August 1 – Entries open for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2015. The awards promote profitable sustainable farming practices. Entrants are assessed on four key areas –sustainable practices, environmental awareness, good business practices, and social and community responsibility. Entry forms and more details are available at www.nzfeatrust.org.nz.
August 14 – Entries close for New Zealand Innovators Awards for Kiwi innovations, inventors and organisations that have developed new products, services or ventures. To enter or nominate someone, visit www.innovators.org.nz.
August 12-13 – MobileTECH Summit 2014 showcases a wide range of mobile technologies already having a huge impact on the primary sector productivity. There will be presentations from 20 speakers on enterprise mobility, rural infrastructure, drones, M2M, robotics, gadgets and cloud computing, as well as practical examples on how the technologies are being used within the sector, how they can improve business efficiency and what the future holds. The summit will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland. To register or view the programme, visit www.mobiletech2014.com.
September 17-19 – Water New Zealand's annual conference at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton has the largest water and wastewater trade exhibition in the country alongside a forum for discussion of the latest technologies, issues and debates. For more information visit www.waternz.org.nz.
September 30 – Applications close for the 2015 Escalator programme, which uses a series of learning modules to further develop the leadership and governance skills of agri-women to benefit their community or industry. The 10-month programme uses Wellington-based modules, distance learning, professional coaching and practical application. For further information visit www.awdt.org.nz.
September 30-October 4 – The World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, is a showcase for elite dairy cattle, cutting edge research and modern technologies. It includes five days of seminars, virtual tours, a large commercial exhibit display, a dairy cattle show, top genetic sales, and dairy products. Details on the expo can be viewed at www.worldairyexpo.com.
November 5-7 – New Zealand Grassland Association's annual conference is being held in Alexandra with the theme 'Central Otago, A Land of Difference – Farming in Extremes'. Visit www.grassland.org.nz.
