Hindson says the course provides the tools and knowledge necessary for leadership success in the primary sector. However, she adds, the programme relies on industry support and sponsorship.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
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