Fraser Tasker, alongside his wife Lisa, runs a diverse farming operation in Ruapuna, Mid Canterbury.
Their enterprise consists of a 152-hectare dairy farm and a 184-hectare support and stock trading property. They peak milk 585 cows, with the support block providing wintering for all cows and accommodating replacement heifers, Beef X heifers, Friesian and Beef X bulls, as well as trading sheep, including store lambs and in-lamb ewes. The variety of livestock they manage depends on seasonal factors and earning potential.
Fraser was inspired to join the B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council to offer a fresh perspective and become more involved in the industry. "I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to extend and challenge myself, to learn from other like-minded farmers and industry experts," he says.
He finds great value in connecting with other B+LNZ Farmer Councillors, both locally and nationwide, and enjoys the opportunity to contribute to shaping what B+LNZ do for farmers in his region.
“I really enjoy getting to know other Farmer Councillors and hearing about the opportunities and challenges they face and what they are doing differently on their farm. Some of their challenges could be relevant in the future to farmers in my area.
Fraser encourages others to consider joining B+LNZ’s Farmer Council, especially those who want to engage with like-minded individuals and contribute to shaping B+LNZ's initiatives. "It's a great way to help shape the way B+LNZ delivers in your community and adds value back to farm businesses and agriculture as a whole," he notes.
“It has also benefitted me personally and my farming business. Hearing what others are doing from others across the country has helped me find solutions in my own business.”
Fraser has also been a part of the 2024 B+LNZ Farmer Council Development Programme that gives members an opportunity to get first class professional development to use in their role as a B+LNZ Farmer Councillor and in their own farming businesses.
Apart from his role on the B+LNZ Farmer Council, Fraser is an active volunteer in his community, contributing to his local dog trial club and Domain Board.
He also acknowledges the hard work of fellow council members Tarsh Newport and Bert Oliver, whose dedication and insightful contributions are highly valued by the B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council.
Join B+LNZ’s Farmer Council
The B+LNZ Farmer Council was established to provide a pathway for farmers to lead, support and engage with B+LNZ’s regional extension by setting regional priorities, helping with identifying critical topics and supporting the extension team to deliver events and activities that farmers want and that will make a difference to them and their farm business.
B+LNZ regions currently recruiting:
- B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council: Applications open soon for B+LNZ Farmer Councillors on the West Coast, North Canterbury and Banks Peninsula. Keep an eye out for e-diary notices for the AGM date and location. For more information, please contact kristin.kirkpatrick@beeflambnz.com
- B+LNZ Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council: Applications are open until 5 September 2024. Request a nomination form and send it along with a brief bio to Rachel Jukes at rachel.jukes@beeflambnz.com
- B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Council: Applications are open until 16th August 2024. These are split into Eastern North Island North (Gisborne & Wairoa regions) and south (Tararua & Wairarapa regions). Request a nomination form and send it along with a brief bio to Angus Irvine at angus.irvine@beeflambnz.com
More information on B+LNZ’s website here. You can contact B+LNZ’s Farmer Councillors through your local B+LNZ Extension Manager.