SIDE Field Trip
Kick off the SIDE conference with a behind-the-scenes look at two very different but equally impressive farming operations.
About This Workshop
This visit offers a great opportunity to step outside dairy and see how a large-scale horticulture business is being established, managed and future-proofed.
From there, we’ll head to Chertsey to visit Ashmount Farm’s brand-new dairy conversion - a 426 ha operation which will milk 1,700 cows. Hear firsthand about the decisions, challenges and opportunities involved in developing a modern, large-scale dairy system from the ground up.
The afternoon wraps up back at Lincoln University with networking drinks and nibbles - the perfect chance to connect, compare notes and ease into the SIDE conference.
Legends of Dairy – Breakfast
This complimentary breakfast session brings together Legends of Dairy at different stages of their wealth journey to share what’s worked, what’s changed, and what still holds true.
About This Workshop
Pathways to Wealth Creation in the Dairy Industry
This workshop celebrates everyday people in dairy achieving extraordinary results - building wealth, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact.
About This Workshop
power of the right partnerships. Expect fresh insights, honest discussion, and a high-energy Q&A that will leave you motivated and ready to chart your own path to success.
About the Speaker(s)
To follow.
Turning Milk into Profit: Smart Spending Strategies from the Top 10%
What separates the top 10% of dairy operators from the rest?
About This Workshop
This practical, data-driven workshop reveals how leading farms manage costs, make smart spending decisions, and maximise profitability without compromising performance. Hear from experts and top farmers as they share real-world strategies for controlling costs, investing wisely, and turning small efficiencies into big results - offering actionable insights to help you boost your
bottom line.
About the Speaker(s)
To be announced
Rethinking the Future: Practical Tools for Using AI on Farm
Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of dairy farming.
About This Workshop
Join our industry leaders as they share insights and explore how AI tools can be applied in everyday farm management. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities ahead - and how to prepare for the changes coming to on-farm decision making and efficiency.
About the Speaker(s)
James Allen
James is the CEO of AgFirst, New Zealand’s largest provider of primary sector advisory services. James is also a past president of the New Zealand Fieldays Society, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management, and a previous national president of New Zealand Young Farmers.
James was awarded a Nuffield scholarship in 2023. The rise of Agriculture 4.0, the next agricultural revolution, and in particular the increased use of AI, is set to bring profound change on how both famers and farm advisers solve the complex problems facing farming. His research focused on re-defining what excellence looks like for the agricultural advisory sector in the midst of this change, to help keep New Zealand farmers at the leading edge of profitability and sustainability.
Optimising Your System: Making the Most of a High Payout Year
Every farm system can succeed - the key is understanding your own and knowing where to fine-tune it.
About This Workshop
About the Speaker(s)
To be announced
Advancing Pasture and Animal Performance Through Technology
Genetic technology is rapidly shaping the future of dairying, and this session breaks down what that means for your farm.
About This Workshop
Leading scientists translate complex research into practical insights for South Island systems, exploring how genetics can boost animal health, feed efficiency, and climate resilience.
Gain a clear view of where these technologies are heading, what’s realistic now, and how they could influence your farm’s profitability and decisions.
About the Speaker(s)
To follow
Governance on Farm: Building Better Businesses Through Smarter Decision-Making
Good governance isn’t just for big businesses - it’s for any farmer wanting to make smarter decisions, build stronger relationships, and achieve long-term success.
About This Workshop
In this session, industry leaders and farmers share how governance has improved clarity, accountability, and business performance, with insights from both boardroom and on-farm perspectives. Gain practical tools, ideas for mentorship and advisory networks, and a clear sense of how good governance can help you run a better business today and build a stronger one for the future.
About the Speaker(s)
to be announced
Sharing the Real Story: Building Your Brand and Promoting Dairy Positively Online
Social media is a powerful tool used to shape how people see dairy farming, but using it well takes skill and confidence.
About This Workshop
In this practical workshop, Grassroots Media shares how to tell authentic, positive stories that promote both your business and the wider dairy sector. Learn to build your brand, attract great people, and create smart, honest content that balances the good with the real. Walk away inspired and equipped to share your story confidently and strengthen the dairy community online.own simple web pages and understand the core concepts that power the modern web.
About the Speaker(s)
Alongside my husband Ben King, we 50:50 sharemilk 650 cross bred and jersey cows, in North Canterbury.
We have two children, Lincoln and Isabelle and a fluffy Samoyed dog called Ted who regularly features on our instagram and Facebook.
We have been in the industry for 11 years when Ben started as a farm assistant and I worked in a farm store. I wasn’t bought up in farming and had no exposure to it til Ben went farming. We went contract milking in 2018 and worked our way up to 50:50 in 2022.
Our social media was borne out of the fact that my family and friends from town didn’t have much understanding of what a farming lifestyle was like, and the misconception around farm policies and procedures. We would often be at events and hear people bad-mouthing farmers. We wanted to showcase and promote dairy whilst educating our friends and family of our truth to farming in NZ. Allie is also the Dairy Women’s Network hub leader for Canterbury & North Otago
What They Wish They Knew: Lessons From The Dairy Journey
What They Wish They Knew: Lessons From the Dairy Journey
About This Workshop
About the Speaker(s)
To follow
Building Great Teams: Leadership, Culture, and Retention on Farm
Strong teams are built through great leadership, clear communication, and trust.
About This Workshop
In this practical workshop, leadership experts and farmers share real-life lessons on creating and sustaining high-performing teams - covering delegation, staff development, and maintaining smooth operations. Walk away with practical strategies to grow and retain great people, strengthen team culture, and lead with confidence, because keeping good staff is the smartest investment you can make.
About the Speaker(s)
To be announced
