Open Country opens butter plant
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
"We are very excited about this partnership," says Kevin Bryant, chief executive for AgITO. "It gives us the opportunity to further support and help upskill women who are such an important group in making the daily business management decisions within the dairy industry."
According to Bryant, AgITO has a number of qualification options suitable for dairy women who are looking to further develop their careers or gain skills and knowledge in specific key areas from improving milk quality to business management and planning.
"The alliance is one that has been in the making for many years," says Bryant. "At least 70% of our staff are women, some of whom are already members of the Network, we have developed a strong connection."
Headed in the direction of using technology as part of its offerings, AgITO sees the partnership with Dairy Womens Network as a way to move into action mode with this new training method. "Our training already offers the flexibility for people to study while they work and we're looking forward to expanding that flexibility in the future through use of technology. We know women juggle multiple roles so this should be of particular benefit to the Networks members."
Dairy Women's Network chief executive, Sarah Speight says of the partnership, "AgITO is an excellent strategic partner for Dairy Women's Network. Both of our organisations are focused on professional development in the agricultural industry, so it's a great fit."
According to Speight, Dairy Womens Network plans to work with the training organisation to develop a number of innovative ways to deliver training to dairying women on the farm.
The Dairy Women's Network was established in 1998. The Network's purpose is to expand the potential of dairy women in a changing environment by providing inspiration, learning and connection. Dairy Women's Network already provides educational opportunities to its members through Dairy Days workshops, regional groups, conferences and other events.
"This new partnership with AgITO means our members will get exposure to further opportunities to expand their knowledge of how to build successful dairying businesses," says Speight.
