The “Ladies Long Lunch”, which was the initiative of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Western North Island region Farmer Council, was hosted in a marquee in the riverside setting at Rathmoy Lodge near Hunterville. The event – which was sold out – included bubbles and a two-course lunch of either beef or lamb and dessert platters.
Wairarapa farmer and clinical pyschologist Sarah Donaldson was the guest speaker and highlighted the importance of self-care in order to stay motivated, healthy and efficient during busy times.
Acknolwedging women's role
B+LNZ Extension Manager Jason Griffin says the “Ladies Long Lunch” grew out of an earlier Farmer Council initiative, The Big Dine In, held in Strafford.
Realising the value of hosting a celebratory event, the Ladies Long Lunch was the perfect fit for the Farmer Council’s directive of holding more female-focused activities - acknowledging the role women play in New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
Sheep and beef farmer and Farmer Council member, Fi Dalgety, was instrumental in organising the event and says the feedback she has received has been very positive. While women really enjoyed Sarah’s messages about looking after themselves, Fi says there has been an increasing awareness amongst farming women of just how much they contribute to the farm business.
“They are valuing their input more than they used to.”
Jason says the lunch was also an opportunity for the B+LNZ Farmer Council to engage with their levy payers and explain the Council’s structure and role it plays in directing B+LNZ research and activities.
Sponsors
Fi says they were fortunate to have a number of sponsors eager support the lunch, including the Agriwomen’s Development Trust. The donation of two $500 travel vouchers gave two lucky winners the opportunity to take a short break away from the farm.
