Gisborne farmers: Registrations still being taken for Focus Group programme

Tairāwhiti sheep and beef farmers who want to grow their business are urged to join the Focus Group programme Beef and Lamb NZ plans to start early March in this area. Photo / RNZ

Animal production and financial management will be key elements of discussion at the farmer Focus Group workshops starting early March.

Registrations for the B+LNZ Eastern North Island North Animal Production and Financial Management Focus Group remain open.

“Don’t miss your chance to take your farm business to the next level,” Beef + Lamb NZ senior extension manager Mark Harris said.

“Focus Group is a small group of farmers with a shared interest in a particular topic who meet regularly over a one-to-two-year period to discover and learn together.

“They will hear from subject matter experts and commit to making changes in their businesses, exploring what works and sharing their experiences,” Harris said.

“Before the first meeting, there will be a small amount of information for farmers to collect about their business. After meeting they will commit to taking relevant actions in their business to implement the newly acquired knowledge.”

This programme is free to all associated levy payers and their employees.

Harris said the criteria for farmers to qualify for Focus Group include actively working on a sheep and beef or drystock property (associated levy payers), and a willingness to learn new skills and understand the drivers to improving on-farm production and profitability of the sheep and beef sector.

Participants must attend all Focus Group meetings.

Once the various groups in Gisborne, Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay get finalised, locations and dates will be confirmed.

“Take action now to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your farm business.”

Contact Harris for more details.