Winton Tuesday, 26 November, 10:30am - 12:30pm Midlands Rugby Club, 38/40 John Street

Southland contract milkers, sharemilkers and farm owners are being invited to attend a free workshop focused on managing risk in sharefarming this month.

"There are considerable opportunities and benefits in sharefarming, but there are plenty of risks too," says Federated Farmers national sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett.

"Farmers need to enter into sharefarming or contract milking relationships with their eyes wide open if they want to have a successful business or farming career."

Federated Farmers is running the ‘Managing risk in sharefarming’ event in Winton on 26 November to help farmers better understand what those risks are, and more importantly, how they can be mitigated.

"This is the kind of workshop I wish I’d attended before I first went sharemilking.

It would have been hugely beneficial for me as a young guy starting out," says Ebbett.

"We’ll have all the industry experts in one place offering practical advice on things like contracts, farm assessments, insurance, and building strong working relationships.

"If you’re looking at getting a sharemilker on next season, or you’re thinking of going sharemilking yourself, you should definitely be attending this workshop."

The event is conveniently timed between milkings, running from 10.30am until 12.30pm, with a free BBQ lunch.

"Moving from a farm manager’s role into sharemilking or contract milking means you suddenly become a self-employed business owner," Ebbett says.

"This brings a whole lot of new responsibilities.

You’re essentially now carrying all the same risks as a farm owner, just not quite on the same scale."

He says sharemilkers are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the milk price, while contract milkers can get stung with rising costs in a high-inflation environment.

"Suddenly you’re employing staff, dealing with health and safety requirements, and navigating environmental and animal welfare responsibilities that all bring risk too.

"This workshop is all about helping people understand those risks and responsibilities, and how they can put a plan in place to manage them," Ebbett says.

"Farm progression is very important for the future of our dairy sector, so it’s important we provide these opportunities, particularly for the next generation coming through.

"November is when people tend to start making decisions about what they might like to do next season, so this workshop couldn’t arrive at a better time."

The workshop is free to attend for both Federated Farmers members and non-members.

If you’d like to know more call 0800 327 646.