Over 72 people graduated from the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Generation Next Programme in 2023 across the country.
The programme recently had its final modules in Timaru and Invercargill.
B+LNZ’s Senior Advisor Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Will Halliday, who attended and presented at both workshops, says it there was a fantastic atmosphere.
“People were extremely enthusiastic about their part to play in the industry and there was excitement within the room about how completing the programme will help them take on more responsibility with their careers to progress further.”
The modules started with a morning trip to a local meat processing plant, sparking discussions on how farmers can elevate the value of the entire processing chain, from livestock presentation to various production aspects. Staff from Alliance Group then shared insights into how New Zealand products are marketed across the globe.
Following this, Halliday's presentation focused on biosecurity, seamlessly transitioning to a representative from the Ministry for Primary Industries who provided a detailed exploration of animal welfare policy.
“The audience was highly engaged, and I especially enjoyed participating in the insightful questions posed,” says Halliday.
The session continued with a presentation from a Rural Support Trust representative, shedding light on resilience and the impactful work of Farmstrong.
The day concluded with the graduation of all participants.
"I’m very optimistic about the future of the industry. It is in good hands. I’m incredibly proud to be involved in the B+LNZ Generation Next programme and seeing these people take their first steps into a bigger future," says Halliday.
Encouraging participation in future programmes, Halliday urged anyone thinking of doing the programme to put themselves forward.
“I also think it would be fantastic for farmers to nudge their workers to participate in this personal development programme.”
Express your interest in the 2024 B+LNZ Generation next programme
The B+LNZ Generation Next programme is a free personal development programme designed to nurture, assist and encourage the current and future farmers within our sector. Learn more here.
Whilst applications formally open in January 2024, B+LNZ is currently taking expressions of interest.
If you’re thinking about taking part in the 2024 B+LNZ Generation Next programme, please email your expression of interest to generation.next@beeflambnz.com.