Congratulations to the 2024 graduates of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Generation Next Programme from the North Island cohort. South Island participants will be graduating later this year.
The Generation Next Programme, run by B+LNZ, is designed to nurture and develop both current and aspiring farmers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to become future industry leaders. It is a technical programme for practical people.
Over the course of three workshops held over six months, participants gained a solid foundation in financial management, enhanced their decision-making abilities—from genetics to setting personal goals—explored new technologies and ideas to bring back to their farms, and learned how to foster a positive team culture in the workplace. Additionally, they received support to better understand the overarching goals and objectives of the industry.
All North Island participants recently completed their final module, which focused on understanding the journey livestock undergo at the processing plant. They gained insights into how raw materials are transformed into finished products, with emphasis on biosecurity and animal welfare considerations.
Angus Irvine, B+LNZ Eastern North Island Extension Manager says, “It was fantastic to bring the cohort together for their final module, which not only included a visit to the processing plant but also focused on animal health, welfare, grazing management, and mental health and wellbeing.”
“We’re inspired by the amazing individuals who we know will do great things and help lead the ag sector in NZ in the coming years,” says Irvine.
The South Island cohort will complete their final modules later this year.
Looking ahead, B+LNZ will soon launch the B+LNZ Generation Next Programme Alumni, aimed at fostering long-term connections among participants. The alumni network will offer a number of learning opportunities and the chance to come back together to maintain and develop these valuable networks.
Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manager, noted the importance of providing ongoing opportunities for participants to connect, learn, and support one another. She says, “We see value in investing in those who are willing to invest in themselves and ensure that their learnings go beyond the day of graduation and have a positive impact long into the future for sheep and beef operations.”
Want to join us in 2025?
Applications for the 2025 intake open this summer. You can register your interest by emailing generation.next@beeflambnz.com to be the first to receive information as it becomes available.
Graduated in the past?
Ensure you are on the alumni mailing list by emailing generation.next@beeflambnz.com.