Tuesday 8 November

Arohena Discussion Group

At Grant and Pam Wilson's farm, 869 Waipapa Road, Arohena SN 74692 11am – 2pm. The Wilson's have two dairies managed by their sons Scott and Glen. How are they able to work the two together to make the most of their business? BYO lunch. Ph Sarah 021 770 859 or email: [email protected]

Eureka Discussion Group

At Richard Morrow's, 581 Puketaha Road. SN 72 882 11am. The Eureka FSG is an active group which meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Richard is an experienced farm owner with some interesting experiences with the issues of pasture persistence.

Kiwitahi Discussion Group

At Peter Anderson's, 187 Waterworks Road, Morrinsville SN 76684 11am – 1.30pm. The group discuses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph David 027 474 3258 or email: [email protected]

Milksmart Workshop – Ngatea

Workshops are free of charge for levy-paying farmers & their staff. Prior registration essential. Ph Ben Turner 021 222 9028 or [email protected]

Pukeatua Discussion Group

Hosted by Warren Becks, 2028 Arapuni Road, Pukeatua SN73985 11am – 1.30pm. Come and see what Warren is doing in his first year on an organic farm to get the most out of it. Ph Amy 0274 832 205 or email: [email protected]

Tauranga Hills WFA Discussion Group

Hosted by Gordon McFetridge, 788 Omanawa Rd, RD1, Tauranga SN 21267 11am – 2pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147

Wednesday 9 November

Kaharoa/Mamaku WFA Discussion Grp

Hosted by Neil Roe, 38 Mauku St, Mamaku SN 78522 11am – 2pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147 or email: [email protected]

Kereone Discussion Group

Hosted by Peter Martin, 401 Kereone Road, SN 76714 10.30am – 1.30pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Also discussing summer management and providing feedback for the host farmer. Ph Dave 027 474 3258 or email: [email protected]

Thursday 10 November

Hikutaia Discussion Group

Hosted by Bob Nichol's, 478 Ferry Road, Hikutaia SN 75733 10.30am – 1pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Murry 021 242 2127 or email: [email protected]

Otorohanga South Discussion Group

Farm sharemilked by Charlie Holmes, 536 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otewa SN 74818 11am – 1.30pm. This is Charlie's family farm. Come along and find out what the farm goals are and how their system is managed. A good chance to catch up with the community and compare three week submission rates to reassess mating strategies. BYO lunch. Ph Sarah 021 770 859 or email: [email protected]

Tuesday 15 November

Elstow/Springdale Farm Systems Group

At Adri Rigter's, No 1 Road, Waitoa SN 76549 10.30am – 1pm. The group analyses the host farmer's business and make recommendations to help them achieve their stated goals. This month covers optimising productivity pre-Christmas, and summer planting. Ph Wayne 027 293 4401 or email: [email protected]

Katikati/Matakana Is Discussion Group

Hosted by Ian Jeffrey, 447 Youngson Road, Tauranga SN 21207 11am – 2pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Wilma 021 246 2147 or email: [email protected]

Otaua/Aka Aka Discussion Group

Host: Bruce Parry, Aka Aka Church Road SN 71031 10.45am – 1.30pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Sarah 027 486 4344 or email: [email protected]

Wednesday 16 November

Milksmart Workshop – Whitikahu, North Waikato

Workshops are free or charge to levy-paying farmers and their staff, however prior registration essential. Ph Ben 021 222 9028 or email: [email protected]

Tatuanui Farm Systems Group

At Johan and Kylie van Ras', SH 27 (north) Tatua 109 10.30am – 1pm. The group discuss and analyse the host farmer's business and make recommendations to help them achieve their stated goals. This month covers planning for summer and nutrient management plans. Ph Wayne 027 293 4401 or email: [email protected]

Thursday 17 November

Milksmart Workshop – Whakatane, BOP

Workshops are free of charge for levy-paying farmers and their staff. Prior registration essential. Ph Cameron 027 288 8238 or email: [email protected]

Putaruru Biz Start

Plaza Theatre Putaruru, 59 Kensington St, Putaruru 11am – 1pm. Steps to wealth creations: Leave with your own personal budget and know your net wealth. Ph Amy 027 483 2205 or email: [email protected]

Te Kawa/Pokuru Discussion Group

At Hugh and Olwen Earwaker's Farm managed by Jo Varga, Te Kawa Road, Te Awamutu SN 74291 11am – 1.30pm. This is Jo's first season managing the farm. What have the challenges been for the first season? What are the future plans for the farm and Earwaker's future goals? Ph Sarah 021 770 859 or email: [email protected]

Friday 18 November

Milksmart Workshop- Reporoa, BOP

Workshops are free of charge to levy-paying farmers and their staff. Prior registration essential. Ph Sharon 027 492 2907 or email: [email protected]

North Waikato Biz Grow Group

Barkers Function Centre, Ngutumanga Road, Waihou 10.30am – 1.30pm. Session on benchmarking: Why you would benchmark, where you can get benchmarking information, what DairyBase is and how to read through the reports, and what KPI's you identify as important for your business to focus on. Ph Murray 021 242 2127 or email: [email protected]

Whakatane Irrigation Group

Hosts: Kelvin and Jane Heath, 602 Otakiri Road, Whakatane SN 21815 10.15am – 1pm. The group has been formed to maximise the potential of irrigated properties within the Eastern BOP. Participants will share management and technology to overcome challenges and maximise opportunities of irrigated farm systems. Ph Cameron 027 288 8238 or email: [email protected]

Saturday 19 November

115^th Te Aroha A&P Show

At Boyd Park, Te Aroha. Competition sections: Equestrian, cattle, children's livestock, horticultural trade space & food/craft stalls. Plus other entertainment.

Monday 21 November

Winter Milk Group

Hosted by Dennis Barcly, 773 Eastcoast Road, Kaiaua SN 70549 10.45am – 1.30pm. A forum for split calving and winter milk farmers to discuss the challenges the face on the farm and potential solutions. Ph Sarah 027 486 4344 or email: [email protected]

Tuesday 22 November

Waihi FSG Discussion Group

Hosted by Owen Taylor, Pukewara Road, Waihi SN 75930. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Ph Wilma 021 246 2147 or email: [email protected]

Waotu Discussion Group

Hosted by Brad Hodges, 925 Waotu Road, Putaruru SN 77882 11am – 1.30pm. Come along to the local discussion group to get ideas for setting up for summer on your own farm, and managing pesky summer grasses. Ph Amy 0274 832 205 or email: [email protected]

Wednesday 23 November

Waimana WFA Discussion Group

Hosted by Joe De Groot, Mottram Road, Waimana SN 22451 10.45am – 1pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Lunch supplied by Farmlands Whakatane. Ph Cameron 027 288 238 or email: [email protected]

Thursday 24 November

Mangakino Whole Farm Assessment Group

Hosts: Larry and Maria Perrott, Waimanoa Road, Mangakino SN 78286 10.30am – 1.30pm. The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Lunch supplied by RD1. Ph Sharon 027 492 2907 or email: [email protected]

PioPio Discussion Group

At Matt & Olivia Buckley's farm managed by Cobus Barnard, 341 SH4 (first farm after the 8 Mile turnoff), Te Kuiti OCC295 11am – 1.30pm. Matt and Olivia converted the farm to dairying last season. What have the wins been and what areas still have the greatest opportunity on their farm. Last group before Christmas. Ph Sarah 021 770 859 or email: [email protected]

Thursday 1 December

Rural Ladies Social Group (South Waikato)

New to the area? Looking to meet new people? Come along and see what we have to offer. First Thursday of every month at the Okoriore Pub NR Tirau from 7pm. For a chat, socialising, guest speakers. Ph Sian 021 023 66566 or Kay 021 687 578

To list your rural event please email: [email protected] with Rural Event in the subject heading.