At the first forums, in Timaru on April 17 and Westport on May 7 Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will speak while Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones will address the one in Whangarei on May 22.
Others will be held at Stratford on May 14, Rongotea on May 16 and Rotorua on May 24 with speakers including former Fonterra director and Massey University farm and agribusiness management expert Professor Nicola Shadbolt and the Government’s special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen.
“We strive to be the best dairy producers in the world and we should be proud of what we have achieved so far.
“We are also always striving to be better and remain the top choice for our international consumers,” Mackle says.
“The forums will show how we can stay ahead and the science that is being worked on to ensure we meet environmental and animal welfare goals.
“NZ farmers are committed to looking after their cows, people, land and water and the forums will help them farm with confidence.
“We also want to provide inspiration for the next generation to get involved in what is an exciting sector with a bright future,” Mackle said.
The theme of the forums is Future perspectives – local and global impact.
Speakers will explain developments in NZ and overseas, how they might affect farmers and how farmers can prepare with confidence.
Workshops and science snapshots will show latest research and development 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 how to reduce methane emissions.
“The forums will have tailored information for each region.
MORE:
On each event at dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum
