Broadening horizons through small group learning

Developed with input from sheep and beef farmers and rural professionals as part of the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP), Action Groups were designed as a small-group learning tool proven to help farmers make changes in a range of areas, such as farm systems and the environment.

Malcolm and his wife Sandra farm 240 hectares of predominately hill country against the Hawke’s Bay ranges. It is primarily a beef breeding and finishing operation run under ecological farming principles.

Malcolm knew the Action Group facilitator John King prior to the group being formed in 2021, and it was John who suggested Malcolm join the Group, which was focusing on alternative grazing strategies through a regenerative farming lens.

The group included about 14 farming businesses from along the east coast of the North Island, stretching from southern Wairarapa up to Napier, so it was a wide geographic spread. For Malcolm, the meetings were a chance to get off-farm, consider different ways of doing things and to broaden his horizons.

Once the Action Group funding ended in September 2023, all members saw enough value in the small group learning to each pay an annual fee of $400 for it to continue. “For me, it was a good investment. I find it exceedingly valuable, especially as I like chatting to people and it’s good to get out and about.” He says visiting other farms and businesses also gives him the opportunity to review his own operation.

As well as meeting three to four times a year, the group has webinars, often featuring subject matter experts from overseas.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has overseen Action Groups since April 2021. A recent evaluation by Scarlatti showed Action Groups have had a profoundly positive effect on farm businesses by strengthening connections and boosting farmer confidence to make on-farm changes. They have a high return on investment.

This evaluation is helping B+LNZ shape its new Extension Strategy and future delivery models.