Farmers today face complex challenges in managing capital, labour, and land. Tight margins, volatile markets, and shifting trade environments demand not only practical skills but also strategic insight to maintain and grow a successful operation. The performance of a farm is shaped as much by the managerial resources and decision-making abilities of its leaders as by the land itself.
In this session, Assoc. Prof. Eric Micheels from the University of Saskatchewan will share his research on farm management, including the role of managerial ability, the drivers behind grassland conversion, and innovations in business models. Drawing on experiences from Canada, he will explore how these insights can inform and inspire approaches in New Zealand. Join us for a stimulating discussion on the evolving landscape of modern farming and the strategies that help farm managers thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Timings
11.00am: Guests arrive
11.05am: CoE Introduction
11.10am: Keynote Speaker
11.45am: Q&A Session
12.00pm: Event finishes
Wednesday 11th February
11.00am - 12.00pm
Inaka, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University
About Our Speaker
Assoc. Prof. Eric Micheels, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Eric T. Micheels is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in agribusiness management, marketing, and strategy. His research focuses on farm and agribusiness management, agricultural finance, agribusiness marketing, and the adoption of innovation in agricultural systems, with numerous publications in leading agricultural economics and management journals. Dr. Micheels also serves as a Fellow in Agribusiness Cooperatives at the Centre for the Study of Cooperatives and is actively involved in applied research on producer decision-making, strategic marketing, and operational performance in agribusiness. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Illinois and a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.