FARMSTRONG
Achieving the right balance Jonathon Hoets is a farm manager at Kairoa Dairies Limited, which is part of the Rylib Group farming portfolio located in Mid Canterbury. He oversees a 790-cow operation with the help of three staff. He shares his insights about how the team lives well to farm well with Farmstrong.
H
ow long have you been farming and what do you enjoy about it? I have been farming for 13 years. Along with my six siblings, we were born into farming and after having a taste of city life through high school, most of us found ourselves back in the primary sector. I like the variety – you can do 10 different things in a day, looking after stock, mechanics, financials – it’s not just the same thing all day. What are the main challenges on-farm for you at the moment? It’s been a bit of a rough season here in Canterbury. We were caught up in the flood, but not as bad as other people. We didn’t lose fences or stock, but it
still made life very difficult for months. The worst thing about a flood is once the water has gone through, you’re still stuck with the aftermath. It’s a lot of work ensuring your cows remain healthy, but rewarding to see the positive results afterwards. Has your approach to dairy farming changed over the years? What’s changed most is my mindset. I used to just work my socks off, never ask for help and if I did the most hours of anyone, I’d pat myself on the back. All my friends on-farm were doing the same, missing weekends and not getting those breaks. I used to think ‘that’s just the way it is’. Now I have a different view of the
industry. I try to make sure everyone does consistent hours and spends time with family. My wife Stacey and our children really create a new view on what is important. What made you change? When I first started farming I had that sense of responsibility where you don’t want to let go of anything, in case something went wrong. But as my role grew I realised that other people do have those skill sets and if they don’t, it’s your job to train them. What are your go-tos to keep well? I try to exercise three days a week. Farming’s a physical job, but to stay on top of your game, you really need to do something that lifts your heart rate. I’ve got a treadmill in my garage to keep fit. I also get off-farm to play hockey. Keeping your mind fit is important. I started meditation for 10 minutes a day and aim to read for 20 minutes a day. How do you find time for these activities? The great thing about dairy farming is that you do have that flexibility and can find a couple of hours for other things. You have to prioritise what is important to you. Substitute watching TV for reading a book or phoning a mate.
Jonathan Hoets is the manager at Kairoa Dairies in Mid Canterbury. Jonathan with wife Stacey and their children.
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What difference does getting off-farm make? Farms are great places, but it’s not healthy when your life just boils down to work. That’s why you need to sit down as a team, discuss these things and make a plan. After I play hockey, for example, we catch up for a drink. It’s good to mix in different circles and chat about things other than farming.
DAIRY FARMER
June 2022
