A B+LNZ Focus Group is a small group learning initiative introduced into the extension programme as part of B+LNZ’s refreshed strategy.
These are topic focused, and outcomes driven, providing farmers’ the opportunity to learn from other members and subject matter experts. These groups are deliberately kept small to ensure everyone gets a chance to share insights and learn from each other.
What is a Focus Group?
These are small group learning environments with a specific area of on-farm business or performance topic focus. Each group is a closed group for the duration, usually over two years with eight group days in total. The group activity is designed to learn, identify opportunities and then identify actions to take ‘back home’ – delivering real value now and into the future. At each group day Group Members will share what they did and what they learned a ‘from doing’ to maximise the opportunity of learning from each other every time they meet.
A focus group activity is free to all associated levy payers and their employees; these groups are closed groups with members committing to the full group journey.
Selection criteria
- Actively working on a sheep and beef or drystock property (associated levy payers).
- Willingness to learn new skills and understand the drivers to improving on farm production and profitability of the sheep and beef sector.
- Participants must be able to attend all Focus Group meetings.
Focus Group topics
Focus Group topics are driven by each region’s needs as identified in the Regional Delivery Plan process led by B+LNZ’s Farmer Council and Kāhui.
While topics vary by regions, here are three Focus Group topics that are currently up and running:
Financial management
Very few of us went farming because we love analysing financials, forecasting cash flow, or discussing interest rate risk strategies with the bank – but these are critical skills for doing business in 2025. Designed to empower farmers with these essential skills, our Financial Management Focus Groups offer a unique perspective on financial management.
Animal production
Our Animal Production Focus Groups have been designed by farmers, for farmers to utilise the latest research from our technical team, supported by a variety of subject matter experts to empower you in achieving your animal and farm production goals. Farmers involved in these groups get equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their livestock production and performance that align with their business goals.
Forages for production
This Focus Group is all about identifying opportunities to improve farmers’ pasture and forage production by adopting management practices that increase their total dry matter grown and drive farm profitability and performance. Group participants spend the first year starting from the soil up, considering how to optimise fertiliser requirements, selecting pasture and forage options to achieve their goals and feed budgeting to optimise livestock production and drive profitability.
Register for a group
Learn more about the B+LNZ Focus Group opportunities near you via B+LNZ’s event calendar.