Unique field day for farm optimisation

District dairy farmers will come together as part of a public field day to help people farm smarter and future proof their rural investment.

The field day called ‘‘Journey to Build a Resilient Farming Business through Farm Optimisation’’ on March 1, follows the completion of a three year programme Matamata-Piako Three (MP3) Rivers Trust Dairy Push Group.

Group secretary Georgie Cameron said the group was formed just over three years ago, meeting a need to help farmers push beyond the best practice on farm.

These pushes surrounded people, profit and planet, including being compliant with a sustainable milk plan, riparian planner and benchmarking financial situations, through the use of Dairybase.

‘‘Our plan is around what was needed for people, planet and financials and upskilling farmers for the future,’’ said Cameron.

Twenty-seven farmers joined the journey, coached and mentored along the way from rural leaders including Dairy NZ, Waikato Regional Council, BNZ, Diprose-Miller and Anexa.

The field day is hosted by MP3 Push group members Warwick and Adrienne Wilcock who will be discussing their own journey

‘‘Everyone has their take on what they could do on their farm, but ultimately we all have to achieve similar outcomes.’’

through the programme.

The programme has challenged our decision making to ensure the future of our family farming business,’’ said Adrienne.

‘‘Volatility of payout is here to stay and we have to navigate through the highs and lows to our best advantage while meeting compliance issues.

‘‘Doing the same thing as yes- terday is not an option.’’

She said the field day wasn’t about them but an opportunity for people to hear from experts in the rural industry in a hands on environment and make contacts - a way of future proofing their investment amd farming smarter.

‘‘One size doesn’t fit all, everyone has their take on what they could do on their farm, but ultimately we all have to achieve similar outcomes. ‘‘This is how we do it. ‘‘The farmers in this MP3 group are already a step ahead.

‘‘So when change comes, there are already people in this area farmers can talk to and access people they know from within that group.’’

On Farm Field Day will be held on March 1, 10.15am-2pm, 189 Campbell Road, Walton.