Maruia farming couple proud to produce ‘the best butter in the world’

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Growing up on his parents’ dairy farm in Papakaio, Jonathon entered the dairy industry as a farm assistant when he left school.

“I really enjoyed the lifestyle, working outdoors and with animals,” Jonathon said.

“I love the challenge of producing a high quality product that’s in high demand and training up new staff.”

His partner Stacey said they love that it’s a career the whole family can be part of.

“The kids enjoy heading out on farm occasionally and enjoy being around the cows and calves too.”

The couple (both 32) are very proud they have become equity partners in the timeframe they set themselves.

“Eventually we would like to own a farm and along the way we are open to opportunities such as increasing our equity or diversifying into rental property ownership.”

Their goals to progress in the industry and succeed motivate the couple in both the challenging and easy times.

“The drive to create something really good and open opportunities for our kids is strong. I’m really motivated to perform in the top 5%,” Jonathon said.

Meanwhile, Maruia share milkers Ricky and Maria Johnson say being caretakers of the land is a pretty special job to have and are proud to be part of a food-producing nation.

“We entered the Awards for the first time over 15 years ago and we entered again this year after hearing about the changes and it’s been well worthwhile so far,” the couple said.

“The feedback and taking the time to look at how and why we do things has made us think about where we are going and how we are going to get there.”

The couple’s family are now young adults and they say their biggest success was being able to bring their family up on a farm and having a tight family unit.