Connecting in dairying
Many dairy women will be moving into the area following the start of the industry’s new season. Dairy Women’s Network exists to make them feel at home with a tribe of likeminded women to back them.
The network is a not-forprofit organisation, built on the Kiwi can-do attitude.
Its focus is to create occasions for women to get off the farm and connect with others.
It develops, facilitates and promotes events and initiatives for members to acquire industry-based knowledge and soft skills.
Webinars, workshops and events have been developed by women in the industry to suit busy lifestyles and in recognition of women’s situations as farmers or professionals, wives and mothers.
While it is a women’s network, one of its core values is inclusivity, and men are also welcome. A team of volunteer regional leaders across 35 regional groups help to run events around the country.
Workshop topics range from on-farm skills such as herd reproduction, calf rearing, shed hygiene and mastitis management to personal development such as creating a positive culture on farm and human resources.
Also covered are businessfocused topics, such as payroll and farm accommodation.
Workshops are delivered in a fun and interactive style, and a supportive learning environment is created. Where possible sessions are recorded as webinars to build up yearround content for members.
All members are invited to the annual conference held in different locations around the country, where there are opportunities to learn, connect and inspire each other. The conference is also a time for celebration, and where the winners of the organisation’s two awards, Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and Regional Leader of the Year are announced.
The Dairy Women’s Network has become an increasingly influential industry participant that attracts significant support from leading partners and organisations. This helps it provide new opportunities for in knowledge and leadership, so members can add more value to their business and individual journey.
Membership is free whatever a person’s role in the industry is. Visit www.dwn. org.nz for more information and to sign up.
Those moving to a new district who have been involved in the Dairy Women’s Network will find a similar range of workshops and social events in their new district.