Conrad Smith: Farming and sport share similar demands
The challenges of high-performance sport and farming are not as dissimilar as they may first appear.
An invited presentation from a New Zealand professor on Biological Farming was well received by the Hindu business community and investors from around the world.
The presentation was made by Professor Guna Magesan, a New Zealander currently in Fiji, at the second World Hindu Economic Conference on August 10-11, 2013 at Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of the conference was "Strengthening Economy, Shaping Future".
Biological farming is a mix of conventional and organic farming practices involving careful crop and soil monitoring to ensure optimum yields, nutritional density and humus production.
More than 500 industrialists, traders, bankers, technocrats, economists, investors, businessmen and academicians from more than 20 countries participated in the conference. The main aim was to share their knowledge, experience and expertise on business opportunities and creation of wealth.
Following his successful presentation on biological farming, Magesan was approached by a number of investors, business people and landowners from Fiji, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Mauritius, and other African countries to set up large scale biological farming in their respective countries.
Vinod Kumar, a business delegate from New Zealand, says he was very impressed with Magesan's outstanding presentation on Biological Farming. "We need to utilise his services and expertise here in New Zealand," he says.
World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) is an initiative to create and synergise positive and mutually beneficial networking opportunities to facilitate the re-emergence of the wealth and economic prowess globally.
While discussing about his presentation, Magesan says he never knew that there was so much interest among the business community about biological farming.
"It is a welcome change. I hope more landowners from the Pacific region would also follow this trend," he says.
Magesan says his aim is to connect the investors and the landowners, who have common interest in biological farming, to come together and progress so that it is a win-win situation for both parties. It will also help the environment and the economy of the country.
He also says such connections might help in building business partnerships and collaborations.
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.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.

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