Discussion Group

On Wednesday my discussion group meet a again ... this time in the heart of the King Country, south of Te Kuiti.  The groups theme for the day was talking about what top performing farmers do on their farm, some of the possible benchmarking that the group could do.

Smaller group today as jobs such as docking and sowing maize took them away, but discussion was still pretty full and frank.  As we worked through what top farmers were doing it created a lot of questions such as how was that benchmarked, what were the key drivers, factors that might impact on a result etc.

One of the issues the group has been grappling with is what to benchmark and how.  Resolution to our meeting was that we are going to measure different topics on-farm and compare the group along with best practice information.  An example of this is ewe hogget mating.  The group has come up with their own monitoring topics and questions, now the commitment to deliver this information.

Part of the on-farm session is to see aspects of the farm we visit.  Wednesday we were rewarded with a beautiful day and good views for the top of the farm.  This particular farm is looking at development, and the group looked at what could be done, the planning process required and some timeframes and resources around to make it happen.

The group nearly at the top of hill ... stopped for a chat.

Discussion Group

Tomorrow we are off to our Sheep and Beef Discussion Group.  Our group consists of 13 farms from Te Kauwhata/Wairamarama in the north to Aria/Mahoenui in the south.  Ideally we would like to take this to 15 farms ... so if you know of someone that might be interested.  We meet 6 times a year on and off-farm, with one annual trip away.  The discussion group is facilitated by myself.

I work for an independent agriculture consulting firm - AgFirst.  More information about us can be found at http://www.agfirst.co.nz/.  The AgFirst Waikato office is based in Hamilton, with 5.5 Dairy Consultants and myself as the Sheep and Beef Consultant.  We do a mixture of 1-to-1 consulting as well as project and group related work.

Tomorrow we are visiting RX Plastics based at Horotiu (see website http://www.rxplastics.co.nz/ ) NZ's leading manufacturer of irrigation products, water storage tanks and effluent disposal systems.  As part of our visits we are interested in what they actually do, but like to get an insight on how the business has grown and also how it meets the needs of its customers.

We will then head to the AgFirst offices to initiate some Business Planning and to review a survey that the members have just completed and the associated Strategy for the Discussion Group.

Following that, we will head to the Speights Ale House to join with some other Agri-business personnel for some socialising and a meal.

Part of the strength of the group is the information, but also important is the 'fellowship' and support that the group offers, especially during tough times.  The discussion group started in February 2006, and Burklee joined the group in February 2008 when we bought this property.  The group has had members come and go since its initiation, with a wide diversity of farmers - young and old, large and small holdings, level of experience, which adds to the debates and support.

My reward from the group is the positive feedback and an enjoyable day.  If each member can take home one new idea/contact, then the day has been more than worthwhile. 

We'll let you know how it went.