The B+LNZ 2024 Director roadshow started in the Northern South Island at the end of July and the bulk of the sessions will be kicking off in other regions from next week. Feedback from sessions held so far shows farmers felt informed and heard.
The roadshow is a series of informal sessions at around 30 locations across NZ, where B+LNZ outlines our refreshed strategy’s focus on farmers’ productivity and profitability, and tests our current thinking on key policy issues, particularly on freshwater and climate change.
B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland, who attended the first three meetings in Blenheim, Cheviot and Oxford, said there was some good discussion.
“Farmers told us they really appreciated the chance to come along and have an informal chat about B+LNZ’s priorities.
“There was also plenty of constructive discussion on the policy topics and some valuable ideas and suggestions. The team are already looking at how to feed these into B+LNZ’s policy work.
“We look forward to continuing these discussions at the coming events. I strongly encourage farmers to come along and contribute to the conversation. I know things are busy on-farm, but these sessions are a great opportunity to take a break, chat with other farmers, and ultimately to help shape the future direction of B+LNZ.”
More about the meetings to date
Feedback completed by attendees at the initial events showed farmers appreciated the opportunity to attend. Comments included:
“Felt seen + heard + happy to discuss/provide feedback. Also felt informed.”
“Good to get feedback in advance and farmers to feel heard and well backed (included) by B+LNZ.”
“Was good to know what B+L thoughts are and where the environmental focus is at.”
On average, there were around 20 attendees at each meeting, predominantly farmers with a few rural professionals. This number of attendees provided a good balance between open group discussion and everyone being able to contribute.
Three further meetings, in Methven, Fairlie and Waimate, were postponed until September due to snow.
The sessions build on last year’s nationwide feedback sessions and are part of B+LNZ’s commitment to getting out to listen to farmers.
Attend a Director roadshow session near you
To find out more and to register for a session near you go to: www.beeflambnz.com/director-roadshow