Beef + Lamb New Zealand unveils new farmer council

Beef + Lamb New Zealand unveils new farmer council

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has significantly restructured the way it delivers regional extension activities, through the newly formed Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Council.

Formerly known as the Sheep and Beef Council, the group will act as the bridge between grass root farmers and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, with a new mandate to improve the connection and transfer of information between the organisation and farmers.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen said the council’s role was being strengthened to ensure that the right priorities were being progressed and that regional needs were being actioned.

“A key area of focus for the Council is the “Farm” programme where it will undertake an advisory role for research investment, in addition to guiding the development and delivery of extension.

“Activity also spans the “People” programme where leadership development will be a priority for both the council and across the sheep and beef sector. An example of this is linking Beef + Lamb New Zealand investment in leadership programmes like the Kellogg’s and Nuffield Scholarships and the council will help identify the industry’s future leaders.”

Mr Petersen said the Council would work with Beef + Lamb New Zealand electorate directors and the specialist Extension Managers to develop individual regional extension plans in each electorate.

“This is a significant change in the way we plan to deliver programmes for farmers. We’re increasing our efforts in extension to achieve greater uptake by farmers to drive improved performance in the sector. Importantly, each region has different needs and the Farmers Council will be tasked with putting together a plan of activity that is best suited to the issues specific to each area.”

Mr Petersen encouraged farmers to seek out their local councils and get involved to influence levy investment in their own areas.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Council Chairman, Malcolm McConochie said the council welcomed the opportunity to play a greater role in driving increased industry performance and in particular the chance to help prioritise levy investment in region programmes.

“This new structure and increased role for the council helps us ensure that we pick the tools from the toolbox that are going to be of most value to the farmers in our own areas.

“This means choosing from the tools and services like Monitor Farms, Wormwise and Land Environment Plans.”

The council will operate at two levels – regional and national. At a region level each region’s council will determine the shape of their own extension activities and act in an advisory capacity to guide the investment decisions. At a national level the council will be the link between farmers and the board, identifying technical issues needing focus at policy or research levels.

ENDS

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