Farm Focus CEO Auriga Martin says farmers are increasingly hands-on with their business finances and recognise the importance of knowing their numbers and managing finances effectively.

In response to struggling wool prices, a third-generation farm at Papanui Estate decided to use some of its wool to produce a fashion and accessory range sold direct to consumers. Farmers are finding innovative new ways to make money and smooth out the revenue stream, writes Blair Rooney.

For farmers, there should be a strong focus on making carbon reporting as easy as possible, Sally Rutherford argues.

Farm Focus and Massey worked collaboratively to produce a comprehensive agricultural programmes curriculum, that saw students participate in a range of educational activities that replicated the daily reality of modern agricultural businesses.

Lawyers specialising in the rural sector possess special knowledge and skills. It is important that a farmer engages a legal adviser with rural experience. A failure to obtain proper specialist rural legal advice can be very expensive to the business and often impacts adversely on the family too.

Rural accountants possess specialised agri-industry knowledge, crucial for navigating the complexities of legislation and compliance. Your choice of accountant can profoundly impact your farming business

While some farmers have been in the business long enough to have experienced first-hand how the market ebbs and flows over time, for many, including myself, this is the toughest spell we’ve encountered during our farming careers.