Dairy farmers can learn more about tackling big employment issues at four events in March.

People Expos will be delivered by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network in the Northland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu-Whanganūi and Southland regions.

DairyNZ lead people advisor Jane Muir says the events provided opportunities to better understand workforce dynamics, and get ideas on actions they can take to find and keep great people.

“Supporting great workplaces and people on farm is critical,” she says.

The events also provided opportunities to connect with other farmers facing similar challenges, while guest speakers and workshops provided inspiration and practical tips.

“I encourage farmers to attend, as I think everyone will take something positive away from these events that is directly applicable to their farm.”

Guest speakers included Waikato dairy farm owners Sue and David Fish, focusing on their ethos of teamwork, and MyFarm chief commercial officer, Chris Parsons, sharing his story of teamwork and leadership, in a varied career including time in the NZ Defence Force.

Leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub would discuss global, national, and regional economic and workforce changes and outline why farm businesses must act differently and look in new places to stay successful.

“The global and political backdrop for farmers is increasingly unpredictable, affecting interest rates, dairy price, and the input costs of critical things, like feed and fertiliser,” he says.

Businesses and farming were more unpredictable but leaders could influence how they managed their own business.

The most important resource was people, and they were in short supply.

“I’m looking forward to sharing practical ways for us to think differently as leaders, and to act differently as a sector, along with having insightful discussions with farmers,” he says.

The People Expos are free for dairy farmers and their team to attend.

For more information and registration visit dairynz.co.nz/peopleexpo.

People Expo event information:

Northland March 13, 9.30am to 2.30pm, Barge Park, Whangarei

Southland March 19, 9.30am to 2.30pm, Ascot Park, Invercargill

Manawatū-Whanganui March 26, 9.30am to 2.30pm, Bush Multisport Park, Pahiatua

Bay of Plenty March 27, 9.30am to 2.30pm, Millennium Hotel, Rotorua