7 May 2001 Many benefits from Lincoln's involvement

SIDE participants will derive many benefits from Lincoln University's involvement with Dexcel and South Island dairy farmers in hosting this year's occasion.

First and foremost they will have a very real opportunity to provide input to and comment on the future direction of dairying research and teaching at New Zealand's longest established agricultural education institution.

"Education is a two-way process," says SIDE committee member Professor Tony Bywater, "and any teaching and research institution has to be receptive to the needs and expectations of those working in the areas in which it operates.

"So it is with Lincoln University and dairying and we see the interactive workshops at SIDE as a valuable opportunity for everyone concerned to provide us with comment and suggestions on the future directions of research at Lincoln University."

With the imminent launch of Lincoln University's new dairy farm, SIDE will also be an opportunity for those attending to contribute to the future direction and objectives of the farm, particularly through the workshop session involving Professor Keith Cameron, the University's Director of Farms Tony Whatman, Dexcel CEO Dr Rob Pringle and farm consultant Max Duncan who is managing Lincoln's conversion.

This session will ask the question, what do South Island dairy farmers expect from the University's dairy farm? It will be led by Mr Duncan who is a director of Tasman Agriculture, responsible for overseeing the operation of all the company's farms and for implementing the conversion of properties to dairy units.

The workshop is a joint one with Dexcel CEO Dr Rob Pringle as the Lincoln farm will enhance the collaborative links between the University and Dexcel staff.

Dexcel-Lincoln links have already been highlighted this year with the award of nine dairy industry scholarships to Lincoln students for dairying studies.

"Our aim at Lincoln is to ensure that the research and courses we offer are relevant to the industry," says SIDE committee member Professor Keith Cameron, "and the contact we have with those attending SIDE will help keep us on track in this respect.

"SIDE gives us all an opportunity to be part of the future of dairying in the South Island. Participation in SIDE provides an opportunity for those attending to network with one another and to network with Lincoln University staff. Industry networking is in fact a key part of what SIDE is all about."

The opportunity for participants to get the latest information and research findings relevant to the industry is a fundamental part of the event, and later on a book of proceedings, edited by Lincoln University's Denis Elvidge, will be a valuable resource they can use for future reference.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.