Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is ramping up its regional delivery efforts with refreshed Regional Delivery Plans (RDPs), led by the Farmer Council, Kāhui, and our extension team.
A key component of this work is the introduction of new small group learning initiatives designed to help farmer’s connect, identify opportunities and support their business growth.
Renewed focus on on-farm support
In 2024, B+LNZ refreshed its strategy to ensure a stronger focus on behind-the-farm-gate support. This includes an expanded extension programme featuring new small group learning initiatives, regional 'Hub' farms, and partnerships addressing local challenges and opportunities. We have also increased investment in research and innovation, focusing on genetics, animal health challenges, and practical solutions that benefit sheep, beef, and dairy beef farmers.
Our extension team plays a crucial role in delivering farmer centric events aimed at engaging farmers with opportunities for productivity, profitability, and sustainability gains in their farming businesses.
With this in mind, each of our seven Farmer Councils, and our newly established Kāhui, in collaboration with the Extension team, developed its annual RDP tailored to their region/needs. These plans guide our 2024/25 extension programme activity, ensuring that levy investments align with farmer priorities for regional events and activities.
Identifying key themes for regional delivery
Each RDP is tailored to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of its respective region. However, several common themes have emerged nationwide:
- Strengthening farm business performance and management
- Enhancing financial management and confidence in ‘numbers’
- Exploring production efficiencies and feed management
- Supporting on-farm people management
- Leveraging technology for efficiency gains
- Optimising land use and diversifying revenue streams
- Creating opportunities for farmer connection and peer-to-peer learning
To address these themes, farmers will have access to a variety of regional events, field days, workshops, and small group learning opportunities designed to improve all aspects of their farm businesses.
The newly formed Kāhui (Māori agribusiness advisory group) representing the needs of Māori farmers also has its own RDP aligned with regional Farmer Councils.
Introducing B+LNZ Focus Groups
A significant addition to our extension programme is the introduction of Focus Groups. These small group learning environments are designed around specific topics, providing farmers with an opportunity to engage in outcome-driven discussions with subject matter experts and peers.
Focus Groups consist of practical workshops delivered over two years (eight sessions in total), aimed at enhancing farm profitability, productivity, and sustainability.