The farming‑gods’ dial hasn’t just turned over the past year – it’s spun wildly. From record lows to record highs, many farm businesses are back in profit and thinking hard about tax, reinvestment, and what to do next. But as we all know, we’re only ever one political decision, cyclone, or unexpected shock away from conditions tightening again.
This workshop is about banking the momentum – using the good times to deliberately strengthen your business so it’s better placed for the next downturn, not caught reacting to it.
Speaker panel
- Pita Alexander
Christchurch-based rural accountant and one of New Zealand’s most respected agricultural advisors, with over 50 years’ experience specialising in farm businesses. Founder of PS Alexander & Associates Ltd, Pita is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, bringing end-to-end insight shaped by on-farm experience, Lincoln University training, and decades working alongside farming families on financial resilience, profitability, and succession planning. Read his full bio here. - David Buick
World-class shearer and 2026 Tararua Farmer of the Year. David brings a grounded, firsthand perspective on resilience, work ethic, and performance under pressure, shaped by life on-farm and at the highest levels of competition. - Annie Cates – Farm Focus
Annie contributes a systems view of farm performance, sharing insights on structure, planning, and the processes that support sustainable, long-term success. - Tom Renton – Rabobank
Tom brings a banking and relationship-led perspective, exploring how strong foundations, strategy, and trusted partnerships underpin resilient farm businesses.
This is an afternoon focused on real‑world experience, practical thinking, and tools you can actually use - helping you make better decisions about capital, debt, systems, and priorities when profitability allows choice.
You’ll leave with clearer thinking on how to:
- Use profitable years to create flexibility and breathing room
- Strengthen decision‑making under pressure
- Build financial and personal resilience before it’s tested
Real experiences. Expert knowledge. Plain talk. Ideas you can act on.
On the day
Please arrive at 2pm for a 2.15pm start.
A selection of savoury nibbles will be served at the conclusion of the event, and a cash/eftpos bar will be available for beverages.
Sponsors
We would like thank you to Rabobank and Farm Focus for their generous support of this event.
Registration
Registration is essential. Register now.