DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says the event is to impart to dairy farmers the knowledge, information and tools they need to succeed in the next decade. The speakers will be key leaders, industry advisors, research scientists and agribusiness professionals.
The global and national scene will be tackled on the first day, Mackle says. “Farmers will hear how the landscape is shifting and how to prepare for these events to remain competitive.”
DairyNZ chairman John Luxton will open the forum, followed by Minister for Primary Industries David Carter. Participants will be invited to submit questions to Carter when they register.
Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings will speak on Fonterra responses to challenges and opportunities, ANZ-National Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie on economics affecting dairy farmers, and Jamie Tuuta, Maori trustee and former chair of Parininihi ki Waitotara, on the resurgence of Maori agri-business and opportunities to work together.
On the first day participants can attend two of four workshops:
Andrew Watters, MyFarm, will speak on how outside investors view the industry, and author Martin Hawes will speak on financial planning. Other workshops will cover dairy farm business governance and developing human capability. Mackle will outline DairyNZ’s development of dairying curriculum material for schools, and will report results from surveys of public perception of dairying.
On the second day (theme ‘Your farm, your future’) participants can select from four workshops.
A plenary-session panel of leading farmers will hold forth, and a ‘myth busting’ session will close the event, addressing facts and fallacies and what science is telling us.
Registration is free to levy-paying farmers and their staff. Others pay $175 for both days or $100 for one day.
www.dairynz.co.nz
