MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 30 April 2012

For immediate release

Major dairy event for Hamilton in May

Registration is now open for the second DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum to be held on May 23 and 24 at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton.

The event is designed to bring farmers together with industry leaders, key advisors, government representatives, scientists and agri-business professionals to share expert insights and opinions on the key issues and opportunities facing dairying in the next few years.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says a lot has changed in the two years since the last event.

“The 2012 DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum is a chance for us all to reconvene and share what’s changed, what’s working well and what we still need to understand and address.

“Farmer feedback from previous events has driven the programme for this year, meaning we’re really able to hone in on the relevant topics farmers want to discuss.”

The first day focuses on global and national challenges and opportunities affecting New Zealand dairying, and features keynote addresses from the Minister of Primary Industries Hon. David Carter; Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings; ANZ-National Bank’s Chief Economist, Cameron Bagrie; and Maori Trustee, Jamie Tuuta.

Day two is titled ‘your farm, your future’ and a feature will be the panel of local farmers discussing strategies they’re putting in place to ensure their businesses continue to thrive.

Both days offer farmers and their staff a selection of workshops – from thinking like a cow, pasture persistence, and evaluating new technology through to succession planning, finance and governance. Also on show will be some of the latest research findings, hot science and practical tools and resources.

The DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum is free to levy paying dairy farmers and their staff. The fee for others is $100 for one day and $175 for two. Registrations are essential prior to the event. To view the full programme and to register, visit www.dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum.

-ENDS-

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