What is a Focus Group?
These are small group learning environments with a specific area of focus. Practical half day workshops, delivered over two years (eight in total) to enhance farm profitability, productivity, and sustainability, delivering real value now and into the future.
Are you a young manager, shepherd, or up-and-coming farmer looking to take the next step in your farming career? The Shepherd to Shareholder Focus Group is designed for those who want to understand the real pathways into farm ownership and build the capability, confidence, and financial literacy needed to get there.
This practical, down-to-earth programme brings together industry experts, real farmer stories, and hands-on learning to help you explore the different routes into ownership — whether that’s equity partnerships, leasing, share farming, or building your position within a business. You will gain clarity on what banks look for, how to grow your equity, how to assess opportunities, and how to make smart, informed decisions that set you up for long-term success.
Across the sessions, you will connect with like-minded young farmers, hear from those who have successfully made the jump, and walk away with tools you can apply immediately in your current role.
What you will gain:
- Financial literacy
- People and relationship skills
- Goal setting, investing and career planning
- Mentorship and networking
- Business management capability
- Financial goals and investing
- Risk management
- Succession and equity pathways
How it works?
- Around seven workshops over 2 years (can be 12 months – group will decide)
- Small group learning with like-minded farmers.
- Practical discussions, real-world examples, and action planning.
- Open to B+LNZ levy payers and employees of levy payers.
Selection criteria – is it right for you?
- Actively working on a sheep and beef or dry stock property.
- Willingness to learn new skills and understand the drivers to improving on farm production and profitability of the sheep and beef sector.
- Want to understand the business side of farming.
- Can commit to attending the workshops.
Cost
The programme is funded through the B+LNZ levy. Your only cost is travel to workshops.
If you are ready to invest in your future and map out your pathway toward ownership, register your interest today. You will join a small group of people with similar goals.
Spaces are limited, so register your interest now.
Find out more
For more information contact Ali Forbes (B+LNZ Extension Manager ENI North on 027 260 3499 or [email protected]
Register your interest
Register your interest via the button below.