Always a warm welcome from SMASH

Many Fonterra suppliers will be familiar with SMASH and their strong reputation for holding knowledge-filled learning events across the country, creating spaces for strong farmer connections and covering topical subjects.

SMASH creates the ideal space for co-op staff to attend events alongside their local suppliers, giving them opportunity to join in conversations about the challenges facing dairy farmers today. 

Formed 15 years ago to support, inform and inspire dairy farmers, SMASH is still going strong and continuing to bring learning events to farmers throughout the country. 

Aside from a handful of paid employees on the ground who manage their events, SMASH is led by a group of dedicated volunteer farmers, including foundation member and Chairman Noldy Rust, who owns a farm near Pirongia in the Waikato.

 “When we began, we were focussed on supporting farmers with smaller herds, but we always welcomed everyone, and we found that we were attracting farmers with a whole range of herd sizes,” he says.

“We are happy with that, doing our bit to help all farmers to make the most out of their businesses and building a strong, vibrant industry.” 

Anna Kalma is one of SMASH’s part-time employees. “SMASH roped me in after they held a field day on my farm,” says Anna. “I enjoy meeting farmers from around the country, learning about their systems and regional differences. We get great feedback from the people who attend our events, and the lunches put on by the locals, especially the primary school PTAs, are great.” 

Jeff White has been coming to SMASH events in the Bay of Plenty for several years - their unique feel and the benefits they offer keep him coming back.

“You also have that exposure to a different system that you can look at and think: ‘Why am I doing it the way I am doing it? If that is working really well for the host farmer let’s see if it can benefit us here’. You take a lot of information back and fit it into your system.” 

He also sees a lot of value in getting off farm to attend events. 

“It’s the connection with other people. A good feed brings the farmers along. As much as you joke about it that has a lot to do with why people go to SMASH events. It is a matter of getting along and having a relaxed setting to talk about learnings from the day with other farmers.” 

Amanda Benson has hosted a SMASH event on her farm and says she regularly attends events. “SMASH events seem to have something magical. They are always well presented, relevant, and well supported. The topics are a great way to improve my knowledge, keep up to date, and see some very good farm systems.” 

To find out about upcoming events, which include field days, workshops, and on-line events, follow SMASH on Facebook (www.facebook.com/smashdairynz)