B+LNZ is working alongside industry partners, educators and employers to build a thriving sheep and beef farming community through education, leadership development, career pathways and lifelong learning.
View the latest from our work in investing in our sector’s future through our people.
B+LNZ’s Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship now open
B+LNZ is offering a $4,000 contribution towards a place on any Rural Leaders programme for six livestock farmers looking to grow their leadership skills and impact on the sector.
Through this scholarship, B+LNZ wants to support and enable future farming leaders to make a significant impact on the sheep and beef sector from their position on-farm.
Learn more and apply before 11 October 2026 on B+LNZ’s website here.
Refreshed support for farm employers
To help farmers build and support strong teams, B+LNZ recently refreshed its Employment Hub, bringing together practical tools and resources to support recruitment, onboarding and people management.
It pulls together practical, easy-to-use resources to help farmers through each step, whether it’s hiring someone for the first time or managing a more established team.
Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manger says, “Farmers today are wearing a lot of hats. Alongside running the farm, they’re also managing people, systems and more. We heard clearly that farmers want more support to get the most from their people, and that’s where the Employment Hub comes in.”
Access the hub on B+LNZ’s website.
Stay connected via B+LNZ Generation Next Alumni
Have you been through a B+LNZ Generation Next programme? Are you part of the alumni? If not, sign up now for timely updates, connections and to be part of events like the 10-year celebration reconnection dinner on 19 November at Telford Polytechnic.
The alumni, launched in 2024, is a unique opportunity for continued learning, networking, and connecting with fellow B+LNZ Generation Next graduates from across New Zealand.
To join the alumni, fill out this form or email [email protected].
Applications for the 2027 B+LNZ Generation Next intake open from 7 December to 16 January. Keep a lookout on B+LNZ’s website here and in e-diaries.
Support your local school
B+LNZ offers classroom resources, curriculum-aligned learning tools and support to help bring New Zealand's sheep and beef sector to life for students.
We also have a Farmer Speakers Database, connecting schools with farmers who are willing to visit classrooms and speak with students about farming and food production.
We’re encouraging farmers to sign up to be a part of this database here.
Bella, B+LNZ’s trusted Artificial Intelligence assistant, can also help with your questions. Access Bella via www.AskBella.co.nz
Tertiary Scholarships open 1 November
B+LNZ's Agricultural Student Scholarship supports students pursuing study and careers that will contribute to New Zealand's sheep and beef sector.
Applications open 1 November 2026.
Keep a lookout on B+LNZ’s website here or in your local e-diary.
People and Capability Farmer Reference Group (PCRG)
Made up of farmers with a strong interest in attracting, developing and retaining great people, the PCRG helps guide B+LNZ's People and Capability programme. The group provides real-world feedback and farmer perspectives to ensure initiatives deliver practical value for farming businesses.
Members:
- Ben Allomes: Dairy representative
- Jacob Mackie: Southern South Island
- Hayden Swann: Māori Agribusiness representative
- Mihi Harris: Māori Agribusiness representative
- Richard Scholefield: Gisborne
- Cory Argyle: Northern North Island
- Paul Crick: Vocational Education National Representative
- Lachlan Hopkins: Western North Island
- Leandro Xaubet: Mid Northern North Island
- Tom Macfarlane: Central South Island
- Harry Railton: Northern South Island
- Olivia Weatherburn: B+LNZ National Lead
Learn more about the reference group on B+LNZ’s website here.
Find out more
Learn more about B+LNZ’s people and capability workstream on our website here.
For any questions, please contact [email protected].