Deputy PM to headline DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum event

Wednesday, 13th April 2016

For immediate release

Deputy PM to headline DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum event

Deputy Prime Minister Hon Bill English and Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings are among a line-up of leading speakers presenting to dairy farmers at the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum, May 17-18, in Hamilton.

The biennial event will give dairy farmers insight into how to adapt their businesses in the current challenging times and how the global environment will shape the future of New Zealand milk production.

“The Farmers’ Forum is about helping farmers understand what is driving the current financial climate and what they can do to help manage it,” says DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for sustainability, Rick Pridmore.

“Adapting to the changing environment is more important than ever – the industry is going through challenging times, so farmers are looking hard at where they can improve their businesses.”

The two-day DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre is expected to attract over 700 farmers.

On day one, Hon Bill English will speak on the government’s view on dairying’s future, while Theo Spierings willshare his thoughts on what the dairy industry needs to excel at to succeed.

Other keynote speakers include Tim Hunt, Rabobank International head of food and agribusiness research and advisory, who will share what is happening in global markets and what this means for New Zealand dairy farmers.

Day two keynote speakers include Zespri International chief operating officer Simon Limmer and grower Ian Greaves, who will share the lessons learnt by the kiwifruit industry after the PSA outbreak.

“The Farmers’ Forum is a great opportunity for dairy farmers. It’s rare to hear from a line-up of speakers of this calibre at a single event, plus in these challenging times it becomes even more important to get off-farm and interact with other farmers,” says Rick.

Farmers can also choose from 11 workshops over two days.

A workshop by Lincoln University’s professor of trade and environmental economics, Caroline Saunders, will address what overseas customers want from our milk and what they are willing to pay for it.

A panel discussion of dairy company leaders will look at value add, including Tatua CEO Paul McGilvary, Open Country Dairy chairman Laurie Margrain, Miraka CEO Richard Wyeth and Lewis Road Creamery founder Peter Cullinane.

Waikato University agribusiness professor Jacqueline Rowarth will host a workshop discussing genetic modification and whether it should be part of the industry’s future.

Other workshops include living a pasture first strategy; exploring whether $3/kg MS farm working expenses is doable; staff roster systems; growing better quality and more persistent pastures; breeding better cows and dealing with environmental constraints.

The DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum is free to levy paying dairy farmers and their staff.

Registrations are open and essential prior to the event. To view the full programme or register, visitwww.dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum.

SIDEBAR
DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum 2016

May 17-18
Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton

Speakers include:

- Deputy Prime Minister Hon Bill English

- Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings

- Fonterra chief operating officer – velocity, Jacqueline Chow

- Rabobank head of food and agribusiness research and advisory, Tim Hunt

- Lincoln University’s trade and environmental economics professor, Caroline Saunders

- Waikato University agribusiness professor, Jacqueline Rowarth

- Entrepreneur Melissa Clark-Reynolds.

The Farmers’ Forum is free to levy-paying dairy farmers and their staff. Registrations are essential.

Visit dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum

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