Wairarapa farmers offered expert help

Heather Atkinson and Russell Death sampling a stream. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Farmers are being treated to a line-up of expert speakers at the 2016 Farming for the Future seminar at the Carterton Events Centre on Tuesday, March 8.

The event's theme is "Resilient farms -- Risks, Returns and Responsibilities", which aims to help farmers to explore ways of ensuring the sustainability of their farming business.

"Volatile economic and environmental conditions are now forcing farm systems to demonstrate efficient resource use to stay ahead of the game," said Wairarapa farmer and Ruamahanga Whaitua chairman Peter Gawith.

"Business resilience helps farmers to 'roll with the punches' when factors change which are beyond their control," Mr Gawith says.

"Improving the resilience of farm businesses generates better risk and environmental management as well as a greater return on invested capital."

Wairarapa-based Resource Management Act (RMA) planning expert, Helen Marr, will be presenting at the event, speaking about the relationship between resilient farm businesses and the RMA's goal of sustainable management.

Other speakers include: Barbara Stuart, farmer, Landcare Trust Golden Bay co-ordinator (inaugural Morgan Foundation River prize winner); Harriet Palmer, "Trees on Farms" specialist; Andrew Barton, general manager North Canterbury's Amuri Water Company; Peter Fraser, economist at Ropere Consulting; Geoff Simmons, economist at the Morgan Foundation; Anthony Olsen, principal consultant at GeoPlan Ltd.

The Mangatarere Restoration Society is promoting the event which is sponsored by Rabobank, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Beef and Lamb New Zealand and Perception Planning builds on the success of the two previous "Farming for the Future" seminars.