Farmer discussion groups are different from the large field day style events described above in that:
•They involve a much smaller number of participants;8–10 might be typical.
•They are annually subscribed and paid for by the individual farm business, as opposed to indirectly via levy payments for the Beef + Lamb days.
•The facilitator is generally the main presenter.
•The focus is on the performance and potential of individual farms within the group.Within this structure it is typical to visit the properties of each farmer in the group in rotation, with occasional trips to operators outside the group who are per forming particularly well in an area of interest.These groups are a forum for objective analysis of, and open and frank discussion about each farm business. It is normal practice to use the farm’s annual accounts as a basis for highlighting areas of opportunity; these days typically involve an extensive farm tour looking in detail at the various stock classes, pasture and forage management,and overall policies. These groups are generally bound by a formal or informal confidentiality agreement.