Efficient farmers will cope, says ITO

MEDIA RELEASE 28 May 2009

Efficient farmers will cope, says ITO

Today s Budget and yesterday s cut to the dairy payout emphasise the importance for New Zealand farmers of efficient farming, according to the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (ITO).

With belt-tightening the focus for the Government, and Fonterra s forecast of $4.55 per kilo of milk solids for 2010, the razor will be going over every farm cost, said Agriculture ITO s chief executive, Kevin Bryant.

My message to farmers would be now is not the time to make cutbacks on investing in people without considering the impact of such moves on the farm system, Mr Bryant said.

Kneejerk reactions rarely play out as smart decisions.

Research showed industry supported training was one of the lowest cost, highest return investments farmers could make to ensure productivity and efficiency.

With training for farm staff returning over 340% of the cost, training really is investing in your business, Mr Bryant said.

Minimising the risk of penalties for milk quality or effluent issues are just two areas where industry training can save farmers thousands of dollars.

Training returns benefits to the business from day one. Whether it s tractor driving courses so staff don t end up in the effluent pond, or learning how to do a business plan for a forestry conversion, the knowledge is there to help farmers be productive and efficient at every level, Mr Bryant said.

Agriculture ITO is New Zealand s leading agricultural vocational training organisation, with over 12,000 people engaged in its national certificate and diploma programmes last year. It is a not-for-profit organisation supported by industry funding through DairyNZ and Meat and Wool New Zealand.

ENDS

© Scoop Media