Seminar an opportunity for beef and sheep farmers

By Tony Orman

Marlborough beef and sheep farmers have a great opportunity to hear top speakers at a seminar in Blenheim on Thursday 28 July.

Chairman of the Marlborough Farming for Profit Committee Richard Dawkins described it as an excellent opportunity to get off-farm, socialise and hear four knowledgeable speakers speak to the theme of "Sustainably Optimising your Farm Performance”.

“We’re encouraging all beef and lamb levy payers to attend,” he says. “It’s topical given record meat schedules on offer and the need to focus on sustainability.”

Soil scientist Jacqueline Howarth provides the science background, while Agri-Analyst Genevieve Steven will give a Rabobank analysis and finishing off the evening are top performing farmers Paul Crick and Dayanne Almedia from an 850-hectare sheep, beef and deer farm in the Wairarapa.

Jacqueline Rowarth is a farmer-elected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown and an Adjunct Professor at Lincoln University.

Paul Crick and Dayanne Almedia lease “Glenside” farm, 20 minutes south of Masteron. Paul has an extensive 30-year background in agriculture and education both in New Zealand and overseas, including Director of Farms for Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, chairman of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand National Farmer’s Council, and latterly have been appointed to the Board of the Workforce Development Council for Primary Industries.

Originally from Brazil, Dayanne has been extensively involved in ram breeding, having worked previously for Wairere Rams as Research and Development Manager while completing her Master’s Degree in sheep genetics and breeding through Massey University.

Genevieve Steven grew up on the family farm in South Canterbury then graduated from Lincoln University where she studied Agricultural Science and graduated with First Class Honors.

She went on to work for ANZCO Foods and KPMG before joining Rabobank in June 2021 as an agricultural analyst within Rabobank’s food and agribusiness research team (RaboResearch). As part of her role, Genevieve facilitates an Action Network Group of farmers in the Hurunui District.

She is also the current Chair of Women in Agribusiness New Zealand. Genevieve lives with her partner George on his family sheep, beef and deer farm in North Canterbury.

Richard Dawkins says farmers should not miss a grand opportunity.

“There’s a warm invitation to farmers, spouses, farming partners and farm-decision makers.  Dinner will be provided and the bar will be open.”

“After limited field days and social events due to recent covid restrictions it will be great to be back enjoying what has become one of the highlights of the year” he says.

The seminar will run from 4 pm to 9.30pm and will be held at Clubs of Marlborough. Farmers and partners wishing to attend should register on the Beef and Lamb website.