DWN Business Groups provide members with a small group environment to connect with like-minded dairy-women and build knowledge for success in their businesses going forward. Each group is diverse and contains farming women at different stages of their farming journey, creating range of perspectives and insight.
In the last year alone, four new Business Groups have set up across the country, making a total of eight groups.
These Business Groups, of between six and 14 women, are so much more than the name suggests. At the 2024 Business Group Summit in April, Jess Stuart talked about mindset change – taking the time to clear the brain, have a calm mind and be less overwhelmed, training for positivity through gratitude. The Business Groups are one place where women are given permission, space and time to do this.
Jess Stuart says, “we think that space is taking time off, but space is actually part of our job as it gives us the time and power to do our job”.
Business Groups, continue to be a special environment that lasts the years and reaps the benefits for those involved in them.
Four Groups recently provided feedback on what makes their Groups so unique and special.
“We’re a safe and trusted environment”.
The Groups, over time, have become a safe place to connect with like-minded women, where ideas, issues, problems, highs and lows can be shared with no judgement with other women who truly understand the uniqueness of being a dairy woman.
“The Group is high value to me, I like meeting like-minded people and seeing us grow with confidence on and off farm.”
Each Group is unique and individual, with the women proud of how they function effectively as a Group; building relationships, trust and camaraderie with each other.
“Through our Group, I feel we have a connection that is at a deeper level and more personal.”
For many of the women, their closest friendships are with non-farmers, so having a place to connect with other women who truly understand the uniqueness of being a dairy woman is important to share, compare and learn.
“My close friends aren’t in dairy farming so it’s nice to connect with people that really understand my situation.”
“Women have a unique way of cheerleading and helping each other.”
The women interviewed reflected that they were able to learn from each other, support each other, and appreciated getting off farm and problem solving collectively.
“The Business Group helps me use my brain – I am more than just a farmer’s wife.”
“Our Business Group is not just about farming advice, it’s about emotional support and having each other’s backs.”
The term ‘Business Group’ reflects that these Groups are a place to engage on future trends, better farming practices, learn off each other, hear from speakers and experts and determine - as a Group - what they want to learn about and make that happen.
“Business Groups are life changing. We are incredibly connected and close and focused on being better people. We talk confidentially and confidently, and we are prepared to ask the hard questions of each other; where we’re going and how we’re getting there.”
What is very clear is that the Groups are more than just a learning environment.
In a world of busy-ness, where juggling a thousand things is synonymous with being a dairy farmer – and particularly a female one… it’s become even more important for women to find time to stop. This is another value of a Business Group. The women who are part of these Groups, come together monthly and put aside the many things that they would normally do. They take the time to be together and find the space to tap into innovation and problem solve.
If you’re a woman in the dairy sector and are interested in joining or creating a local Business Group, reach out to DWN – www.dwn.co.nz and visit the DWN Facebook page for short testimonial videos on the Business Groups.