New scholarship to grow female leaders in dairy
A new $50,000 scholarship fund designed to support and empower women in the New Zealand dairy industry through leadership development has been launched.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is partnering with two agribusinesses to deliver better management tools for its members.
DWN says AgriSmart’s integrated approach to efficient farming and its commitment to the rural sector make it an ideal partner in supporting its members with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their farm businesses.
Since its inception, AgriSmart says it has been known for its simple and reliable payroll and time-recording solutions tailored to New Zealand farmers. The company’s award-winning software also delivers accurate annual leave entitlements for employees on variable roster patterns.
Building on these achievements, AgriSmart says it now offers a comprehensive workforce management solution, including employee onboarding & contracts, scheduling & tasks, and health & safety management.
“AgriSmart is proud to partner with DWN – our roots are in farming, most of our customers are farmers and we’ll always be committed to serving such a vital sector. We look forward to working with – and learning from the farm CFO’s – the dairy women who are the administrators and decision makers within rural businesses,” said Imran Raza, AgriSmart’s chief executive and founder.
DWN chief executive Jules Benton says their partnership with AgriSmart represents an exciting opportunity for members to access cutting- edge agricultural technology.
“Not only are we aiming to enhance our members’ farm operations but also helping them save time, reduce stress in their daily operations, and make a meaningful impact on their farm businesses,” she says.
The partnership will kick off with an exclusive offer for all DWN members, followed by a series of webinars that explores AgriSmarts’ technology and sees them in practice. Additionally, the partnership will bring new opportunities for farm administrators and business decision-makers to engage with AgriSmart at regional DWN events and workshops.
This partnership between DWN and Finance House Group aims to ensure rural families and businesses have access to expert insurance solutions that protect their livelihoods, shared through webinars and workshops.
Their first webinar, held last week, focused on everything farmers need to know about ACC, its products, limitations, and benefits.
As a family-owned and operated business, Finance House Group says it prides itself on its commitment to its clients.
The company says that with deep roots in the farming community, it provides first-hand insight into the specific needs and risks associated with rural life.
“We are excited to partner with DWN,” said Greg Banicevich, director of finance House Group.
“At Finance House Group, we understand the unique challenges faced by those in the rural sector. By partnering with DWN, we can continue to aid rural families and businesses in protecting what they have worked their entire lives to build, and ensure they are looked after when they most need it.”
Benton notes that Finance House Group’s dedication to the rural sector and their extensive experience in insurance make them an ideal partner.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according…
Seen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads?