Nov 1, 2024
Throughout October, the Ballance Farm Sustainability team have commenced another two cohorts of catchment-focused integrated farm plan (IFP) workshops. Our Waikaka workshop commenced 9 October, while Waikaia kicked off 29 October. Both workshops include a mixture of deer and sheep and beef farmers, supported by the DINZ IFP project and Rabobank. It’s been a challenging spring on-farm in Southland, however those that could attend the workshops appreciated the support provided and the opportunity to have a break from on-farm activities.
Attendees at Waikaka workshop
The entire Waikaia catchment group is registered to attend our workshops. It’s been very refreshing to see the commitment from this catchment group. Feedback from farmers in this group was that if they are going to attend a farm planning workshop, then they wanted to do it together as a whole catchment group. A number of these farmers have signaled their intentions of working towards New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Plus (NZAP Plus), along with front-footing regional requirements.
Moving into the new year, we are still confirming locations for our future catchment-focused IFP workshops, along with our deer-only workshops, which are more focused on supporting deer farmers to update their current farms plans to meet the latest Southland land and water plan and NZFAP Plus requirements.
If you would like to be involved with either of these workshops, please reach out to farm.sustainability@ballance.co.nz.
What do you need to elevate your farm planning?
Deer Industry New Zealand is a recipient of the Integrated Farm Planning Acceleration Fund from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This is a fantastic opportunity to provide tailored support to our deer farmers, but we need your input.
We’re aiming to fill the gaps between the resources provided by regional councils and local groups, and what you, our deer farmers, have already established on your farms. Whether it’s around compliance, environmental planning, or business resilience, we want to hear from you!
Tell us what areas you feel could use extra attention. Do you need help with understanding local regulations, farm environment plans, health and safety, biodiversity, or getting upskilled on online farm planning systems?
Share your thoughts and help us shape a programme that works for a group of farmers in your region. Get in touch through your NZDFA branch chair or contact us directly at ifp@deernz.org or phone Molly on 04 473 4500.
