I've also signed up for the AWDT protecting your team programme - really interested to see what we will get out of it. I have done all our health and safety stuff myself, after attending a B+LNZ workshop (as mentioned earlier). I have also done a number of training courses - quad bike, chainsaw and tractors through Summit Safety, which is based in Pongaroa. I am doing a First Aid course, also through Summit Safety, next week.

I also think she writes really well!

I grew up in HB and it's not uncommon to be very dry in the Bay at this time of the year - but this year seems to be particularly bad from the photos I have seen. Though my parents did get some decent rain this week, which was good to hear. Droughts are so challenging as you don't know when it will end - I think getting off farm, talking with mates and making time for hobbies/other activities is really important. You are never alone in the drought situation either.

@Phoenix you might find this article I wrote for Country-Wide useful - it's about a year-round hogget grazing operation https://farmersweekly.co.nz/topic/crop-and-stock-management/view/building-a-better-two-tooth-ewe

@CharlotteHeald I am going to try this one!

I use the free MetService rural app on my phone, it is quite good but the main drawback is that you can't pinpoint the exact location of your farm - would love to hear if there are any other good, free weather apps that people use that would allow me to get accurate, location-specific weather forecasts.

I attended a pilot B+LNZ heath and safety workshop last year and found it really good. They provided all the forms and information you need in a folder (and let you know when there are updates on their website to download) and I created our farm policy from that day. I've heard that FarmIQ has a good health and safety section. You can also find resources on the WorkSafe website.

@Jen2016 thank you!

@Gemma thanks :)

Make the most of the contacts you have and network - go to industry events and field days etc, you never know what you will learn or who you might meet. Leasing is a great way to build equity in stock, even if it's only a small lease initially, they all add up and that will help you to be in a position to take advantage of a bigger opportunity when it comes along. Good luck!

@becgreaves https://farmersweekly.co.nz/section/all/view/new-fe-research-swings-into-action