B+LNZ Farmer Council Annual Meetings have been held across the country.
The events, often combined with presentations, workshops or networking dinners, brought together B+LNZ Farmer Councillors and local farmers throughout the regions to discuss the implementation of their yearly regionalised plan, welcome new members and learn from other farmers.
B+LNZ Farmer Councils are a critical partner to B+LNZ’s Extension team, acting as a key sounding board by representing farmers and setting B+LNZ’s extension focus. Each B+LNZ Farmer Council is split into seven regions spanning the country. Learn more about B+LNZ’s Farmer Council here.
While the agenda for each event differed, a key focus across all meetings was looking at the region’s recently finalised Regional Delivery Plan (RDP) and how it will be implemented during the next year.
As part of the formalities of the Annual Meetings, each council welcomed new members and established the Chair and Deputy Chairs following a voting process.
Below is an overview of each region’s Farmer Council Annual Meeting.
Northern North Island (NNI)
The NNI Farmer Council Annual Meeting, held in Whangārei, had around 40 farmers attend. B+LNZ Director Phil Weir provided an update on B+LNZ’s refreshed strategy and market outlook. B+LNZ’s North Island Extension Lead Jason Griffin shared what the new extension activities will look like in NNI. The day concluded with Wormwise Programme Manager, Ginny Dodunski, sharing her outlook for the future of farming relating to parasite management.
B+LNZ NNI Farmer Council welcomed four new members: Michelle Hill, Cory Argyle, Roger Moore and Benson Horsford. Two farmers standing down from the NNI Farmer Council, Scott Mckenzie and Chevon Horsford, were thanked for their contributions.
Jeff Martin was re-elected as Chair and Grant West also re-elected as Deputy Chair.
Mid Northern North Island (MNNI)
The MNNI Farmer Council Annual Meeting, held in Piopio, had around 60 farmers and Farmer Councillors attend for a farm tour of Rotomate, followed by the AGM formalities. Discussions revolved around what diversification looks like in the Farmer Councillors businesses.
The MNNI Farmer Council welcomed Guy Melville, Tim Orlando Reep, and Leandro Arreseigor as new Farmer Councillors.
Ian Evan remains as Chair and Jon Sherlock as Deputy Chair.
Western North Island (WNI)
The WNI Farmer Council Annual Meeting was held in Marton, alongside B+LNZ’s Director Roadshow.
With around 37 farmers in attendance, the WNI Farmer Council welcomed some new and returning members during the election: George Hardwick-Smith, Bevan Profitt, Laura Morrison, Jarrod Clode, Lachlan Hopkins and Andrew Kirk.
The council thanked and farewelled the following members: Fi Dalgety, Roger Dalrymple, Graham Fergus, Christine Christensen, and Paul Olsen.
The WNI Farmer Council elected a chair, Megan Bates, and a new Deputy Chair, Lachlan Hopkins.
Following the AGM, attendees enjoyed a dinner with guest speaker Dan Steele, owner of Blue Duck Station, sharing some thoughtful insights about his farming journey.
Eastern North Island (ENI)
The ENI Farmer Council Annual Meeting, held in Masterton, had an outstanding turnout of 65 farmers attend.
Following a lively dinner, attendees were treated to an insightful presentation from farming systems scientist Dr Robyn Dynes, who reflected on her time as a young scientist fronting the challenges in Western Australia through to the impacts of climate change on New Zealand's regional food production.
The B+LNZ ENI Farmer Council welcomed several new faces, including Corey McFadzean and Simon Falloon, John Beech and Andrew Gardiner, and Grace Pettit as a co-opted member. Re-elected members Richard Scholefield and Samuel O'Fee will continue their leadership for another term.
Outgoing Chair, Sandra Matthews, and former council members Simon Hales, Grant Bennett, and Shanna Cairns were warmly thanked for their dedication and contributions. The ENI council welcomed a new Chair, Dan Billing, with Richard Scholefield taking on the role of Deputy Chair.
Northern South Island (NSI)
The NSI Farmer Council met in sunny Kaikōura, featuring an inspiring session with Roger Beattie from Wyld. Beattieshared his journey of continuous innovation both inside and outside the farm gate, discussing the ideas that have driven him to develop seven businesses and fuel his passion for the agri-sector.
Around 20 farmers attended, with discussions focused around reflecting on the past year’s successes, the refreshed strategy and how the NSI regional plan will be implemented.
B+LNZ NSI Farmer Council welcomed two new Farmer Councillors Georgie Murry and Harry Wilding. Warwick Lissaman was re-elected as Chair and Fraser Tasker also re-elected as Deputy Chair. Standing down from the NSI Farmer Council is Bert Oliver and George Fox who we thank for their huge contributions to the council.
Central South Island (CSI)
The CSI Farmer Council Annual Meeting, held at Glendhu Station in Wānaka, had 21 attendees.
The two-day meeting covered the new Extension Strategy for 24-25 and had presentations from Nicholas Jolly, B+LNZ Senior Trade Policy Advisor, and Jason Archer, head of B+LNZ Genetics presenting, delving into the current trade and genetics landscapes. B+LNZ Chair, Kate Acland joined online for a well received question and answer session.
The CSI Farmer Council welcomed Matt Walker, Glen McDonald and Tom Bell. With Sam Stevens being elected chair and John Fitzgerald his deputy. Victora Maginzovic was elected to represent the CSI Farmer Council on the Farmer Research Advisory Group (FRAG). The council farewelled Scott Levings and Sarah Jamieson.
Southern South Island (SSI)
Around 40 attended the SSI Farmer Council Annual Meeting held in Lumsden. Presenters include outgoing Chairman, Graham Evans, local B+LNZ Director, Geoffrey Young, and B+LNZ Extension Managers, Claire Teutenberg and Dean Sinnamon.
The day included a presentation of the Farmer Council leadership certificates, and Farmer Councillor, Pete Thomson, sharing highlights of the programme.
Matt McRae was elected as Chair and Matt Tayler as Deputy Chair for the next term. The SSI Farmer Council thanks outgoing Chair, Graham Evans for his passion, dedication and the Welsh humour he brought to his role. Graham remains on the SSI Farmer Council.
The AGM was followed by a farm tour of Matt and Shona Taylor’s property ‘Lorne Peak’. An impressive property spanning 5,650 hectares with 2,705 hectares of high-country land and the remainder as lower, more developed country. Matt and Shona have made huge progress in production and change in farm systems since taking over in 2008. Matt shared insights of his vast knowledge of pastures and demonstrated what can be achieved through proactive management.
The SSI AGM ended with smoko at the dog trial club houses on Lorne Peak and the SSI Farmer Council members making their way to Queenstown for dinner and general meeting the following day.
