International Year of Family Farming roadshow

Rural Women NZ - International Year of Family Farming roadshow

When the time comes to pass on the family farm to the next generation, the process can be fraught with difficult conversations and tough decisions.

So Rural Women NZ expects strong interest in the succession planning sessions that Coach Approach is to lead at its International Year of Family Farming roadshow events, being held around the country during March and April.

“Succession planning on the family farm can often be a challenge,” says Rural Women NZ national president, Wendy McGowan.

“Stresses can be caused by parents not knowing what to do, who to get advice from, and putting off decisions. This can lead to the next generation feeling frustrated. There can also be issues around timing, fairness to all family members and the viability of the farming business.

“At our International Year of Family Farming roadshows, Coach Approach will walk us through many of these issues, and talk about some of the solutions.”

WorkSafe New Zealand will also be running workshops, with a particular focus on safety for visitors to the family farm.

“This is also topical, as unfortunately we’ve seen accidents involving children and visitors to farms again this summer.”

Doug Avery, Landcorp Communicator of the Year in 2013, will kick off the roadshows with a keynote speech on his experiences turning around his failing Marlborough drylands farm.

And to round off the days on a high note, Mel Parsons and The Bitches Box will bring their special brand of woolshed humour and entertainment.

Worldwide, the International Year of Family Farming is focusing on sustainability, food security, the eradication of hunger and malnutrition, and helping people step up out of poverty.

Rural Women NZ roadshows are confirmed for the following venues and dates:

March 27: Oamaru, North Otago Showgrounds
March 28: Rangiora, Rangiora A&P Showgrounds
March 29: Ashburton, Ashburton A&P Showgrounds
March 30: Rai Valley, Carluke Domain [NB amended date]
April 5: Helensville, Helensville A&P Showgrounds
April 6: Carterton, Carterton A&P Showgrounds
April 9: Stratford, War Memorial Centre 55 Miranda Street

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