The East Otago Farming with Confidence programme is a farmer-led initiative run by the East Otago Catchment Group and supported through MPI’s Integrated Farm Planning fund. The programme supports local farmers to develop practical, working Integrated Farm Plans (IFPs) that help future-proof their farming businesses and support progress towards FAP+ accreditation.

Farming with Confidence has been designed to support three cohorts of 31 farmers over four years in a practical and locally relevant way. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, it helps farmers build plans that reflect their own farm systems, challenges and goals.

Through a series of workshops delivered by trained professionals, discussions, and on-farm learning opportunities, participants work through key areas of integrated farm planning, including farm plan introduction and mapping, freshwater management, biodiversity, winter grazing, soil health, preparation for adverse events, health and safety, and biosecurity.

Farming with Confidence also creates opportunities for farmers to connect with others across the district, share ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. Community events and regular communication help keep the wider farming community involved and informed throughout the project.

By the end of the programme, participating farmers will have developed a farm plan they can actively use within their farming operations. The focus is on creating plans that are practical, achievable, and useful on farm, while supporting positive environmental outcomes, healthy animals, safer workplaces, and resilient farming businesses.

Farming with Confidence reflects the East Otago Catchment Group’s wider focus on farmer-led action, practical solutions, and supporting local communities to respond to changing expectations and regulations with confidence.