The B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui 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 develop and deliver events and activities that farmers want and that will make an impact in their farming business.
What they do
B+LNZ Farmer Councils work alongside regional extension teams to champion farming excellence across New Zealand.
Similarly, the B+LNZ Kāhui partner with the Māori Agribusiness team to champion Māori farming in New Zealand.
Together they:
- provide a farmer lens to regional planning and decision-making
- help develop Regional Delivery Plans that reflect local needs and opportunities
- act as a key sounding board for B+LNZ programmes and activities
- support the delivery of initiatives that improve farm productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Vision
'A growing sheep and beef industry, providing sustainable profits for future generations.'
Mission
'Guide and advise the development and delivery of innovative tools and services to support informed decision making, and continuous improvement in farming systems.'
Farmer Councils structure
We have seven B+LNZ Farmer Councils across the country, each with around 16 members and led by a Chair and Deputy Chair:
- B+LNZ Northern North Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Western North Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Central South Island Farmer Council
- B+LNZ Southern South Island Farmer Council
View the Chair and Deputy Chairs here.
Farmer Councillors are either elected levy paying farmers or appointed representatives of a levy paying farm entity (e.g., a Farm Manager). Farmer Councils may also co‑opt members to bring additional skills, knowledge and perspectives.
Many Farmer Councillors and Kāhui members also contribute to other B+LNZ advisory groups, including:
- Environmental Reference Group
- Farm Research Advisory Group
- People and Capability Advisory Group
B+LNZ Regional Delivery Plans
Each Farmer Councils across works alongside its regional extension team to develop an annual Regional Delivery Plan (RDP).
These plans identify the key opportunities and challenges facing farmers in each region and set priorities for extension activities that will make the greatest difference on farm.
Learn more and access your regional plan
History of the B+LNZ farmer Council
The Farmer Council was established in 2008 to embed the principle of By Farmers, For Farmers.
Its role is to ensure farmer perspectives help shape B+LNZ's extension priorities, investment decisions and regional activities.
From the outset, the Farmer Council has been responsible for:
- representing farmers' views at local and regional levels
- advising B+LNZ on research, development and extension priorities
- acting as a bridge between farmers and industry programmes.