BrightSIDE Scholarship Awarded to Lincoln University Student Jessica Kilday

The South Island Dairy Event’s BrightSIDE programme is proud to announce Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Jessica is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University and has recently completed her second year of study. She will begin her third and final year in 2026, where she plans to tailor her degree towards the dairy sector.

“The Bachelor of Agriculture has been a great degree so far, as it’s allowed me to study across a wide range of agricultural disciplines,” says Jessica. “I’ve gained exposure to animal husbandry, soil management, plant sciences and farm systems management, which has really helped shape where I want to head next.”

With her final year largely made up of elective papers, Jessica is focusing on courses that will strengthen her knowledge and practical understanding of dairy farming systems. She intends to enrol in Dairy Production Science and Pasture Agronomy, which she believes will best prepare her for a career in the dairy industry.

“I want to build a degree that gives me a strong foundation for working within the New Zealand dairy industry,” she says. “These courses will help me better understand both animal performance and pasture-based systems, which are so critical to our farming model.”

The BrightSIDE Scholarship has been established as part of the BrightSIDE programme to extend its impact beyond the one-day BrightSIDE event. It reflects SIDE’s commitment to investing in the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.

The BrightSIDE Scholarship is open to past BrightSIDE attendees pursuing further education or training in agriculture, including those entering university-level agricultural study, beginning a career in the dairy industry through a recognised training provider, or upskilling as a working farmer through a high-level course. Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $3,000 to support their education or training. Applications open later in the year.

This year, BrightSIDE will be held on 1 April 2026 at Ashley Dene Research Development Staton near Lincoln, and is targeted at those considering a career in the dairy industry - particularly Year 11-13 students, school leavers, university students, and anyone looking for a change in career.

Designed especially for young people curious about the opportunities in dairy, BrightSIDE showcases the breadth of careers available - from hands-on farming through to cutting-edge technology and science.

Participants will kick off the day rotating around a series of interactive, hands-on modules that highlight the diversity of skills required in modern dairying, such as measuring fodder beet, culturing a mastitis sample, exploring how collars are used to make decisions on farm, and taking and interpreting soil samples to make fertiliser decisions.

Whether participants are passionate about science, technology, animals or machinery, BrightSIDE is designed to open eyes to one of New Zealand’s most exciting and future-focused industries - leaving attendees inspired, informed, and ready to see where a future in dairy could take them.

BrightSIDE registrations are now open – visit www.side.org.nz for more information or to register.

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Message from the 2026 Event Chair, Tom Chapman

by Tineka Johnstone • 4 February 2026

“The best investment you can make, is an investment in yourself.” - Warren Buffet. The words of the world’s most successful investor Warren Buffet resonate me with me as chair of the 2026 South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) Committee. SIDE is a place where farmers come together to network, share knowledge and create long-term value through personal growth. It is an exciting time for our industry a record Farm Gate Milk Price last season & a strong positive outlook for the foreseeable future are driving an appetite for land use change with improved environmental outcomes. We will always face challenges both now & into the future. How we innovate, adapt & evolve to manage these challenges will define our success. The 2026 SIDE event committee is privileged to be holding the event at Lincoln University, a cornerstone of agricultural learning in the South Island. We have chosen the theme of “Turn Knowledge into Value” and are working hard to put together a range of workshops aiming to inspire the next generation of leaders. I am excited to hear from our fantastic line-up of industry leading farmers & scientists along with keynote speakers, Zion Armstrong, Cameron Bagrie, Dr John Roche & MC Julia Jones. SIDE was founded on the commitment of people; this has continued over the past 27 years, aiding in the development of dairy farming in the South Island as we know it today. Our industry is New Zealand’s largest exporter generating around 23 billion dollars of revenue annually. People are critical to its long-term success, and we must continue to invest in them and grow them. Deciding to attend SIDE 2026 is an investment in yourself, one I hope you will find truly rewarding. I look forward to seeing you all at the event, to learn, network & unwind. Tom Chapman, 2026 Event Chair, and Contract Milker from Mayfield