It is run by farmers for farmers, and chair Anna Wakelin said this year’s event theme is dynamic.
“As farmers we are operating in a dynamic world and we always need to change and improve to stay on top of our game,” Wakelin said.
“To help farmers remain dynamic, SIDE 2022 is hosting a range of exciting speakers from different professions, who have innovative solutions to tough farming challenges.
“SIDE will also give farmers the opportunity to take part in a wide range of practical workshops and to discover the latest dairy technology and research.”
Former Rocket Lab engineer Craig Piggott will share how he found solutions to help his dairy farmer parents reduce their working hours.
This search led him to launch Halter, a technology company which has developed a farming system that allows farmers to easily move and manage their herd through software.
Piggott is the winner of the 2020 New Zealand Hi-Tech Young Achiever award.
42 Below vodka founders Geoff and Justine Ross will share how they swapped life in Auckland for an Otago high country sheep farm.
Their property, Lake Hawea Station, was the first farm in NZ to have its carbon footprint certified. It is also carbon positive, and they will explain how this offers them a unique marketing advantage.
Dr Tom Mulholland will talk about strategies farmers can use to maintain their physical and mental health in times of stress.
“SIDE is a great opportunity for farmers to get off-farm and network with other farmers. With exhibition space already sold out, we encourage farmers to register soon to avoid missing out on SIDE this year,” she said.
Farmers can also join four of 14 practical workshops on a wide range of topics from wintering to milk futures, reproduction, plantain and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
SIDE will be held on June 8-9.
To find out more and register for SIDE 2022 visit www.side.org.nz
