Farmers pushed for their retention after they were dropped from refreshed strategy.
DairyNZ has done a U-turn on farmer discussion groups after farmers pushed for their return.
The organisation announced last year that it would move away from the groups, which focused on dairy farmers sharing information on the day-to-day operation of their businesses, and instead focus on holding larger events when it refreshed its strategy.
In an email sent out to farmers on May 23, DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown said that based on farmers’ feedback, “we are expanding our extension activities by supporting local, farmer-led discussion groups alongside our new events”.
“Farmers have told us that they value DairyNZ’s focus on solutions specific to local farm systems in the regions, and many have made it clear to us that they really value discussion groups and miss them in some communities.
Brown reiterated that at the Farmers Forum event in Hamilton on May 27.
“We have listened to feedback from farmers, reflected on where things have not quite worked and made some subsequent changes.
“I’m sure many of you welcomed the email on Friday saying discussion groups convened by farmers will be back in communities where there is demonstrated demand.”
DairyNZ has supported discussion groups since 1952 and their historical success comes from farmers bringing farmers together and learning off each other, Brown said.
“That’s why we are asking local farmers to convene the discussion group, then we’ll bring the farm systems, facilitation, information and resources to support.
“Our regional teams are now planning their engagements for the new season and already have some knowledge of the communities that want discussion groups back, but we want to ensure there is an opportunity for further feedback.”
Farmers can get in touch with their local DairyNZ area manager if they’re interested in establishing one in their area, Brown said.
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