Tuesday, 16 April 2019 10:43

Farmer forums kick-off

Written by Rural News Group

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DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums start this week with dairy’s future and opportunities heading the agenda.

The forum’s theme is ‘Future perspectives’ – local and global impact.

DairyNZ says speakers will explain developments in New Zealand and overseas, how they may impact local farmers and how farmers can prepare with confidence.

Each year the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums alternate between a national event and regional events; six forums will be held NZ-wide for the next six weeks. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will speak at two of the six forums – Timaru (by video-conference) and Westport. The Timaru event is the first one, on April 17.

Keynote speakers will vary with locality. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones will speak at the Whangarei forum.

Other keynote speakers are Massey University professor of farm and agribusiness management professor Nicola Shadbolt, NZ special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen, DairyNZ principal economist Graeme Doole and NZX Ltd head of analytics Julia Jones.

Other speakers at specific events include:

• Jamie Fitzgerald, adventurer and member of the Institute of Directors will tell stories of bridging the gap between strategy, leadership and teams.

• Robotics Plus Ltd chief executive Dr Matt Glenn will speak about developing robotic and automation solutions for global agriculture and horticulture.

Workshops and science snapshots will show the latest R&D to help farmers improve how they farm.

Topics include finding new traits to improve cow genetic merit for fertility, plantain-based pastures for production and environmental benefits, and ‘tightening up our belch’: how we’ll reduce methane emissions.

The forums will have information tailored for each region.

They are free for levy-paying farmers and their staff.

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