B+LNZ recently hosted a four-part ‘grow your people, grow your farm’ webinar series aimed at helping farmers build stronger, more capable teams through effective training and communication. Watch the recordings.
The webinar series brought together experts in HR, education, and psychology to share practical tools and insights for on-farm learning and development. Each of the first three sessions also featured a farmer who shared their personal experiences and how they’ve applied the advice in real-world settings.
Justine Kidd, B+LNZ General Manager Extension says, “we were really pleased to get this initiative off the ground, and it was great to have farmers join the webinar opportunity across the series. Now, with these recordings available, farmers can also access and revisit the insights and information in their own time, whenever it suits them best.”
Understanding how people learn
Lee Astridge from No8HR kicked off the series by exploring how understanding the different ways people connect and engage with learning and information can transform on-farm training.
Lee encouraged farmers to follow this framework:
- Match your training approach to the learner (learning types explained in the webinar)
- Follow the learning cycle (explained in the webinar)
- Observe, ask and adapt as you go
We also heard from farmer Mark Guscott on his experiences and lessons when it comes to training people in his team and the impact to his business.
Effective on-farm training methods
Carolyn and Marieanne from Primary ITO shared a range of proven training methods and how to build a structured plan for skill development.
Some key advice
- Training needs to be embedded in the goals of your business
- Put effort into preparing for the training – think about what is needed beforehand to make the most of the training time e.g. safety, key principles
- During the training think about using the EDIPE model: Explain, demonstrate, imitate, practice and evaluate (explained in webinar)
- Put effort into post training – how the trainee will use the new skills afterwards e.g. give them time to practice and grow their new skills
They were joined by Central Otago Farmer Sam Stevens who shared his experience.
Measuring confidence and competency
Lee Astride returned to discuss how farmers can assess whether their team members are truly ready to take on tasks independently.
She shares a framework for the different learner levels, their learning aims at each level, and how to evaluate them based on where they are at.
She was also joined by Otiwhiti Station’s Charlie Duncan who shared his experiences with his staff and the cadets that pass through the training school each year.
Working with different generations through effective communications
Sarah Donaldson, a clinical psychologist, wrapped up the series with insights into intergenerational communication and how to support team members who may be struggling.
Sarah highlighted the importance to take the time to regularly connect with your team.
She then shared how to work with team members based on some generational values.
Learn more about B+LNZ people and capability work
This webinar series is part of B+LNZ’s People and Capability workstream. Learn more on B+LNZ’s website.