Ben Fahey completed B+LNZ’s Generation Next programme in 2019. In celebration of the programme’s 10-year anniversary, we’re catching up with graduates to see where they are now.
The programme helped Ben set and achieve his goal of moving from stock manager to farm manager, a step he reached within four years. Now managing a North Canterbury farm for Pāmu Landcorp, he’s also a strong advocate for Generation Next, having already supported two of his team to go through the programme.
He shares what he took from the programme and how he’s using it on farm today.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role on farm
I’m currently a farm manager in North Canterbury, running the farm for Pāmu Landcorp. When I did Generation Next, I was a stock manager, running around 3,500-4,000 ewes, finishing replacements and some bull beef each year.
These days I’m focused on cattle finishing, with around 2,700 head.
What made you sign up for Generation Next?
I was looking for another way to learn and improve, and Generation Next felt like a good step up. It also gave me the chance to meet like-minded people and build connections in the industry, which was a big part of it.
Has the programme shaped your career direction?
Yeah, it definitely helped with goal setting and giving me a clearer direction.
When I did the programme, my goal was to become a farm manager within five years – I got there in four.
It’s also shaped where I want to head next. I’d like to move into managing a larger breeding operation. The long-term genetics side is what really interests me, and seeing what you can achieve over time with a herd or flock.
What stood out most from your time on the programme?
A couple of things stood out for me.
Firstly, I really enjoyed learning about the genetics side of things, and it’s really stuck with me.
Secondly, it was the level of detail. I had a basic understanding of a lot of farming aspects, but the programme helped refine that last 10-15%. It gave me that extra edge and made things easier to apply in practice.
What skills or knowledge have you used back on farm?
Probably the biggest thing is attention to detail. That comes through in things like recording weights and performance data, tracking traits, and making sure records are accurate. If your data’s right, you know whether you’re heading in the right direction, and if not, you can adjust quickly.
I’ve also used the genetics side when selecting rams and bulls.
What are you focused on in the next couple of years?
Driving production and running a more profitable business. That means lifting performance across the farm, cutting unnecessary costs, and spending money where it counts.
It’s about improving the whole system without just trying to cut your way to profit.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying?
Definitely apply if you’re looking to develop and take the next step in your career.
I’ve already had two of my team go through the programme, which says a lot about the value I see in it.
It does help to have a bit of experience first though. If you’ve only been shepherding a short time, it’s worth building some base knowledge so you can get the most out of it.
What does Generation Next mean to you?
It’s a well-run programme that gives you the opportunity to take as much as you want from it with plenty of practical takeaways you keep coming back to.
Learn more about B+LNZ’s Generation Next Programme
Learn more about the programme on B+LNZ’s website.