Extension 350 is a programme that was designed to help our Taitokerau Northland farmers succeed, not just with a healthier bottom line, but with a healthier environment and farming community too.

This project - which was completed in 2022 - was designed as a long-term, farmer led and farmer focused agricultural extension project that operates primarily in Taitokerau Northland, but also in parts of Auckland. The original goal of the project was to engage meaningfully to affect change with 350 farmers across the lifetime of the project. To date, the project has reached over 380 farmers, of which 108 of these are directly involved in affecting change on their farms.

 

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PROJECT SUMMARY

Extension 350 was launched in 2016 and completed in 2022. It was led by Taitokerau Northland farmers who we knew were doing great things, but with room to improve. It was based on the premise that when you’re focussed on the day-to-day running of your business, it can be hard to see the bigger picture, get new ideas and have the confidence to implement them. The project looked to improve the resiliency of the farms involved by supporting them to affect positive change across three key aspects of their business, increasing farm profitability, increasing environmental sustainability and improving farmer wellbeing.

The project achieved this through a cluster model, with each cluster made up of a number of target teams. An agri-consultant worked closely with the target and mentor farmers of each target team and the learnings were passed on to associate farmers at meetings throughout the year and via online farmer reporting.

The result was Taitokerau Northland farmers learning from other experienced Taitokerau Northland farmers, who through this extra support were able to see their business with fresh eyes. Having other farmers and people you trust to challenge your thinking and systems can make all the difference to your farming business.

PROJECT REPORTS

E350 Final Report Web Graphic

Extension 350 - Final Programme Report

This final report for the Extension 350 programme summarizes the results and benefits of the programme across a number of key performance measures.

E350 Snapshot

Extension 350 Programme - Snapshot

A snapshot of the key results from the Extension 350 Programme.

E350 Summation Report

Extension 350 Programme - Summative Evaluation Report

This document is the summative report for the Extension 350 evaluation work undertaken by Scarlatti. The evaluative data collected has been analysed, triangulated and key themes identified in alignment with the evaluation research.

Extension 350 Annual Report 2021 2022

Extension 350 Annual Report: 2021 - 2022

View the Extension 350 Annual Report for the 2021 - 2022 Financial Year.

E350 Annual Report 2020 2021

Extension 350 Annual Report: 2020 – 2021

View the Extension 350 Project Annual Report for the 2020 - 2021 financial year.

2019 2020

Extension 350 Annual Report: 2019 - 2020

View the Extension 350 Project Annual Report for the 2019 - 2020 financial year.

2018 2019

Extension 350 Annual Report 2018 - 2019

View the Extension 350 Project Annual Report for the 2018 - 2019 financial year.

Programme Overview and Results

TARGET FARMER
INTERVIEW

Target Farmer Interview

TARGET FARMER INTERVIEW

E350 Projects2

Feedback from Farmers

"What the Extension 350 program has forced us to do is work as a group, collaboratively. We feel like we’re in it together. Even if you’re not in Extension 350, talk to your neighbours, talk to your friends, read articles, look at B+L websites, etc"
 
 
"Having that external input with your blinkers off and a wider view, is really beneficial to us. The project is making us more accountable to our targets and budgets, cashflow, everything. It just makes you more aware of every single decision that you make." 

 
"The farm owners have achieved a great deal during E350; they are more relaxed, enjoying farming and feel confident they can now farm through a downturn without it having a major impact on their lifestyle and farm business. They have made some on-farm management changes, but also in how they view and operate their business, with more confidence in budgeting and planning. They have more time to spend with their children and on off-farm activities."  

Project Partners

Northland Inc was responsible for delivering the Extension 350 project which has a number of other partners, including:

Northland Regional Council

MPI logo

Dairy NZ logo

Beef and Lamb logo

Extension 350 Farmer Interviews
What's on your mind?

Extension 350 extended support during the Covid-19 lockdowns for farmers to continue to learn from other farmers by using digital technology. Let our farmers and farm consultants share the process of making change in their business.  

 

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