Budget control module focus

The Dairy Women's Network is holding a series of modules focussed on taking control of your budget.

Helping farm owners, managers, contract milkers and sharemilkers feel in control of their finances is the aim of the game for the next round of Dairy Women's Network dairy modules in early 2017.

The Network is running a series of workshops called 'Build you budget; take control' throughout the country to give those who attend a chance to connect with their peers and those in the sector who know their numbers and how to create annual budgets.

"This module is a really exciting one as it has an online component and a two-hour workshop get-together. We know everyone is really busy on farm and we are combining the flexibility of online with the fun and support of getting together to learn the how to build your budget," says project leader and DWN member Lynda Clark.

"We have designed a very practical module for farmers who want to feel more confident and competent around knowing their numbers, and making their money work for them now and into the future.

"The main focus is on creating annual cash budgets but also identifying support networks and mentors, doing stock reconciliations and also doing a monthly cash flow - plus finding out what and where those resources are that are out there."

Te Kauwhata farmers Carl and Jodie Goudswaard have recently done the work and as a result Jodie will be presenting the North Island workshops, while Heather McKay is presenting in the south.

"We have just recently signed up for a new sharemilking position and doing budgets was a really important part of our deliberations. It meant we could see and understand the big picture," says Jodie.

"We were able to evaluate the opportunity that this job presented from a number of angles - including the financial opportunities."

Ms Clark says people would have different goals, and knowing their numbers gives farmers a chance to plan for those; whether it's reinvesting money back into the business or thinking about whether the bottom line is showing enough to do what they want to do for their family.

DairyNZ, along with Primary ITO, is one of the funders of the financial workshops, part of a greater body of work to help farmers grow and improve their businesses.

DairyNZ senior developer for people and business, Carolyn Bushell, says now, more than ever, is a good time for dairy farmers to focus on their financials.

"Developing financial budgets, knowing your numbers and regularly monitoring progress is a big part of that," Ms Bushell says.

"We are proud to support these modules which include a blended learning approach that can offer farmers greater flexibility to build these important skills and experience with the support of DWN members."

"Our online learning platform enables attendees to continue learning once the workshop is over. This is the beauty of a blended course delivery online; as well as enabling greater transparency, instant feedback, valuable reporting and increased versatility of content such as using smart phones," says Primary ITO customer services general manager Alister Shennan.

Details:

• Build your budget, take control modules
• Run by Dairy Women's Network
• Running from February through to April

- To find out more and register for the financial modules visit www.dwn.co.nz