Resilient thinking puts farmers ahead of the game

Farmers are being treated to an impressive line-up of expert speakers at the 2016 “Farming for the Future” seminar, Carterton Events Centre, Tuesday 8 March. The theme “Resilient farms – Risks, Returns and Responsibilities” will focus farmers’ attention on the dynamic space they operate in and help them explore responses to ensure the sustainability of their farming business.

“Volatile economic and environmental conditions are now forcing farm systems to demonstrate efficient resource use to stay ahead of the game”, says Wairarapa farmer and Ruamahanga Whaitua Chairperson, Peter Gawith. “Business resilience helps farmers to ‘roll with the punches’ when factors change which are beyond their control”.

“Improving the resilience of farm businesses generates better risk and environmental management as well as a greater return on invested capital. This is an event farmers will gain huge take-home value from,” says Heather Atkinson, seminar host and President of South Wairarapa Biodiversity Group.

Wairarapa-based Resource Management Act (RMA) planning expert, Helen Marr, will talk about the relationship between resilient farm businesses and the RMA’s goal of sustainable management.
Specialist speakers include:

• Barbara Stuart, farmer, Landcare Trust Golden Bay Coordinator (inaugural Morgan Foundation River prize winner);
• Harriet Palmer, ’Trees on Farms’ specialist
• Andrew Barton, General Manager , North Canterbury’s Amuri Water Company
• Peter Fraser, economist at Ropere Consulting
• Geoff Simmons, economist at the Morgan Foundation
• Anthony Olsen, Principal consultant at GeoPlan Ltd

The Mangatarere Restoration Society is promoting the event which is sponsored by Rabobank, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Beef and Lamb New Zealand and Perception Planning
‘Resilient farms – Risks, Returns and Responsibilities’ builds on the success of the two previous “Farming for the Future” seminars. For more information and to register, go to: www.farmingforthefuture.org.nz
Contact: Heather Atkinson, President, South Wairarapa Biodiversity Group, 027 303 5334