What is SIDE?

All SIDE events are created with the goal of providing:

  • Professional Development & Education
  • Business information
  • Up-to-date research that empowers the farmers who are shaping New Zealand’s dairying future

A cost-effective, high-value, South Island-specific event run by farmers, for farmers. SIDE connects, equips, and inspires dairy farmers and professionals through practical workshops, powerful conversations, and real-time insights - all in a social, supportive environment.

Presenters include farmers, researchers, consultants, veterinarians, accountants, and scientists. The interactive style of the workshops encourages plenty of discussion and the exchange of ideas. The programme is designed to promote thinking and debate, as well as provide a space for like-minded farmers to network and find inspiration and motivation.

SIDE presents a unique opportunity to connect and engage with this diverse group of farmers.

The South Island Dairy Event is:

  • The only South Island tailored dairy event of its kind
  • Organised by farmers, for farmers
  • Relevant, innovative, and challenging
  • An ongoing forum to help participants evaluate and apply knowledge and technology to their businesses
  • Empowering participants to effect and manage change
  • A forum for BrightSIDE - a one-day event to attract young people to the dairy industry

The stakeholders in SIDE are:

  • South Island Dairy Farmers
  • DairyNZ 
  • Industry (Processors, Service Industries; Agri-business)