Dairy Farming Elite Gather in the Hawkes Bay

New Zealand’s Dairy Farming Elite Gather in the Hawkes Bay

The 35th Annual New Zealand Large Herds Conference is to be held in the Hawkes Bay for the first time this year. From March 28-31 senior members of New Zealand’s dairy farming community will gather to discuss the future of one of New Zealand’s core industries.

Supported for the ninth consecutive year by ASB Bank, and organized by the New Zealand Large Herds Association (NZLHA), the conference has become one of the liveliest forums in New Zealand dairying.

The theme for this year’s Conference is “Taking care of business” and will focus on managing growth and change, and environmental issues.

Dean Nikora, NZLHA Chairman of the Committee, believes the event is integral to the continued development of dairy farming in New Zealand.

“It’s important for everyone in our industry to be able to look beyond the farm gate and see how business in general is evolving. Dairy farming is a complex business and the NZLHA is determined to continue to facilitate the discussion and debate required to progress our industry.”

“The Hawkes Bay is the home of the largest average herd size in the North Island and will provide an excellent location for the Conference. The NZHLA sees the event as vital in developing leaders for the industry and highlighting the options farmers have in running their business.”

In addition to presentations from a wide range of people involved in New Zealand’s agribusiness, the keynote speakers at the Conference will be: Dr Doug Powell, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada “Guess What’s Coming to Dinner” – food safety post mad cow disease in North America Glenn Capelli, author “Leadership and Dynamic Thinking”

Ian Farrelly, General Manager, Rural, ASB Bank, sees great benefit in supporting the Conference.

“The industry has gone through huge change in the last decade and it is an honour for ASB Bank to be supporting the Large Herds Conference for the ninth year. The Conference continues to grow in its importance to the dairying industry as it allows progressive farmers to share ideas and best practices, and maintain strong networks, while keeping them up-to-date on developments outside their direct business.”

The Conference is the key event for the NZLHA each year. The first conference was held in 1970 and since that time has become established as a premier dairy conference in New Zealand.

Initially a “large herd” was defined as 300 or more cows. Now with improved management techniques, increased knowledge, greater efficiencies and sophisticated plants and equipment that number has risen to 700. However, farmers do not need to have over 700 cows to attend the conference.

Details regarding the Conference can be found at www.nzlargeherds.co.nz.

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