Contract advice
It is coming up to that time of the year when grape pricing contracts are being considered.
DAIRY WOMEN'S Network is launching a new Dairy Module next month to help milkers, sharemilkers and owners negotiate a fair contract.
The DairyNZ funded module is titled 'Eyes wide open – negotiating a fair contract'.
Dairy Women's Network has contracted Lee Astridge from No.8 HR to lead their sessions and Federated Farmers has contracted Tony Wilding and Ciarán Tully.
These 10 sessions will be held in Stratford, Cambridge, Ashburton and Winton (Federated Farmers) and Dannevirke, Gore, Ngatea, Greymouth, Rotorua and Oamaru (Dairy Women's Network).
"It is expected there will be keen interest in these sessions where the new Herd Owning Sharemilking Agreement and Variable Order Sharemilking Agreement (Federated Farmers) and other contractual and budgeting issues will be addressed," said DWN chief executive Zelda De Villiers.
The second Dairy Women's Network module covers goal-setting and is being run by jointly by DWN and DairyNZ
"DairyNZ staff will train two DWN volunteer regional convenors to deliver the training to their peers, in keeping with the network's goal of empowering and developing the talents of its members," saysDe Villiers.
"The sessions are developed with the members' knowledge of on-farm training needs to ensure the training is practical, farm-focused and delivered in a way in which our members prefer to learn."
Dairy Modules in development for 2015 include technology on-farm (smart phones), rostering on-farm and animal welfare. The modules replace the organisation's previous professional development programmes called Dairy Days and Financial Days – nationwide roadshows which ran annually since 2005.
"The new Dairy Modules programme is more flexible. The sessions are offered in two two-hour blocks. Women can opt to come to the first session only, or the first and second sessions," saysDe Villiers.
The topics for the sessions are discussed and decided annually at the Dairy Women's Network's regional convenors' meeting in April each year, when relevant professional and personal development topics are identified and prioritised.
"The development and delivery of the Dairy Modules is very collaborative, and uses feedback from network members, network volunteers and experts in the subject areas we're covering.
"It's a more inclusive way of developing and delivering the training."
For dates and times visit: www.dwn.co.nz/events/dairy-module
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
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.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.