Farmers from across the Southern South Island gathered in Riversdale recently for the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Southern South Island (SSI) Farmer Council Annual General Meeting, bringing together farmers, councillors and B+LNZ representatives to discuss the issues shaping the region.
The Annual Meeting provided an opportunity for farmers to hear directly from their elected representatives, ask questions and share feedback on B+LNZ's work and priorities.
In her SSI Farmer Council Chair's report, Courtney Nimmo reflected on a year that had tested many farmers while also highlighting the strength of engagement across the region through field days, workshops, Focus Groups and Farming for Profit events. She said the Farmer Council's role was to ensure Southern South Island farmers continue to have a strong voice in B+LNZ.
"We don't always agree, and nor should we. We have robust conversations, challenge each other and bring different perspectives to the table, but our core focus remains the same: improving the productivity and profitability of our farmers and providing strong, practical advice to B+LNZ on what farmers in our region need."
Southern South Island Farmer Director Matt McRae provided an update on key industry issues and B+LNZ's strategic direction, including the important role levy investment plays in supporting farmers through extension, research, advocacy and capability-building programmes.
Farmers also heard updates from B+LNZ's farmer-led reference groups covering environment, research, and people and capability, alongside an overview of delivery across the region and priorities for the year ahead. Learn more about these priorities in the B+LNZ SSI Regional Delivery Plan.
A key part of the AGM was recognising the contribution of outgoing Farmer Councillors Matt Tayler, Bill McCall and Sarah Swinbourn, who have collectively given many years of service representing sheep and beef farmers across the Southern South Island. Geoffrey Young was also acknowledged following the completion of his term as a B+LNZ Director.
The Annual Meeting also welcomed new Farmer Councillors Kieran O'Brien, Nicola Thompson and Chris Paterson, along with co-opted member Danielle Bain.
Southern South Island Extension Manager Claire Teutenberg said the quality of discussion throughout the day demonstrated how invested farmers are in B+LNZ’s extension work for the region.
"There were plenty of robust questions and conversations throughout the day, which is exactly what we want to see. Farmers care about where their levy is being invested, they want to share what's happening on-farm, and they want to help shape the work B+LNZ does on their behalf.
"Farmer Councils play an important role in making sure those perspectives are brought to the table and reflected in regional and national priorities."
The Annual Meeting concluded with a presentation from 2026 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing, Michelle Roberts and Tony Roberts, who shared insights from their farming journey and experiences promoting New Zealand agriculture.