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South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the very first time and is breaking tradition by moving its annual gathering from June to April—a bold move that promises a fresh perspective and invigorated approach.

Last year at SIDE in Invercargill, farmers and rural professionals lined up for a Rural Wellness Check-Up. Farmers attending SIDE this year will get the same opportunity.

Jamie Mackay, host of The Country, has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to broadcasting and the rural community, in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

Mackay has been a pioneer of rural radio, driving the broadcasting of rural content nationally through New Zealand’s leading rural network show, The Country.

Photo: Jonathon Hoets

Jonathon Hoets has been selected to join the DairyNZ Board as an associate director for the next year, while current independent director, Margaret Devlin, is stepping down from her role.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says that he is excited to have Jonathon join the Board, in the associate director role, as he has shown a commitment to governance, and significant involvement in industry good already.

The highly anticipated South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) is back for its 25th year, bringing together farmers from across the South Island for a two-day conference filled with valuable workshops and expert speakers. This year's event will take place at Lincoln University, Canterbury from June 24th to June 26th, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insight into cutting-edge research and network with like-minded individuals.

Apps can lighten the load on farm, helping farmers monitor everything from birthing cows to boundary lines.