The DINZ project significantly boosted farm plan uptake among farmers, highlighting the importance of practical workshops in enhancing farm management. The project helped increase farm plan uptake from 34% in 2024 to 63% by 2026.
The initiative aimed to support farmers in adopting whole-farm planning as a practical tool for strengthening on-farm decision-making. A total of 466 farmers attended workshops, representing 404 farm businesses. The project delivered 47 workshops across the country, funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Farmers reported various challenges with previous planning methods. Will Rutherford stated, “I really had no idea how to do it [freshwater farm planning].” Samantha Elder added, “These plans were done by a consultant, and it didn’t feel like something that we understood.” Phillip Bunn emphasized the importance of effective learning, saying, “Drenches are a massive cost and learning how to use them effectively is incredibly important.”
Jason Herrick, a Southland dairy farmer with over 30 years of experience, will stand for New Zealand First in the 2026 general election. His political aspirations coincide with a growing focus on rural mental health and farming regulations.
The Canterbury A&P Show will return to its original Wednesday-Thursday-Friday format in 2026, running from November 11 to 13. Sir David Carter remarked on this change, stating, “This is a return to our roots.” This event will likely provide further opportunities for farmers to engage with agricultural practices and community resources.
The increased participation reflects a broader trend toward improving environmental outcomes through enhanced farm planning. Observers expect continued growth in farmer engagement as workshops remain integral to this initiative.
