2023 SIDE Event Committee
Left to right - Megan Thomas, Annalize du Plessis, Elliot Cleland, Emma Hammond, Amy Johnston, Jess Goodwright, Ollie Badcock
Absent: Clare Officer, Toria Cummings, Guy Michaels
The two-day event run by farmers, for farmers, and is being held at ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill on June 28 and 29.
This year's theme is “Adapt, Empower and Succeed”, and includes 12 practical workshops, culminating with a field trip to the Southern Dairy Hub, a 349ha commercial scale research dairy farm at Wallacetown near Invercargill.
These workshops involve Q&A sessions, discussion from industry experts, and feedback from farmers on their experience with such topics as wearables, efficient N use, utilising catchment groups, and how to be the best boss.
As well as the workshops, SIDE offers inspiration from two keynote speakers, including women's rugby player Tyla Nathan-Wong, and para-triathlete Shaz Dagg. A keynote session on the Climate is also planned.
SIDE Event Chair Emma Hammond says “the benefit of SIDE is our workshops are designed and run by farmers, for farmers. Instead of a sales pitch from reps, we hear from farmers and industry experts about their experiences, feedback and challenges when using the agri-related product or service.”
“It’s also a great opportunity for farmers to invest in themselves. Gain some really practical, best practice information about things that can help them on their farm and to share challenges that they may be having” said Hammond.
The event also features BrightSIDE, a one day event (run alongside SIDE), where students, farm assistants, and 2IC’s looking to progress their careers can learn about opportunities and progression. It includes great workshops, keynote speakers and provides the opportunity to network with hundreds of dairy leaders who attend the SIDE conference.
Farmers are encouraged to register now for the event. For more information and to register, go to side.org.nz.
South Island Dairy Event (SIDE)
Wednesday June 28 & Thursday June 29 2023
ILT Stadium Southlands, Invercargill