Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry leads a strong lineup of speakers confirmed for the 2019 National Effluent & Environment Expo at Mystery Creek Events Centre on November 19-20.

Expo organiser Amanda Hodgson says farmers can choose to attend any of the educational seminars running throughout both days of the expo.

“We wanted to deliver a combination of education on effluent management and something for the top few inches too in our speaker slots this year,” says Amanda.

“Making sure farmers are sorted in terms of their own wellbeing and mental health is crucial, so we’re so pleased to have someone of the calibre and experience of Sir Graham on our speaker list.”

Amanda, who recently heard Graham speak at another event, says he’s amazing. “His role with the All Blacks means he’s well equipped to talk about the value of team and personal wellbeing.

“He’s also very amusing and fun, so it’s a great opportunity for farmers and their staff to come along and enjoy themselves as well as learning something from a master of people management.”

Sir Graham will speak at 4pm on Tuesday, November 19, the first day of this year’s expo.

Also confirmed are Manawatu dairy farmer, regular newspaper columnist and author of ‘The Lean Dairy Farm’, Jana Hocken; and respected agribusiness commentator Jacqueline Rowarth.

‘The Lean Dairy Farm’ is a book to help farmers learn how to run more efficient, profitable dairy units.

Amanda says the primary aim of the expo is to provide farmers with positive, effluent management solutions.

“But we can see potential to broaden that out to offer farmers advice, products and services across the entire farm environment package. This is the really just the start of a journey,” says Amanda.

Farmers are encouraged to visit the expo website to register for this free event, as well as each seminar – with spaces filling fast. To register, visit: www.effluentexpo.co.nz/farmer-registration

Amanda says this year’s expo will follow a similar format to the highly successful 2018 event and remains free for farmers to attend, thanks to the generosity of sponsors.