Feedback from facilitators was very encouraging:

“We have received some very positive feedback from farmers who attended the workshops. The QCONZ FWFP tool has definitely contributed to the positive feedback. Farmers would tell us pretty quickly if it wasn’t hitting the mark,” says Peter Thomas, Farm Sustainability Manager at Ballance.

“We like the QCONZ FWFP tool as it is online and future-proofs their plans because the tool can be updated as plan requirements evolve. We’ve had a range of abilities at the workshops and sometimes farmers are a little bit anxious or unsure about the technology aspect, but we tend to find by the end of the workshop they are quite comfortable with it, and we are always impressed with the progress they’ve made.”

“We’ve had the odd comment that it could be simplified, but then it probably would not meet the regulatory requirements.”

“A big benefit for doing the plan is it’s good for helping farmers understand where the risks are on their farm. Another one is they realise a lot of the day-to-day things they are doing on their farm are good management practice and have an environmental benefit to their property.”

What farmers said:

“The way we were taken through a very complex subject was top notch. The almost one on one attention from the team meant we went away with a good understanding of farm plans.” 

“Thank you for the FAP session, it was very well run and presented and made it all feel doable instead of overwhelming!” 

“Thanks very much for bringing the session to Gore, it’s great to know there is support within ANZCO to support us in achieving this accreditation.” 

With knowledgeable facilitators and a hands-on approach, the workshop format provided an effective way to support on-farm change.