FAR conference digs into profit and leadership change

Money talks and a change of guard are the main attractions to this year’s Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) conference.

The theme of farm profitability will be woven throughout the two-day event hosted at Lincoln University on June 30 and July 1.

Local and international leaders in the arable sector will join the conference to inform farmers from Canterbury and beyond about maximising their revenue.

The headline guest will be Methven’s own Hamish Marr, who acts as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, showcasing Kiwi farms and their produce to markets across the world.

Australian grain farmer James Venning will share how he’s used tech to help him boost productivity while farming across different soil types and conditions.

Farming youtuber Olly Blogs, real name Olly Harrison, will stream in from the United Kingdom to share his growth story, from 70 hectares to 600.

Also from the UK, Professor Nicola Randall from the University of England will join to chat about regenerative agriculture.

The diverse lineup aims to expose local farmers to new methods for money making which they might not have known about.

While the conference theme is “Show me the money,” it’ll also be a chance to introduce levy payers to the new face of FAR.

Dr Alison Stewart, who’s held the chief executive role for seven years, will be replaced by Dr Scott Champion on July 1, the second day of the conference.

“The arable sector is so diverse,” Stewart said,She was “very pleased” to learn of Champion’s appointment to the role and expects the growers will gain lots from his decades in the food and fibre sector.

“He will bring lots of new attributes to the table.

“It’ll be great for FAR, and great for the arable sector.”

Champion said he’s excited to get out on farm after nine years in consultancy.

“I think it’s a really interesting sector; Really looking forward to it.”

A dinner will be held after the event to conclude the event and farewell Stewart from fulltime work with FAR.

Early bird ticket prices sit at $220 for both days. That closes on May 19 and costs increases to $320. The conference runs from June 30 to July 1. To register, visit www.far.org.nz

by Anisha Satya