Speakers at next month's South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) in Dunedin will not only cover the practical side of dairy farming, but also will actively encourage pride.
When SIDE is held in Dunedin for the first time, the theme of the event will be people, perception and pride.
More than 600 farmers are expected to attend the conference, which will be based at the University of Otago from June 25-27.
Organising committee chairman Brangka Munan said the line-up of speakers was very broad and very experienced and would challenge dairy farmers' perceptions.
Sessions at SIDE would focus on helping dairy farmers move into the era of minimal intervention and making sure younger farmers understood the dairy farming basics of keeping animals well-fed and in good condition, particularly around mating and calving.
The back-to-basics approach includes an address by Otago dairy farmer Denis Aitken on traits of the perfect cow.
Synlait Milk chief executive Dr John Penno, named Federated Farmers Agribusiness Person of the Year in 2009 and recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Trust emerging leader award, will talk about China and the implications that market has for New Zealand dairy farmers.
The three days of speakers not only included dairy experts, but also were intended to inspire and motivate.
Swazi founder and hunter and adventurer Davey Hughes will share his adventures and business and conservation success story, while Rob Hamill will impart his transatlantic rowing stories.
David Todd's "Toddytalks" session will help participants to see success as achieving what they value, while World Young Business Achievers award winner Sue Lindsay will outline her approach to life, leadership and business.