B+LNZ will be introducing Focus Groups into the extension programme. These will be topic focused, and outcomes driven, with an opportunity to learn from other members and subject matter experts. We're keeping the numbers small to ensure everyone gets a chance to share insights and learn from each other.
What is a Focus Group?
These are small group learning environments with a specific area of focus. Practical workshops delivered over two years (eight in total) to enhance farm profitability, productivity, and sustainability – delivering real value now and into the future.
Programme requirements
- Before the first meeting, there will be a small amount of information for you to collect about your farm business. After meeting you will commit to taking relevant actions in your business to implement the newly acquired knowledge.
- This programme is free to all associated levy payers and their employees.
Selection criteria
Actively working on a sheep and beef or drystock 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.
Focus Group topics
Financial management – budgeting for business results
From field to finance: master your finances, grow your future!
Very few of us went farming because we love analysing financials, forecasting cash flow, or discussing interest rate risk strategies with the bank – but these are critical skills for doing business in 2025. Designed to empower farmers with these essential skills, our Financial Management Focus Groups offer a unique perspective on financial management.
You’ll discover what banks wish you knew, gain insights into how they assess your business, and learn the key financial strategies you need to thrive in today’s farming and economic environment. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with the tools to confidently manage your farm business, make informed decisions, and unlock new opportunities. You’ll work with a small network of like-minded farmers, all of whom are on the same journey.
What you’ll gain:
✔ Understand your financials – benchmarking, budgeting & forecasting.
✔ Analyze business opportunities – leases, equity partnerships & expansion.
✔ Know what your bank is looking for – structuring proposals & securing funding.
✔ Manage risk and debt – interest rates, credit strategies & financial stability.
✔ Plan for the future – succession, long-term investment & business growth.
Animal production
From pasture to profit – elevate your livestock performance!
Are your genetics not quite where you’d like them to be? Are you worried about biosecurity? Are you battling your way through drench resistance? Are you struggling to align your farm policy to best balance feed demand and supply? If you’ve answered YES to any of these things, or you have other challenges in your livestock production that you’d like to overcome, then our Animal Production workshop series is for you.
Our Animal Production Focus Groups have been designed by farmers, for farmers. We’ve utilised the latest research from our technical team, supported by a variety of subject matter experts to empower you in achieving your animal and farm production goals.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your livestock production and performance that align with your business goals. You’ll work with a small network of like-minded farmers, all of whom are on the same journey.
What you’ll gain:
✔ An animal health plan.
✔ In-depth parasite management strategies.
✔ Practical skills such as what to look for in an autopsy or faecal egg counting.
✔ The tools, knowledge and confidence to make strategic decisions about your genetics.
✔ A biosecurity plan to protect your patch.
Forages for production
This Focus Group is all about identifying opportunities to improve your pasture and forage production by adopting management practices that increase your total dry matter grown and drive your farm profitability and performance. Group participants will spend the first year starting from the soil up, considering how to optimise fertiliser requirements, selecting pasture and forage options to achieve their goals and feed budgeting to optimise livestock production and drive profitability.
- Soil health
- Feed budgeting
- Pasture management
- Animal nutrition
- Optimising production
Register for a group
Register your interest for one of the workshops below.
Keep an eye out throughout 2025 as we roll out more B+LNZ Focus Groups through Canterbury.
| Title | Venue | Date | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal production | Hurunui | 11 April | Register Now |
| Animal production | Methven | 3 February | Registration closed. |
| Financial management – budgeting for business results | Ashburton | 3 March | Register Now |
| Animal production | Fairlie | 3 February | Registration closed. |
| Financial management – budgeting for business results | Timaru | 3 March | Register Now |
| Financial management – budgeting for business results | South Canterbury | 1 April | Register Now |
| Animal production | South Canterbury | 1 April | Register Now |