Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
This event will provide a great opportunity to connect with our upper South Island regional team who are passionate about supporting dairy farmers to succeed, by providing farm systems solutions and connecting farmers with the right people.
We will be showcasing some of our farmer tools and resources, which have been developed with DairyNZ's research and farm systems expertise, to support success on farm. These include our Facts & Figures book, body condition score and pasture field guides.
There are also a range of interesting events coming up across the region. These regional events are helping to provide greater access to our scientists, experts and our research, with a focus on farm systems application, while continuing to support farmers to connect with other farmers in their local region.
Dairy training the next generation:
We will also have some of the Dairy Training Limited team, a DairyNZ subsidiary, on site to talk about their NextGen programme, which is currently seeking both host farmers and Year 12 and 13 students to join.
This programme is designed to help grow the next generation of skilled dairy farmers. NextGen is a NZQA-accredited programme designed for year 12 and 13 school leavers, providing them with the foundation for a successful career in dairy farming.
It includes hands on pre-employment training, six months of on-farm employment, which includes weekly training days and ongoing pastoral care and support as they start their dairy farming career.
Come and talk about how Dairy Training is helping shape the next generation of skilled dairy farmers and consider if being a host farmer trainer is something suitable for your farming operation, or whether you know students who may be interested in this unique opportunity.
Try to reel in a prize:
Alongside connecting with some of the DairyNZ team, each day brings the opportunity to win.
Come equipped and prepared to test your farm reeling skills, with the fastest adult and child winning a prize each day.
Where to find us:
You can visit the team outside at booth M120, in the middle section of vendors.
Come along to learn more about DairyNZ and what we are doing to support your farm's future. We look forward to seeing you there.
Anna Hall is DairyNZ regional manager
