DairyNZ Farmers Forum returns with events in Waikato, Canterbury & Southland
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
Registrations for South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2024 are now open.
The highly anticipated SIDE is back for its 25th year, bringing together farmers from across the South Island for a two-day conference filled with valuable workshops and expert speakers. This year’s event will take place at Lincoln University, Canterbury from June 24th to June 26th, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insight into cutting-edge research and network with like-minded individuals.
“This is an event like no other,” said Jonny Hoets, event chair of SIDE 2024.
“It’s not just about learning new strategies or techniques; it’s about embracing change and excelling through challenges.”
The programme includes a lineup of workshop topics that address key issues facing South Island dairy farmers today. With keynote speakers including ex Australian SAS medic Dan Pronk, Fonterra’s chief science & technology officer Jeremy Hill, and Hemprino and Meat the Need founder Siobhan O’Malley on board, attendees can expect to be inspired by industry leaders who are paving the way for success in their industries.
“We believe that empowering dairy farmers is crucial to creating positive opportunities for growth,” said Hoets.
“By attending SIDE 2024, participants will have the chance to learn how to improve their businesses while adapting to changing consumer demands and regulatory requirements.”
In addition to informative workshops and expert presentations, attendees can opt in to visiting Lincoln University’s research farms on Monday, June 24th. This field trip will provide a firsthand look at the latest research programs being conducted at Ashley Dean and Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm (LUDF), offering valuable insights into innovative practices that could benefit their own operations.
BrightSIDE is also back and this ear participants will kick off their day by joining the main SIDE event at Lincoln University in the morning before heading to Ashley Dene, one of Lincoln University’s research farms. Here they will rotate through various workshops focusing on different aspects of farming, such as hoof trimming, pasture management, and calving and production.
For more information or to register for SIDE 2024 visit https://www.side.org.nz/Event-Details
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.
OPINION: Last week, Greenpeace lit up Fonterra's Auckland headquarters with 'messages from the common people' - that the sector is…
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard…