DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum takes science to the regions

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 7 March 2013

For immediate release

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum takes science to the regions

DairyNZ’s latest research will be showcased at a nationwide series of Farmers’ Forum events during April and May.

The informative and practical seminars will be held in Whangarei, Hawera, Woodville, Invercargill and Greymouth.

DairyNZ chief executive, Dr Tim Mackle, says each year the Farmers’ Forum provides a great opportunity for dairy farmers to see how their levy is invested and to learn about dairy industry research and development work relevant to their region’s farming issues.

“Our Farmers’ Forum has become an annual gathering and every second year we go out to the regions and customise forum topics based on locally relevant issues,” says Tim.

“Farmers tell us they really look forward to the forum each year and gain a lot from attending. We guarantee you’ll go away with something you can implement on-farm to make a positive difference.

“The programme for each regional event is designed by the local DairyNZ teams and customised based on that region’s particular challenges and opportunities. Most events also feature local farmers talking about their own experiences and results,” he says.

The Farmers’ Forum regional events include time for informal discussion with DairyNZ scientists and developers plus others who lead key industry research and development programmes.

Farmers can view the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum conference programmes for each region and register online at www.dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum. Registration prior to each event is essential.

Registration is free to levy-paying farmers and their staff – there is a $50 charge for all others.

Each event runs from 10am-2pm. Lunch is provided.

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Farmers’ Forum events – dates and venues:

Friday, 5 April Northland, ASB Leisure Centre, Whangarei
Friday, 12 April West Coast, Shantytown, Greymouth
Thursday, 18 April Taranaki, The Hub, Hawera
Wednesday, 15 May Southland, Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
Tuesday, 28 May Manawatu, Woodville Racecourse

Regional topics covered at the events:

Northland
• Herd reproductive performance, environmental management, pasture management, farmer resilience, farm effluent planning, once-a-day milking, plate metering chicory, mixed pastures, the Forage Value Index, maintenance equations

West Coast
• Heifer management from weaning to pre-mating, on-farm environmental compliance from a dairy company perspective, fertility, wintering, gibberellic acid, nitrogen leaching, GPS use on farm

Taranaki
• Succession planning, once-a-day milking, GPS use on farm, nitrogen leaching, Forage Value Index, pasture persistence

Southland
• Human resources, winter feed supply, nutrient use efficiency, pasture species and diversity as related to nitrogen leaching, fertility, calf bedding, gibberellic acid

Lower North Island
• Succession planning, reproduction, nitrogen leaching, pasture persistence, mixed pastures, once-a-day milking, body condition scoring

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ABOUT DAIRYNZ
DairyNZ is the industry good organisation representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers. We are funded by a levy on milksolids and our purpose is to secure and enhance the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of New Zealand dairy farming. Our work includes research and development to create practical on-farm tools, leading on-farm adoption of best practice farming, promoting careers in dairying and advocating for farmers with central and regional government. For more information, visit www.dairynz.co.nz

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