B+LNZ Focus Group: Shepherd to Shareholder

Coming to Waikato and Bay of Plenty. We're taking expressions of interest for the B+LNZ Shepherd to Shareholder Focus Groups for farmers:  Pathways to farm business ownership.

Are you a young manager, shepherd, or up-and-coming farmer looking to take the next step in your farming career? 

Shepherd to Shareholder is a practical programme for people who want to grow their career, build equity and wealth, and take greater control of their financial future, whether their goal is farm management, business ownership, or investing beyond farming.

This small-group learning programme will be delivered through eight half-day workshops over two years.

Industry expertise will be combined with real farmer stories, and hands-on learning to enhance farm profitability, productivity, sustainability, and long-term business success.

Alongside practical tools and frameworks that can be applied immediately in your current role, you'll connect with like-minded farmers and hear firsthand from those who have successfully made the transition from employee to owner.

If you're ready to invest in your future and start mapping your pathway towards farm ownership, register your interest today. Places are limited to approximately 15 participants.

What you'll gain

• A clear picture of your future and what success means to you.
• A roadmap for achieving your personal, financial and farming goals.
• Practical skills to build equity and grow wealth.
• Greater confidence with farm business and financial management.
• Insight into farm ownership, equity partnerships and succession pathways.
• Leadership and people management tools to get the best from your team.
• An understanding of AI and its role in modern farming businesses.
• Governance and decision-making skills for long-term success.
• Confidence presenting business opportunities.
• Industry connections and mentoring.

Selection criteria

• Actively working on a sheep and beef or dry stock property (associated levy payers).
• 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

Cost

The programme is funded through the B+LNZ levy. Your only cost is travel to workshops.

Is it right for you?

You should apply if you:

• Work on a sheep, beef or grazing property.
• Want to understand the business side of farming.
• Are keen to learn and share ideas.
• Can commit to attending the workshops.
• Have ambitions to progress towards farm ownership.

Register your interest

Cambridge/Hamilton: Contact Toni Walker, 0272335422

Te Puke/Rotorua: Contact Flo Nebel, 0272877309

Or register your interest via the buttons below.