Your Farming Business course catalyst for Di

North Otago farmers Jeff and Di Cleveland. Photo / Supplied

Di Cleveland admits she was very nervous when she signed up for the Understanding Your Farming Business course.

The course is run by the Agri-Women's Development Trust and funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership Primary Growth Partnership programme.

Since 2014, it has been taken by more than 650 farming women wanting to have a greater understanding of their business drivers and seeking the skills and confidence to participate more in their businesses.

The course was a catalyst for Mrs Cleveland to leave her part-time job in Oamaru and commit to her and husband Jeff's 864ha sheep, beef and deer farm, near Windsor.

But while she wanted to ensure she was a valuable team member, Mrs Cleveland acknowledged she was scared about enrolling in the course, which was held earlier this year in Kurow.

Each course consisted of three full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony, run over four months.

She was very nervous on the first day but, looking back, she was so pleased that she did it, and she had no qualms about recommending it to other farming women.

While her husband was very keen for her to do the course, she made the decision herself and registered without him knowing.

Independent research by UMR showed that six months after graduating, 90% of the women were now confident talking with their partners about the business side of their farming operations.

Three-quarters were confident in understanding their farm accounts while 78% were doing financial budgeting with their partner.

The research showed graduates were more actively contributing to their farming businesses, RMPP's project manager for people capability, Diane Falconer, said.

"They are better equipped to ask questions and hold meaningful business conversations both within the farm team and with rural professionals and service support people.

"These conversations are leading to positive changes such as a greater sharing of decision making, leading to reduced pressure and stress on partners and other farm team members.

"Many participants were also starting to find their niche in their own businesses,'' she said.

Agri-Women's Development Trust executive director Lindy Nelson said there was strong evidence of improved farming financial literacy and decisions being made to operate farming businesses more efficiently.

"The research shows a shift from thinking about the financial side of the business as a purely administrative task to something that drives strategic decisions. This is leading to a greater sharing of decision making, which helps to share the stress of farming,'' she said.

Mr and Mrs Cleveland credited the knowledge and confidence Mrs Cleveland gained with improved communication, stronger financial focus, greater organisation and clearer direction.

"The course also made me realise that it was time for Jeff and me to become a great dream team for the next 10 years and go for it,'' she said.

Mr Cleveland said they had started to streamline things to make sure they were at the top of their game.

"We want to be ready to meet new demands in farming and take opportunities as they come up.

"New conversations about the farm have opened up. We talk about things while we're out shifting breaks, whereas before it was me by myself. It feels great to be challenged by the new questions Di is asking,'' he said.

Out on the farm helping tail lambs yesterday morning, Mrs Cleveland said she was enjoying being home on the farm full-time.