Dairy Events Calendar

Come along for a casual coffee catch up at Farmsource Culverden. A great opportunity to connect after Christmas and the New Year and to hear about upcoming events and workshops.

Event Timing: Start 10am | Finish 12 noon

RSVP by: 18th January 2025

Join us for a BBQ and beer while exploring the future of dairy farming with Afimilk. You'll see AfiCollar cow monitoring technology in action and learn how it's helping local farmer Colin Van Der Geest of Logburn farm work smarter and enhance his farm’s performance. Learn how real-time insights and data-driven decision-making can optimise your farm this year. Register using the link below

We welcome all our Rural Professionals in the region to this update. It's a great opportunity to connect with other rural professionals working with dairy farmers across the region and we will have excellent speakers and topics for this event.

The agenda is still being finalised and will be updated and posted here in the New Year. Meanwhile, we encourage you to REGISTER and SAVE THE DATE!

The event will start with arrival, afternoon tea/coffee and registration @ 2pm. The formal update will start at 2:30pm SHARP!

We warmly invite all Rural Professionals in Taranaki to join the DairyNZ Regional team in New Plymouth from 9am to 12 noon.

Hear from DairyNZ Chief Executive Campbell Parker and local Rural Professionals about what's happening in the dairy industry.

More details to come, we hope to see you there.

We warmly invite all rural professionals in the Taranaki region to join us for an event on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Hear from DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker, as well as other key rural professionals, where we will discuss relevant topics for the season and our region.

Speakers include:

• Lisa Hawkins - Taranaki Regional Council
• Kate Good - Beef & Lamb
• Paul Duynhoven - Plus More Advisory & Accounting
• Mags Bremer & Diego Gomez - Dairy Trust Taranaki

This event will begin at 9:00 am with tea and coffee, providing an opportunity to network. The meeting will start at 9:30 am.

Please SAVE THE DATE and RSVP for catering purposes by filling out the registration form.

Morning tea/light brunch provided.

The Government is consulting on a major reform of New Zealand gene technology law. Submissions are due by 12pm, 17 February 2025. 

Join DairyNZ in a webinar to explore what this means for dairy farmers and how you can participate in this important government process. Register now

For more information and to share your feedback on this important topic, visit Gene technologies - DairyNZ | DairyNZ . 

We welcome all our Rural Professionals in the region to this update. It's a great opportunity to connect with other rural professionals working with dairy farmers across the region and we will have excellent speakers and topics for this event.

The agenda is still being finalised and will be updated and posted here in the New Year. Meanwhile, we encourage you to REGISTER and SAVE THE DATE!

The event will start with arrival, afternoon tea/coffee and registration @ 2pm. The formal update will start at 2:30pm SHARP!

Join Claire Bekhuis (Head of Regional Teams) and Brigitte Meier (Regional Manager – Upper North Island) as they discuss DairyNZ’s refreshed strategy and how it is being brought to life on the ground. This is a unique opportunity for Northland rural professionals to engage directly with DairyNZ leadership and gain insights into the organisation’s future direction.

The session will also offer a chance to strengthen connections with peers and DairyNZ teams beyond the local field staff. Following the event, all are welcome to join us for an informal gathering and a refreshing beverage to continue the conversation.

Don’t miss this engaging session tailored for Northland’s rural professional network.

Get ready for an action-packed day as contestants from the NZYF Northern Region compete for a spot in the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the excitement!

The Government is consulting on a major reform of New Zealand gene technology law. Submissions are due by 12pm, 17 February 2025. 

Join DairyNZ in a webinar to explore what this means for dairy farmers and how you can participate in this important government process. Register now 

For more information and to share your feedback on this important topic, visit Gene technologies - DairyNZ | DairyNZ . 

Join us on farm with Waikato farmers Ian and Pamela Storey, who have been using Cowmanager and pasture.io to help manage their farm efficiently. Ian will share his knowledge of these two programs and how to use them to help make better decision on your farms.

Charlotte Reed will explore the research DairyNZ is undertaking on farm technology and look at the bigger picture implications of technology use.

Krispin Kannan (BVSc, MBA – Large Animal Veterinarian at VetEnt) will put together a deep dive into the data available at the Storey’s farm, which will be presented by Jared Bekhuis, National Manager Senztag.

Find out more about:

• How Ian and Pamela are using a range of technologies for farm management and decision making, from a simple spreadsheet to wearable technology.
• How to sort through the large amount of data available through technology to make informed decisions.
• How technology can help you if you want or need to spend less time on heat detection, managing transition cows, or pasture management.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Ashburton on 7 Feb, 21 Feb, 7 March and 21 March.

Find out more and enrol. 

Get ready for a day filled with action, as competitors from the NZYF Taranaki Manawatu Region vie for a coveted spot in the Season 57 Grand Final.

Join us for the NZ Dairy Expo, the premier event for New Zealand dairy farmers, taking place on the 11th and 12th of February 2025 in Matamata. Featuring over 100 businesses from across the dairy industry, this event showcases the latest innovations in technology, equipment, and services tailored to dairy farming only.

With a focus on hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and networking, the NZ Dairy Expo is your opportunity to discover new solutions that can boost farm efficiency and profitability. Farmers from across the country attend to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge products, and gain insights into the future of dairy farming.

Make sure to set aside at least three hours to fully experience the event, based on feedback from last year’s attendees. Whether you’re looking for machinery, automation, effluent management solutions, or the latest in herd health, the NZ Dairy Expo has something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there!

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Gore on 11 Feb, 25 Feb, 11 March and 25 March. 

Find out more and enrol.

Build your understanding around current environmental issues farmers are facing, and how to make positive progress towards sustainability without sacrificing profitability and maintaining business resilience.

Host farmers Ross and Karla Shaw will share their insights on how they are achieving high profitability while facing and overcoming the constant evolving challenges on their farm.

Join DairyNZ Senior Project Manager Kate Fransen and local farmers as we discuss how farm systems are constantly evolving and becoming more complex. New challenges and opportunities are appearing at an increasing rate, including compliance, climate change and GHG mitigation. However, while these changes are being made, what other practices can be put in place to ensure your business remains profitable?

Local Agri business Advisors and Accountants BFA will share their insights, what they are seeing on farm and how this translates to profitable outcomes.   

Farm owners and decision makers that are looking to build their knowledge around improving their environmental footprint, are encouraged to attend this event.

Lunch is kindly provided by BFA. 

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Tokoroa on 11 Feb, 25 Feb, 11 March and 25 March. 

Find out more and enrol.

Understanding how healthy waterways, including management of sediment loss and bacteria contamination impacts both sustainability and profitability is an important part of setting your farm business up to be future fit.

Sediment is the primary contributor to poor water quality in Northland, particularly the Kaipara catchment. Learn what farm system changes you could make to improve water quality results and support your farm to be future fit.

Host farmers Evan and Sherleen Smeath have been farming a corner of the Hikurangi swamp for almost 50 years and will share insights on what farm practices they have in place to maintain a low footprint and improve water quality while maintaining profitable.

DairyNZ Principal Scientist Craig Depree will share insights on ways to improve freshwater quality, riparian planting options and what the council regulations mean for farmers.

All farmers, particularly decision makers wanting to gain more knowledge on how they can improve their environmental footprint whilst maintaining a profitable farm system are encouraged to attend this event.

Find out more about:

• How Evan and Sherleen’s previous BFEA experience and knowledge helps them improve their farming practices
• Regulatory targets, are they achievable and realistic in pastoral catchments?
• Benefits and co-benefits of Riparian planting waterways

Lunch is kindly provided by Rabobank.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience.
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias.
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 12 Feb, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 26 Feb, 12 March, 26 March, 9 April.

Find out more and enrol.

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Darfield on 12 Feb, 26 Feb, 12 March and 26 March.

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 12 Feb, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 19 Feb, 5 March, 19 March and 2 April.

Find out more and enrol.

Build your understanding around current environmental issues farmers are facing, and how to make positive progress towards sustainability without sacrificing profitability and maintaining business resilience.

Host farmers, Fraser and Katherine McGougan will share insights on how they use a farm systems lens and financial perspective to maintain a low environmental footprint while remaining a profitable farm business.  

Join DairyNZ Principal Scientist Claire Phyn and local farmers as we discuss how farm systems are constantly evolving and becoming more complex. New challenges and opportunities are appearing at an increasing rate, including compliance, climate change and GHG mitigation. However, while these changes are being made, what other practices can be put in place to ensure your business remains profitable?

Farm owners and decision makers looking to build their knowledge around improving their environmental footprint, are encouraged to attend this event.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

This lunch event is to give thanks to the many wonderful Taranaki Rural Professionals and to engage for continuing their support of Taranaki Rural Support Trust. 

Guest Speaker is Hawkes Bay RST Coordinator, Jonathan Bell talking about his experiences in Cyclone Gabriel, to get us thinking of when an event occurs what is our role and how can we collectively support our clients as they respond and recover.  

Please register at this link, if you haven't already.

https://bit.ly/RPeventFeb12

Understanding how healthy waterways, including management of sediment loss and bacteria contamination impacts both sustainability and profitability is an important part of setting your farm business up to be future fit. 

Sediment is the primary contributor to poor water quality in Northland, including the Waipu and Ruakaka river catchments. Learn what farm system changes you could make to improve water quality results and support your farm to be future fit.

Hear from host farmers Bruce and Julie Paton as they discuss how they’ve been improving the farms environmental footprint for many years, including riparian and other native plantings. More recently, they’ve been working closely with the Piroa Conservation trust to further improve their environmental footprint.
 
DairyNZ Principal Scientist Craig Depree will share insights on ways to improve freshwater quality, riparian planting options and what the council regulations mean for farmers. 

All farmers, particularly decision makers wanting to gain more knowledge on how they can improve their environmental footprint whilst maintaining a profitable farm system are encouraged to attend this event.

Find out more about: 

• Piroa Conservation Trusts work covering the Waipu and Ruakaka river catchment and how that effects Northland farmers
• Regulatory targets, are they achievable and realistic in pastoral catchments? 
• Benefits and co-benefits of Riparian planting waterways 

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience.
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias.
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 13 Feb, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 27 Feb, 13 March, 27 March and 9 April. 

Find out more and enrol.

Build your understanding around current environmental issues farmers are facing, and how to make positive progress towards sustainability without sacrificing profitability and maintaining business resilience.

Host farmers Richard and Amy Fowler will share their insights on how they achieve high operating costs while maintaining a positive impact on the environment. We’ll also hear how they manage farming within the lake Rotorua catchment and what limits and challenges that brings to their business.

Join DairyNZ Senior Project Manager Kate Fransen and local farmers as we discuss how farm systems are constantly evolving and becoming more complex. New challenges and opportunities are appearing at an increasing rate, including compliance, climate change and GHG mitigation. However, while these changes are being made, what other practices can be put in place to ensure your business remains profitable?

Farm owners and decision makers looking to build their knowledge around improving their environmental footprint, are encouraged to attend this event.

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 14 Feb, 28 Feb, 14 March and 28 March. 

Find out more and enrol.

It's going to be an action-packed weekend as contestants from across the NZYF Waikato Bay of Plenty Region battle it out for a place at the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome!

Save the date - more information coming soon.

Keynote Speakers:

• Brad Olsen - Economist
• Andy MacFarlane - Fonterra director and farmer
• Paul Edwards - Senior Scientist DairyNZ

All are welcome, and lunch is provided.

Please keep an eye on the Northland Dairy Development Trust website for more information. 

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 18 Feb, 4 March, 18 March and 1 April.

Find out more and enrol.

Throughout a season on a New Zealand dairy farm, up to 57% of the time is spent milking.

Milking frequency and efficiency can be an effective on farm practice to improve people productivity. Understand how changes within your milking system can benefit your cows, staff and production while maintaining a profitable dairy business.

The West Coast has led the way in adapting flexible milking across the season. Whether it is Twice a Day (TAD) with a variation post-Christmas, right through to Once a Day (OAD) milking all season. Discover how the use of various milking frequencies may be applicable to your farming system.

Hear from DairyNZ's Farm Systems Specialist Mark Speight on recent research into the implications of variable milking frequencies and how they relate to physical and financial results for your enterprise.

Find out more about:

• Different milking opportunities such as OAD, TAD or flexible milking
• MaxT - a strategy to milk cows at a predetermined time based on milk volume. This results in less time in the dairy for staff and cows without affecting milk production or udder health
• How using technologies like automatic teat sprayers, adjusting pulsation ratio, training staff on milking routines and cupping techniques can benefit your farm practices
• DairyNZ tools that can assist on this topic, including the MilkSmart app and the Milking Time Planner

Lunch is kindly provided by RST.

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Stratford on 19 Feb, 5 March, 19 March and 2 April.

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 19 Feb, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 26 Feb, 12 March, 26 March and 9 April.

Find out more and enrol.

Grow your knowledge and management of pasture, crops, and supplements for a sustainable future farm system on the Coast.

DairyNZ farm systems specialist Mark Speight and Top of the South Island Area Manager Dayne Paton will discuss how to best use home grown pasture and crop for profitability and future proofing your farm system.

Find out more about:

• How DairyNZ’s Pasture Potential Tool can help you better understand the relationship between pasture harvested and profit and identify gaps for improvement through the results shown.
• The use of supplements and the role they play in pasture-based systems

Lunch is kindly provided by RST.

We’re excited to collaborate with Fonterra to deliver this event, as part of our February and March event series, supporting you to achieve good reproductive performance and genetic improvement for farm business success.

Understanding how breeding decisions have a direct impact on productivity gains made on your farm through genetics is an important part of setting your farm up for success.

Join DairyNZ, other experts, and host farmers at an event near you next year to gain practical tips, insights, and research that you can implement on your farm.

What we will cover:

• How reproductive performance impacts genetic gain and on farm productivity
• The future of genetic gain, including updates to the NZ Animal Evaluation system
• Actions you can take to enhance your breeding program
• An opportunity to ask questions of our experts and host farmers
• DairyNZ key tools and resources that can assist on this topic, including bull search, InCalf resources and animal and herd averages
• • Fonterra resources that can assist on this topic including the efficiency hub, and on-farm efficiency service.

Registrations essential. Look out for a link to register in the new year, along with details for opportunities available in your region.

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Picasso or prefer drawing in stickmen, grab your friends and join us for an evening of creativity whilst sipping on a tipple!
Canvas, materials and snacks are all included in the price of your ticket. BYO drinks.
Registration is essential and payment will be taken when signing up. Tickets are $25 per person.
No painting skills necessary, just have fun!

Event timing: Doors open: 6.30pm | Start: 7.00pm | Finish: 9.30pm

RSVP by: 20th February 2025

A Field Day in collaboration with Te Uru Rākau at the Barr’s family Farm. This is your chance to get answers to all your questions about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and dive into sector-specific discussions on greenhouse gas (GHG) management plans. 

Whether you’re looking to better understand compliance, improve environmental outcomes, or connect with industry experts, this event is for you.

Lunch will be provided. 

A Field Day in collaboration with Te Uru Rākau at Osbourne’s Farm. This is your chance to get answers to all your questions about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and dive into sector-specific discussions on greenhouse gas (GHG) management plans. 

Whether you’re looking to better understand compliance, improve environmental outcomes, or connect with industry experts, this event is for you.

Lunch will be provided. 

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets.
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes three in-person classes on 26 Feb, 11 March and 25 March. 

Find out more and enrol.

TBC

Placeholder - event details to come.

TBC

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes three in-person classes on 6 March, 20 March and 3 April.

Find out more and enrol.

It's going to be an action-packed day as contestants from across the NZYF East Coast Region battle it out for a place at the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the action!

Next Level, is AWDT’s six-month leadership and governance programme for women.

Designed to empower and inspire, Next Level will help you find and foster your strengths, gain clarity on your direction and break through the barriers that hold you back.

You’ll be supported by professional coaches and facilitators who understand rural life and live in your world. Connect and learn alongside other aspiring female leaders from New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and rural communities, gaining the tools and connections to influence and lead into the future.

Next Level is delivered through an innovative mix of face-to-face group modules, online individual learning, individual executive coaching and online facilitated group sessions.

Join us at one of the People Expo symposiums for the opportunity to hear from thought leaders on what’s needed to help tackle the big issues in empowering people for a productive workplace. You’ll gain insights from experts, have the opportunity to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

When:

9.30am - registration

10.00am - start

2.15pm - finish

Where: The Brydone Hotel, 115 Thames Street, Oamaru

It’s free to attend, but registration is essential by the close date below. Lunch is provided.

Registrations close on Wednesday 5 March

Delivered in partnership by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network.

About the speakers

Shamubeel Eaqub - leading economist

Shamubeel will speak to global, national, and regional economic and workforce trends and outline why farm businesses must act differently to stay successful and attract and keep people. How do we continue to drive the productivity and efficiency which New Zealand’s dairy story has been built on?

Jeremy Duckmanton – 50/50 sharemilker

Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer Jeremy Duckmanton will share his farming journey and approach to achieving productivity gains through different technologies and data. Hear more about how Jeremy has supported his farm team in adopting new technologies to set the farm business up for success.

Kim and Will Grayling – Singletree Dairies Limited

As equity partners in one of Canterbury’s largest dairy farming businesses, Kim and Will Grayling (Singletree Dairies Limited) share their experience creating a productive farm business through leadership. Hear more about Kim and Will’s approach to leadership, creating opportunities for growth that benefits both their farm team, as well as the future of the farm business.

James Allen – AgFirst director

James will talk to the dairy productivity story, including trends in New Zealand and worldwide, and the implications of these for farmers. Hear about the future role of Agri-tech and AI in farming, and what this could mean for what the farmer of the future will look like. What changes in skills and capabilities of the broader farm team will be required, and how do we set up for success?

Who should attend?

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome.

The people who will benefit most are:

• Business owners (including those who may not be involved in the day to day running of the farm)

• Employers of farm staff

• Managers keen to further their leadership skills to lead their team(s)

• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers

How is the day structured?

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. The programme beings at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

Join us at the People Expo to gain insights from experts, connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

You’ll hear from leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub about why the workforce challenge is so critical for farmers and the sector, AgFirst director Jame Allen about how we can build on New Zealand’s dairy productivity story, and how we set up for future success. Farmers Kim and Will Grayling and Jeremy Duckmanton will share their unique stories and experience around growing productivity on their farms.

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome at this event. People who will benefit most include:

• business owners
• employers of farm staff
• managers keen to further their leadership skills
• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers
• Employees who consider themselves future leaders

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

This event is free to attend, and lunch is provided.

Registration is preferred to assist with venue set up and for catering purposes. Register now.

Find the full event agenda and more about this event series.

Delivered in partnership with: DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 11 March, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 18 March, 1 April, 15 April and 29 April. 

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 12 March, 26 March, 9 April and 23 April. 

Find out more and enrol.

Join us at one of the People Expo symposiums for the opportunity to hear from thought leaders on what’s needed to help tackle the big issues in empowering people for a productive workplace. You’ll gain insights from experts, have the opportunity to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

When:

9.30am - registration

10.00am - start

2.15pm - finish

Where: Hotel Ashburton, 11 Racecourse Road, Allenton, Ashburton

It’s free to attend, but registration is essential by the close date below. Lunch is provided.

Registrations close on Thursday 6 March

Delivered in partnership by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network.

About the speakers

Shamubeel Eaqub - leading economist

Shamubeel will speak to global, national, and regional economic and workforce trends and outline why farm businesses must act differently to stay successful and attract and keep people. How do we continue to drive the productivity and efficiency which New Zealand’s dairy story has been built on?

Jeremy Duckmanton – 50/50 sharemilker

Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer Jeremy Duckmanton will share his farming journey and approach to achieving productivity gains through different technologies and data. Hear more about how Jeremy has supported his farm team in adopting new technologies to set the farm business up for success.

Kim and Will Grayling – Singletree Dairies Limited

As equity partners in one of Canterbury’s largest dairy farming businesses, Kim and Will Grayling (Singletree Dairies Limited) share their experience creating a productive farm business through leadership. Hear more about Kim and Will’s approach to leadership, creating opportunities for growth that benefits both their farm team, as well as the future of the farm business.

James Allen – AgFirst director

James will talk to the dairy productivity story, including trends in New Zealand and worldwide, and the implications of these for farmers. Hear about the future role of Agri-tech and AI in farming, and what this could mean for what the farmer of the future will look like. What changes in skills and capabilities of the broader farm team will be required, and how do we set up for success?

Who should attend?

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome.

The people who will benefit most are:

• Business owners (including those who may not be involved in the day to day running of the farm)

• Employers of farm staff

• Managers keen to further their leadership skills to lead their team(s)

• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers

How is the day structured?

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. The programme beings at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

Join us at the People Expo to gain insights from experts, connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

You’ll hear from leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub about why the workforce challenge is so critical for farmers and the sector, AgFirst director Jame Allen about how we can build on New Zealand’s dairy productivity story, and how we set up for future success. Farmers Kim and Will Grayling and Jeremy Duckmanton will share their unique stories and experience around growing productivity on their farms.

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome at this event. People who will benefit most include:

• business owners
• employers of farm staff
• managers keen to further their leadership skills
• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers
• Employees who consider themselves future leaders

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

This event is free to attend, and lunch is provided.

Registration is preferred to assist with venue set up and for catering purposes. Register now.

Find the full event agenda and more about this event series.

Delivered in partnership with: DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network

In partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, this Contract Milking course will cover:

• Building an understanding of how a contract works, including obligations and responsibilities for both parties
• Assessing the financial viability of a contract milking or variable order sharemilker position
• Knowing the top things that trip up contract milkers
• How to assess different contract milking opportunities and make good decisions
• Understanding the value of independent advice when negotiating a contract and being self-employed
• Building awareness of issues and risks and how to manage and mitigate them

This free course is suitable for contract milkers or variable order sharemilkers, or dairy farmers intending to go contract milking within the next 18 months. The course includes 4 in-person workshops which will take place in Te Awamutu on 13 March, 27 March, 10 April and 24 April.

Find out more and enrol.

• Hear from a local farmer about their herd improvement journey
• Get simple, actionable advice from industry experts
• See how genetics and tools can boost your farm’s results
• Swap ideas with other farmers over lunch.

It’s free, with lunch included!
Registration will be live in the next few weeks!

Let’s talk better herds!

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

Next Level, is AWDT’s six-month leadership and governance programme for women.

Designed to empower and inspire, Next Level will help you find and foster your strengths, gain clarity on your direction and break through the barriers that hold you back.

You’ll be supported by professional coaches and facilitators who understand rural life and live in your world. Connect and learn alongside other aspiring female leaders from New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and rural communities, gaining the tools and connections to influence and lead into the future.

Next Level is delivered through an innovative mix of face-to-face group modules, online individual learning, individual executive coaching and online facilitated group sessions.

Arjan and Kelsi farm 3,500 cows across three dairy farms. They share milk 1,450 cows on one 360-ha farm, own a herd of 950 cows milked on a 270-ha platform, and have share milkers milking the third herd of 1350 cows on another 360-ha property.

• Hear from a local farmer about their herd improvement journey
• Get simple, actionable advice from industry experts
• See how genetics and tools can boost your farm’s results
• Swap ideas with other farmers over lunch.

It’s free, with lunch included!
Registration will be live in the next few weeks!

Let’s talk better herds!

Protect our industry - please arrive with clean boots to prevent the spread of disease, pest or weed.

Beyond the Ordinary: Navigating Challenges, Redefining Success

Hosted by Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence, this two-day event will showcase crucial projects that help address the challenges our sector faces, specifically around workforce talent, the pace of change in technology and future uncertainties. The event will feature presentations and interactive workshops, with plenty of opportunities to leverage our collective voice. 

This course will cover:

• Defining what you want from dairy farming and create a clear, practical business plan.
• The opportunity to sit down with your business and life partners, share ideas and plan for the future together.
• Easy to use tools and templates, that will help you develop a business plan tailored to your goals and needs.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. This course includes three workshops held in between milkings 10am – 2pm on 19 Feb, 5 March and 19 March.

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Defining what you want from dairy farming and create a clear, practical business plan.
• The opportunity to sit down with your business and life partners, share ideas and plan for the future together.
• Easy to use tools and templates, that will help you develop a business plan tailored to your goals and needs.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. This course includes seven online Zoom classes, from 7-9pm on 19 March, 26 March, 2 April, 9 April, 16 April, 23 April and 30 April.

Find out more and enrol.

Get ready for an exciting day as contestants from the NZYF Tasman Region compete for a coveted spot in the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome to attend, so come along and join the fun!

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 25 March, 8 April, 22 April and 6 May. 

Find out more and enrol.

Join the action as contestants from across the NZYF Aorangi Region battle it out for a place at the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome!

Join us at one of the People Expo symposiums for the opportunity to hear from thought leaders on what’s needed to help tackle the big issues in empowering people for a productive workplace. You’ll gain insights from experts, have the opportunity to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

When:

9.30am - registration

10.00am - start

2.15pm - finish

Where: Tairoa Lodge, 3 Puawai Street, Hawera

It’s free to attend, but registration is essential by the close date below. Lunch is provided.

Registrations close on Tuesday 25 March

Delivered in partnership by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network.

About the speakers

Shamubeel Eaqub - leading economist

Shamubeel will speak to global, national, and regional economic and workforce trends and outline why farm businesses must act differently to stay successful and attract and keep people. How do we continue to drive the productivity and efficiency which New Zealand’s dairy story has been built on?

Jeremy Duckmanton – 50/50 sharemilker

Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer Jeremy Duckmanton will share his farming journey and approach to achieving productivity gains through different technologies and data. Hear more about how Jeremy has supported his farm team in adopting new technologies to set the farm business up for success.

Kim and Will Grayling – Singletree Dairies Limited

As equity partners in one of Canterbury’s largest dairy farming businesses, Kim and Will Grayling (Singletree Dairies Limited) share their experience creating a productive farm business through leadership. Hear more about Kim and Will’s approach to leadership, creating opportunities for growth that benefits both their farm team, as well as the future of the farm business.

James Allen – AgFirst director

James will talk to the dairy productivity story, including trends in New Zealand and worldwide, and the implications of these for farmers. Hear about the future role of Agri-tech and AI in farming, and what this could mean for what the farmer of the future will look like. What changes in skills and capabilities of the broader farm team will be required, and how do we set up for success?

Who should attend?

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome.

The people who will benefit most are:

• Business owners (including those who may not be involved in the day to day running of the farm)

• Employers of farm staff

• Managers keen to further their leadership skills to lead their team(s)

• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers

How is the day structured?

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. The programme beings at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

Join us at the People Expo to gain insights from experts, connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

You’ll hear from leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub about why the workforce challenge is so critical for farmers and the sector, AgFirst director Jame Allen about how we can build on New Zealand’s dairy productivity story, and how we set up for future success. Farmers Kim and Will Grayling and Jeremy Duckmanton will share their unique stories and experience around growing productivity on their farms.

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome at this event. People who will benefit most include:

• business owners
• employers of farm staff
• managers keen to further their leadership skills
• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers
• Employees who consider themselves future leaders

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

This event is free to attend, and lunch is provided.

Registration is preferred to assist with venue set up and for catering purposes. Register now.

Find the full event agenda and more about this event series.

Delivered in partnership with: DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 1 April, 15 April, 29 April and 13 May. 

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets.
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes three in-person classes on 1 April, 15 April and 29 April OR 6 May (TBC).

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Building knowledge and skills in self-management to strengthen personal wellbeing and resilience
• Growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence through understanding personalities, cultural competence and unconscious bias
• Developing and applying skills in communicating with others.
• Using whanaungatanga (relationship building) and te āo Māori principles to build a positive and respectful team culture.

This free course is suitable for emerging leaders including 2IC, herd managers, and new managers. Participants will require support and guidance from on-farm seniors. The course includes a two-hour introduction online session on 1 April, and 4 in-person workshops held in between milkings on 9 April, 23 April, 7 May and 21 May.

Find out more and enrol.

Join us at one of the People Expo symposiums for the opportunity to hear from thought leaders on what’s needed to help tackle the big issues in empowering people for a productive workplace. You’ll gain insights from experts, have the opportunity to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

When:

9.30am - registration

10.00am - start

2.15pm - finish

Where: Jet Park Hamilton Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, 201 Airport Road, Tamahere, Hamilton

It’s free to attend, but registration is essential by the close date below. Lunch is provided.

Registrations close on Wedneday 26 March

Delivered in partnership by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network.

About the speakers

Shamubeel Eaqub - leading economist

Shamubeel will speak to global, national, and regional economic and workforce trends and outline why farm businesses must act differently to stay successful and attract and keep people. How do we continue to drive the productivity and efficiency which New Zealand’s dairy story has been built on?

Jeremy Duckmanton – 50/50 sharemilker

Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer Jeremy Duckmanton will share his farming journey and approach to achieving productivity gains through different technologies and data. Hear more about how Jeremy has supported his farm team in adopting new technologies to set the farm business up for success.

Kim and Will Grayling – Singletree Dairies Limited

As equity partners in one of Canterbury’s largest dairy farming businesses, Kim and Will Grayling (Singletree Dairies Limited) share their experience creating a productive farm business through leadership. Hear more about Kim and Will’s approach to leadership, creating opportunities for growth that benefits both their farm team, as well as the future of the farm business.

James Allen – AgFirst director

James will talk to the dairy productivity story, including trends in New Zealand and worldwide, and the implications of these for farmers. Hear about the future role of Agri-tech and AI in farming, and what this could mean for what the farmer of the future will look like. What changes in skills and capabilities of the broader farm team will be required, and how do we set up for success?

Who should attend?

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome.

The people who will benefit most are:

• Business owners (including those who may not be involved in the day to day running of the farm)

• Employers of farm staff

• Managers keen to further their leadership skills to lead their team(s)

• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers

How is the day structured?

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. The programme beings at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

Join us at the People Expo to gain insights from experts, connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

You’ll hear from leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub about why the workforce challenge is so critical for farmers and the sector, AgFirst director Jame Allen about how we can build on New Zealand’s dairy productivity story, and how we set up for future success. Farmers Kim and Will Grayling and Jeremy Duckmanton will share their unique stories and experience around growing productivity on their farms.

All dairy farmers and rural professionals who support dairy farmers are welcome at this event. People who will benefit most include:

• business owners
• employers of farm staff
• managers keen to further their leadership skills
• 2ICs and aspiring/new people managers
• Employees who consider themselves future leaders

The day is designed to challenge, inspire and inform. It is fast paced because your time is valuable. Registration is from 9.30am and the day will finish at 2.15pm.

This event is free to attend, and lunch is provided.

Registration is preferred to assist with venue set up and for catering purposes. Register now.

Find the full event agenda and more about this event series.

Delivered in partnership with: DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network 

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets.
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes six online Zoom classes (7pm – 9pm) on 3 April. 10 April, 17 April, 24 April, 1 May and 8 May.

Find out more and enrol.

It's going to be an action-packed weekend as contestants from across the NZYF Otago Southland Region battle it out for a place at the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the action!

The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) is a two day conference for farmer, led by farmers.  This year we are heading for the first time to Timaru.  More details to follow

This course will cover:

• Researching and analysing regulations and consent requirements applicable to a farm business.
• Understanding the effect of the four contaminants on water quality and ecology.
• Understanding the implications of farm management practices on nutrient budgets and water quality.
• Developing a Freshwater Management Action Plan for the protection and improvement of your farm environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 8 April, 22 April, 6 May and 20 May. 

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets. 
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes three in-person classes on 9 April, 23 April and 7 May. 

Find out more and enrol. 

This course will cover:

• Analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms.
• Planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation.
• Using DairyNZ tools and technology for pasture and feed management.
• Balancing a feed budget to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements.

This free course is suitable for 2IC's, farm managers, self-employed farmers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 9 April, 23 April, 7 May and 21 May. 

Find out more and enrol.

This course will cover:

• Researching and analysing regulations and consent requirements applicable to a farm business.
• Understanding the effect of the four contaminants on water quality and ecology.
• Understanding the implications of farm management practices on nutrient budgets and water quality.
• Developing a Freshwater Management Action Plan for the protection and improvement of your farm environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm owners. The course includes four in-person workshops held in between milkings on 17 April, 1 May, 15 May and 29 May.

Find out more and enrol.

It’s official – the Dairy Women’s Network 2025 Conference is heading to Hamilton next May! 

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable few days and join us at Claudelands Event Centre from Thursday, 1 May, to Friday, 2 May, for two inspiring days of discovering ‘success through inspiration’. 

Don’t miss the chance to dress up and celebrate with us on the evening of Thursday May 1st, at the annual Gala Dinner. 

Tickets will be available for purchase early 2025, but while we’re putting the final touches to an amazing programme be sure to check out the information on our website about the venue, where to stay, and how to get there: https://www.dwn.co.nz/dwn2025conference/

Want to be the first to know when tickets go on sale? Make sure you’re a DWN member!  

Sign up today (it’s FREE) and you’ll be the first to hear when tickets are released. 

Join us for an evening of glitz, glam, and celebration at the 2025 Gala Dinner, as we honor the dedication, achievements, and leadership of the outstanding women in the dairy sector.

Set against the backdrop of sophistication, this unforgettable evening will be filled with gourmet delights, live entertainment, and the announcement of the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and DWN’s Regional Leader of the Year.

This Gala Dinner is not just an event—it’s a tribute to the women who are shaping the future of dairy in New Zealand.

This course will cover:

• Building a positive, profitable financial plan.
• Exploring pathways for business growth or self-employment.
• Improving budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial decision-making.
• How to communicate effectively with your bank and accountant.
• Developing annual budgets
• An introduction to calculating milk income.
• Predicting and managing working capital requirements.
• Gaining practical skills in a supportive, farmer-focused environment.

This free course is suitable for managers, self-employed or those considering self-employment. The course includes three in-person classes on 8 May, 22 May and 5 June. 

Find out more and enrol.

Join us as we celebrate the outstanding talent, innovation, and determination of New Zealand's young farmers. This prestigious event showcases the best of the best, bringing together passionate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment to the agricultural industry. We’ll witness an exciting culmination of hard work and dedication, with competitors vying for the title and the opportunity to become a role model for future generations. Be a part of this iconic event that highlights the bright future of farming in New Zealand!