Almost seven years on, Canterbury women are still dedicated towards their business orientated discussion group held monthly at the Hotel Ashburton.
The group has historically been recognised as Active in Arable, but almost seven years on, its members made the decision to re-launch with a new name – Women in Arable.
Many groups of this kind peter out over time; it’s therefore full credit to Chair, Maxine Watson and Women in Arable members that the group has continued for this duration. And more promising is the amount of members attending which is growing month on month with 27 in attendance at the July meeting.
Topics vary throughout the year; this year’s topics have so far covered financial planning – looking at off-farm investments, commercial property, dairy syndication and managing farm debt; improving productivity in arable farming - looking at the latest trends in precision agriculture; farm business strategic planning and self care without guilt – looking at life/work balance, time management and rediscovering your identity. The meetings are kept informal and fun and often include practical exercises to provide hands on experience.
Rachel Greenwood, FAR Communications Manager has recently taken over as Facilitator for the group. Rachel says the group provides an excellent networking opportunity for arable women and provides myriad opportunities for women to up skill in areas of arable farming business. “I have been attending meetings over the last three years and as a result have learnt a great deal about the industry that I perhaps wouldn’t have done otherwise. The group keeps women who are perhaps not as confident in the technical areas of their business in their comfort zone, and allows them to have open discussion, which some perhaps wouldn’t out in the field.
"It’s encouraging to see new members join the group and the increase in attendance at the meetings. New members are always welcome, all they need to do is contact the FAR office to register – there is no charge and members will be notified of upcoming meetings by post and email.”
The group has an exciting few months ahead with an array of topics to be covered. New crop research and new varieties is the hot topic for the next meeting on 20th August, with other subjects such as diversification options, succession planning, water consents and more throughout the remainder of the year. The December meeting will as usual be incorporated into Combinable Crops – FAR’s Major Open Day of the year which is to take place at the FAR Arable Site Chertsey on Thursday 4th December 2008. A social get together will complete the year with a Christmas
Dinner and guest speaker at a venue yet to be confirmed.
For those interested in becoming a member of Women in Arable, please contact Rachel Greenwood at FAR on 03 325 6353, cell phone 021 960 058 or emailgreenwoodr@far.org.nz