Welcome to the Waikato Farming Lifestyles 2025. In this edition, we look back on 2024 with stories about people from across the region shared with us last year. We look forward to bringing new content about our farming innovators, sharing their passion and commitment for doing what they do best in their chosen profession. Join us for what promises to be another amazing year.
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farmers and farming to New Zealand’s economy, lifestyle and culture.
Still, do we really need a sign to remind us of that—to tell us that?
Yes, I think we do, and there are a couple of reasons for that. First are the farmers themselves.
In general, farmers are a self-effacing lot. New Zealand farmers are highly professional, and their expertise is second to none globally. Their only weakness is self-promotion. They don’t spend much time talking about themselves (in fact, they don’t have a lot of time to spare); they just get out there and get on with the job without the rest of New Zealand seeing it (apart from Fieldays) and acknowledging it.
The second reason why we need reminding why farming is so important is that there is a body of people out there who want us to believe that farming is not important — that its key role as the cornerstone of the economy is overrated and even, somehow, injurious to the greater good.
The fact is that these people, with their ideological and increasingly strident
agenda, don’t understand farming or farmers. They overregulate it. They try and divert us from it. They don’t understand that with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) down, primary industry will play a pivotal role in turning the country around. No other industry can do it.
Building cycleways won’t do it. Right? Instead, we must stand in solidarity with our farmers. Take, for example, my frustration with government offices opting for synthetic carpets when we have the world’s finest wool carpets produced by our farmers. Let’s choose to use and celebrate the incredible products our farmers create.
To me, farmers are outright heroes — worthy of recognition and support. I don’t need a sign to remind me of their significance, but as an MP representing a largely rural constituency, that sign reinforces my commitment to championing agriculture and the remarkable individuals behind it every single day.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
Applications open for 2025 programme
Farmers eager to grow their confidence, skills and networks are invited to apply for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s nationwide Generation Next programme, designed to equip future farming leaders with tools to thrive in the industry.
“It’s amazing to see the impact it’s had on participants’ personal and professional growth.
encouraged to apply for the 2025 Generation Next programme back to the farm. From technology and genetics to mental health and decisionmaking, there’s something for everyone.
positive, with many citing the programme as a turning point in their careers.
Anyone wanting to take the next step in their farming career is encouraged to apply.
“The programme has been a huge success. It initially started in the Southern South Island region, but with strong interest across the country and the B+LNZ Farmer Council recognising its value, it quickly became a nationwide initiative,”
“It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about building lasting connections, gaining confidence, and finding ways to tackle challenges in farming.
“Graduates often say it’s transformed the way they think about their role and their future in agriculture.
“The workshops provide practical tools and knowledge that you can take straight
“I encourage anyone ready to take the next step in their farming career to apply — you won’t regret it.”
The programme consists of three workshops over a six-month period and there are 20 spaces available at six locations across the country.
Olivia says feedback from past participants has been overwhelmingly
“Participants have told us that it’s not just the knowledge they gain but the confidence and networks they build that make all the difference,” Olivia says.
Applications close on February 15. For more information visit the Beef + Lamb New Zealand website, or contact Becs Paterson at generation.next@beeflambnz. com or call 027 209 9891.
said B+LNZ national programme manager Olivia Weatherburn.
Farmers wanting to take the next step in their career are
A natural way forward
February brought the story of Russell and Lil Bayley who dedicated their time to transforming the system on the family farm from conventional to organic.
“Everybody has a different idea of what organic is, and the hardest thing to convert is the farmer — you have to change the way you think,” said Russell.
Growing up, Russell was very ill, something the doctors couldn’t solve. The cause of his illnesses was revealed to him in his early 20s when he sought help from a natural health professional.
“My system was overloaded with chemicals. It also turned me towards the organic path, which connected me to an excellent auditor, who ensured we were doing everything right and offered help and contacts in the industry.”
Lil met Russell in 2013. They are part of Fonterra’s organic programme and began The Organic Farm Shop five years ago. The store sells meat, eggs, honey and vegetables from their farm.
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Experiencing the blue
In March and May readers were treated to a two-part story about how Phillip and Michaela Frost have continued on with the Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience from Phillip’s parents, Harry and Anne.
With a small amount of adaptation, the plants thrived.
“Mamaku Blue began in the early 1980s after Harry and Anne planted 2,000 plants in their first block,” says Phillip.
“Phillip grew up on the farm helping his folks and then travelled for a few years before returning home. He decided to carry on from Harry with the blueberries,” says Michaela. “I came on board in 2012. It’s still a challenge to be in this part of the industry, but it’d be wonderful if the next generation carry on the business.”
Mamaku Blue recently received bronze awards
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The Frost family is working to ensure Mamaku Blue blueberries continue on for the next generation
Russell enjoys the healthy lifestyle of organics and shifting stock on his Waikato farm
Living the dairying dream
June gave readers an insight into Sicelo Nene’s journey from South Africa, when he arrived in New Zealand in July 2019 to pursue his dream of working in the dairy industry.
“I came from a small township and went to college doing a three-year diploma at Cedara College of Agriculture. At the end of my three years, I got my first dairy job and did agronomy for a few months,” says Sicelo.
Sicelo worked as a junior manager on a system five farm, milking 1,500 Holstein Friesian cows in a 66-bale rotary shed. He
then went to the US for a year as part of a Future Farmers sponsorship programme before returning home to study, relocating to New Zealand and marrying his wife Amy.
“I think the future is bright, and I want to carry on and grow our business. This season, I am on a different farm in Te Aroha, with 240 cows on a flat 65ha farm and the Wood family.”
Environmental leadership wins
In May readers were shown that leadership and community-based action is a successful combination for Alastair and Ann Reeves of Reeves Farms in Te Akau.
“Reeves Farms has been in the family for more than 90 years, and we’re the fourth generation caring for it,” says Ann.
The couple has developed a highlyresilient and profitable farming business while enhancing the surrounding environment.
“It’s great being here, we feel like we are custodians for the next generation to come on the farm, whether it is our children or someone else. It’s our job to leave the property in the best condition we can.”
Alastair and Ann were named the 2024 Regional Supreme Waikato Ballance Farm Environmental Awards winners. They also won the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, NZFET Biodiversity Award and NZFET Climate Recognition Award.
“I think there’s a lot of farmers doing the same and we’re representing them,” says Alastair.
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Sicelo and Amy were married in 2023 in Dunedin, where Amy’s parents reside — Sicelo’s family also joined the couple for their celebration
Alastair and Ann Reeves are the fourth generation caring for the property, which has been in the family for more than 90 years
In love with alpacas
Kerri and Neil Campbell shared their love for alpacas and producing fleece on their Waikato property.
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“I grew up in Auckland. Neil and I have lived all around the countryside gravitating towards farming lifestyles,” said Kerri.
“After deciding I couldn’t afford to be falling off my horses anymore, we began looking for other animals to graze on the land.
“Having always been enthused with alpacas, I planned to get a couple of males as pets, but once becoming smitten by cria, I bought four pregnant females instead. It has been a learning curve.”
Kerri breeds alpacas for their fine, soft fleeces and registers them with the International Alpaca Association.
“I love the training aspect of it. Although fleece production is their primary job, the appeal for me is the breeding of the animals and rearing cria.”
Young hearts in farming
In August we shared the story of aspiring young Waotu farmers Ben and Josh Barbour and Jackie Sneddon, the 2024 AgriKidsNZ competition victors.
“Josh and I live on a dairy farm in Waotu, a small farming community between Putāruru and Tokoroa,” said Ben.
Ben and Josh aspire to follow in their parents’ footsteps and Jackie has her heart set on working for a farming industry company. The AgriKidsNZ Competition helped the trio expand their knowledge of the industry.
“I enjoy the freedom of living on a farm. When you need to take a walk
and have some time out, you can easily do that by just going outside — there is always something to do,” said Jackie. Josh desires to explore parts of the industry, including dairy farming, sheep and beef.
“I love to get out on the farm and work the land, and want to pursue dairy farming and maybe sheep and beef too. I’d love to be a part of a high country muster one day,” said Josh.
2024 Agrikids winners Josh, Ben and Jackie all aspire to work within the farming industry
Initially, wanting male alpacas as pets, Kerri Campbell became smitten with the cria and bought four pregnant alpacas instead
A legacy of champions
December’s edition celebrated three generations of the Chittick family living at Waikato Stud and carving a legacy from diligence and teamwork to breed the best thoroughbred horses possible.
“When we purchased Waikato Stud 31 years ago, it was 430 acres, and has grown to 2,000 acres. We have had massive growth,” said Mark Chittick.
Since taking charge of the stud from his parents, Gary and Mary, Mark and his wife, Pippa, have brought up their children, Charlotte, George, Harry and Charlie. With some of the Chittick children flown the coop, the couple continues the family legacy.
“We are proud of the results like being New Zealand Breeder of the Year on 10 occasions. My father has been inducted into the hall of fame.
“Stallions, Starcraft and O’Reilly, have been inducted into the hall of fame, too, and Savabeel is about to be. Those are milestones we are proud of, and we have consistently achieved the same results.”
A family that grows together
In November, Marlie Clemens shared her story of taking up the reins of the family harvest at Rivendell Gardenz to provide her children with the upbringing she had enjoyed.
Marlies met her husband Caleb, while travelling in Australia, before marrying him in the mid-2000s and becoming parents of Kate, Anna and Jaylee.
“I loved my childhood of growing up in New Zealand, so taking responsibility for the gardens was an opportunity to see how living there would work. I knew
the basics of tending to the tomatoes,” said Marlies.
Since then, Marlies has grown the business and attends to three — Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton.
“I grew up in New Zealand and am back in the house I grew up in. When I am in the greenhouse, I eat as I go because it is a very natural product.”
The Clemens’ youngest daughter, Jaylee, runs a balloon animal business at the farmers’ market
Mark and Pippa Chittick brought up their children Charlotte, George, Harry and Charlie at the Waikato Stud
Breckon
Value in growing
University, now Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in horticulture in 1990. Hong and I met while we were studying there,” said David.
“After graduating, I managed horticulture projects at a local government office. I had experience working with farmers in the area and
After immigrating to Auckland in the early 2000s, David and Hong began growing vegetables in Drury in 2007. Eventually, the couple moved to Waikato where they grow and sell at the Cambridge and Hamilton farmers’ markets.
“Waikato is a great place for growing, and has great people just like Auckland and other parts of New Zealand.”
A journey of success
In October we brought readers insight about Mitchel Hoare, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm and sought to continue his pathway in the industry alongside his wife Charlotte and daughter, Ruby.
“My sisters Abbe, Ella and I grew up in Te Kuiti on a 300-hectare sheep and beef farm. I always wanted to pursue that type of farming myself,” said Mitchel.
After spending time at a cadetship at the Waipaoa Station, Mitchel went on to achieve a diploma in farm management at Lincoln University.
“I spent some time shepherding before leasing 240 hectares across
two properties, allowing me to be self-employed. We do predominantly sheep and beef farming with a calfrearing component.”
Mitchel won the AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award at the Beef and Lamb New Zealand Awards.
“Bringing up our child on a farm makes me slow down and enjoy what we have. She loves it — it puts things into perspective.”
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Hong and David Ruan immigrated to New Zealand after being attracted to the country online
Charlotte and Mitchel have a one-year-old daughter, Ruby, who is experiencing the farming lifestyle
A community-loved affair
The Morrinsville A&P Show is on Saturday, March 1, from 9am to 3pm at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds, Cureton Street.
“The first show was held in 1917. By the time we had our centenary in 2017, the show was in an unhealthy state and was going to be our final one,” said Morrinsville Agriculture and Pastoral Association president Bruce McRobbie.
Since Bruce took office, he and his team rejuvenated the show with support from local businesses and it has since grown extensively. The community feedback has been positive.
“It is one of the top one-day A&P shows in the North Island, if not the whole country. Morrinsville has a population of about 10,000 people, and last year, we drew about 8,000 people attending the event.”
The committee has also revived the pig racing event. At the end of the day, the pigs will be auctioned off as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Child Cancer Foundation.
“It was held at the show two decades ago with great success, and we are bringing it back again this year. All the pigs and races were generously sponsored.”
This year, the dairy section has a $11,000 prize pool of cash and products from sponsors. The Ayrshire Association and New Zealand Purebred Jersey Society North Island championships will be held at the show.
“That is through the generosity of all supporters. We keep none of the sponsorship and put it wholly to that section of the show.”
The beef section will display about 50 stock, alongside alpacas, calf club, dairy goats, sheep dog trails, equestrian events and heavy horses.
“Our Clydesdale show is one of the biggest in the upper North Island and we
The Morrinsville A&P Show drew 8,000 people to the one-day event in 2024 have Gypsy Cob and Dun classes, horses and ponies. There are two new classes this year, the thoroughbred and standardbred, along with the harness carriage driving.”
Musical entertainment, Highland dancers, a petting zoo, performing sheep, strongman
competition, emergency services, Waikato Dog Agility and much more, will be displayed at the show. All of the local car and tractor, and at least two motorcycle dealerships will be there, too.
Any ticketholder can go in the draw to win one of two $250 grocery vouchers
donated by New World. People must be on the grounds at 2.30pm when it is drawn. For more information, go to facebook.com/ themorrinsvilleshow or morrinsvilleshow. co.nz. The committee is grateful to everyone who has made the day possible.
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Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.
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Industry of opportunity
AeroFarm owner and operator Mitchell Neal wants to encourage others after seeing an opportunity for industry growth and servicing the wider Waikato region with his drone spraying business.
“At AeroFarm, I desire to help people start their drone spraying business and support them throughout their journey ,” said owner Mitchell Neal.
There is a massive opportunity for spray drones here in New Zealand for people wanting to start their own business in 2025. With a vast range of abilities, operators from several industries from farming to horticulture and forestry can benefit from owning a spray drone.
“There’s plenty of work out there for the drones. This technology is getting smarter and smarter. These machines are built for agriculture. They excel at it, and the units are fully waterproof.”
The drones can perform various jobs like spraying gorse, blackberry, steep sidlings, fungicides and insecticides on different crops and more. The unit is a reliable aid for spraying golf courses and pastures and spreading fertiliser and seed.
Horticulturalists can feel equipped with a spray drone for roof and greenhouse cleaning and greenhouse painting. Also a brilliant tool for spraying forestry blocks large and small, these drones are useful for many operations.
Other spray drone advantages include:
• Reduced crop damage — no soil compaction from heavy machinery, preserving crop quality and yield potential
• Precise application — spray drones can precisely target specific areas or crops reducing overspray and minimising chemical usage
• Accessibility — drones can access difficult terrain or hard-to-reach areas that traditional equipment cannot like steep slopes and wet fields
“I am happy to help operators where I can and encourage people interested to get in touch today. We can help you through the process from start to finish and connect you with the right licensing.
“We can advise on efficient trailer set-ups and, most importantly, supply you with the top-of-the-line XAG P100 Pro spray drones built for agriculture.”
For service or if beginning a drone spraying venture interests you, contact Mitch on 027 467 6925 or mitch@aerofarm.co.nz.
For more information, visit facebook.com/ aerofarmltd or aerofarm.co.nz.
Mitchell Neal has a desire to help people start their own drone spraying business as he did
Feral pests a ‘huge cost’ on the land
In September we covered the issue of out-of-control goat, pig, deer, geese, rat and possum populations costing New Zealand farmers a fortune and damaging the environment.
Waikato farmer Malcolm Lumsden farms 420 acres backing onto a Department of Conservation wetland reserve on the western shores of Lake Waikare.
“Each year we are destroying a minimum estimate of 1,000 possums, 200 pigs, 1,500 Canada geese, and a good number of feral cats, plus rabbits and hares and some stoats,” Malcolm says.
Malcolm’s son, Roger and his children are keen deerstalkers and
competition shooters making them very skilled with firearms. Malcolm says pest control takes a “considerable amount of time, an expensive and limited resource to us.
“Financially, it costs $5,000 to $6,000 just for ammunition to control pigs, geese and cats because of longer range shooting. Add in the cost of traps and bait, and it becomes an expensive exercise, but a necessary one as custodians of the land.”
New science boosts vegetable production
August allowed readers to explore the science and research that came to the fore with a new aid to New Zealand’s vegetable production described as “a world-leading” innovation.
The Waikato is home to extensive potato production where fourth-generation commercial vegetable growers AS Wilcox have their farms strategically situated to take advantage of the fertile, volcanic clay loam soils found in Pukekawa.
“The SVS Tool is a nitrogen budgeting tool, developed in collaboration with leading agricultural experts, environmental scientists and industry partners,” said potato crop manager Brian Hart. “The tool aims to provide growers with comprehensive evidence-based decision support to optimise their nitrogen management practices.”
It was officially launched by Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg at a ceremony at Plant and Food Research in Lincoln in August “to celebrate the hard work of many through the development of this technology. I see the opportunities and benefits of this tool as a remarkable example of what may be achieved through collaboration, innovation and science.”
The Lumsden farm pest control team
Brian Hart checks white potatoes at Matamata
UNLEASH THE BEAST
From passion to reality
April allowed us to share Matthew Macdonald’s love for the farming lifestyle, a man who says being able to meet the physical demands of farming after overcoming cancer has been his biggest achievement.
“I was born and raised on the family farm,” says Matthew.
“I have had a passion for farming since I was young, but was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in my first year of secondary school, and that changed my career pathway into the dairy industry.
Requiring stem cell transplant and radiation treatment, Matthew decided to complete a Bachelor of Agriscience.
“As an alternative, I decided to complete a Bachelor of Agriscience majoring in agriculture at Massey University and was awarded the DairyNZ scholarship for the full three years of study.”
Now as the farm manager for his parents, David and Jenny, on their 74ha Hamilton farm, milking 255 crossbred cows, Matthew won the 2024 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year category.
Career of a lifetime
In May, Michael Sharp told us that experiencing the rural lifestyle from a young age cemented his move into a dairy career.
“When I was growing up, my grandparents had a dry stock farm based just outside of Awakeri. We spent most of our weekends there with the cattle on their land,” said Michael.
Michael says spending time on his grandparents’ farm gave him a better understanding of fencing, fixing troughs and farm maintenance and stock management, a wisdom
that would serve him well in his farming journey.
“I pursued a farming career when my eldest son Tyler was born. I worked at the Kawerau Mill and then moved on to a different career journey when the company reduced staff. Farming has changed throughout my life and so has the lifestyle. It is a necessity, rather than an interest now, because if you want anything — you have to work for it.”
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Matthew is grateful to people who have helped him learn dairy farming skills over the years
Michael has been working on the Morrinsville property with his dog, Mynx
by Andy Bryenton
Tractor technology at the top of its game
The Tractor of the Year Awards have been held in Italy, with the top contenders across a variety of categories going through their paces for a panel of expert judges.
The winner of the high-powered category was the Case IH Quadtrac 715, boasting 715 horsepower and the ability to master the largest of implements. Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and its Quadtrac for 2025 features incredible efficiency in delivering its mountain of torque and power to the ground with the minimum of compaction. Cutting edge, but easy-to-use computer technology and driver comfort, also helped the big red machine sweep the field.
“This is the most productive tractor Case IH has ever built, providing new levels of power, traction and hydraulic output that will help owners do more in less time and so drive down the total cost of ownership,” said Case IH spokesperson Marco Lombardi.
Another big winner for TOTY of 2025 was Fendt, a firm that managed to score not one but two top honours amid the best of the best. In the very highly contested mid-power category, the Fendt 620 Vario DP was the undisputed winner. A new engine, called the iD, sits at the heart of this machine and is one of the big reasons for its victory. With huge power on tap from very low RPMs and impressive fuel economy, the Vario 620 also shone through with an impressive power to weight ratio, and advanced systems such as centralised on-board tyre pressure control.
Fendt also grabbed gold in the sustainable tractor category, with its e107 Vario breaking ground in purely electric agriculture.
‘This recognition highlights the agricultural industry’s shift towards eco-friendly practices, and Fendt has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of
the e107 Vario, a fully electric tractor that leads the agricultural world on the path to energy transition,’ wrote the panel of judges. Sheer ease of use and versatility muscled out the competition in the utility tractor category, with Steyr’s 4120 Plus exhibiting consummate all-round abilities. A roomy, quiet cabin, intuitive controls and
a super-efficient 3.6-litre turbo diesel motor combined with a high degree of flexibility to make this offering from Steyr a standout. Meanwhile, the specialised category for orchardists and vineyards was won by the Antonio Carraro Tony 8900, a small and nimble machine with precision control to reach tight spaces among the vines and trees. Its tiny turning circle and big power in a small package put it ahead of the rest.
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Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and this year, it has refined the formula to be crowned world champions
Farming’s robotic revolution
by Andy Bryenton
The annual Tractor of the Year competition in Italy often serves as the springboard for new ideas in agriculture, as big manufacturers vie with each other to floor the judges and impress the farming public.
This year was no exception, but among the awards for high horsepower, versatile, specialised and eco-friendly tractors came another category, which has hit its stride in recent years. That’s the competition among robotic tractors: machines driven by artificial intelligence and promise a robotic revolution on the land.
The winner of the 2025 TOTYBOT category for farming robots was the AgXeed 5.115T2, a driverless, fully robotic machine, which combines smart senses and a computer brain with the ability to handle a huge range of standard implements. Rather than focussing on a single job on the farm, the so-called AgBot packs a rear lifting capacity of 8,000kg and a front capacity of 4,000kg, all backed up by a powerful hydraulic system with a flow rate of 85 litres a minute.
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Like a modern battery-operated yard tool, which can adapt several heads, the 5.115T2 can become a variety of different machines for year-round utility.
‘These features allow it to handle a wide range of implements without the need for modifications, making it a versatile choice for farmers looking to optimise their operations with minimal changes,’ said the Tractor of the Year judges.
‘This compatibility with conventional agricultural tools, combined with its
autonomous capabilities, makes it a highly attractive option for farms looking to adopt robotic technology.’
Another point, which stood out for the panel, was the fact the AgBot doesn’t run entirely on electricity. Instead, a very efficient diesel motor cranks out 115 kilowatts under the hood, alongside 610 Nm of torque. Diesel is old tech, but it’s tough and dependable, and this form of fuel gives the 5.115T2 a 20-hour operation span, during which it can work on through day and night without a driver.
Removing a human driver and adding treads rather than wheels has had another design advantage. The AgBot exerts no more than 0.25kg for each centimetre of ground pressure, despite being able to utilise some of the bigger implements in the shed. Less weight means less compaction and more floatation, as well as the ability to go where heavier, more impactful machines could churn up the soil entirely.
AgXeed snapped up a European AgriTechnica innovation award when the 5.115T2 broke out in 2023, and now it has added another world-leading accolade to the trophy cabinet. It’s a sign of things to come, and an indication that future thinking is alive and well in agricultural engineering.
The AgBot 5.115T2 is the 2025 robotic tractor of the year
A passion for the perfect cut
July was an opportunity for Bruce Liddington to share how he discovered his love for woodchopping in his late 30s after entering forestry as a career.
Excited about dairy
In June Teagan Gray shared her story of being the fifth generation of the Grays to manage the 160-hectare family farm in Thames for her parents Neil and Glenda, milking 478 cows.
Forestry allowed Bruce to play sports during the weekends, keeping him active, so he could play well at sporting events.
“Woodchopping became an interest in my late 30s, but once I got into it, I loved it and regret not getting involved earlier. I got all my training blocks and gear through my work and enjoyed the challenge involved in learning and getting better.
A highlight of his sporting career, Bruce has competed in the New Zealand veteran team multiple times.
“I would like to see it grow in New Zealand. The community of woodchoppers are a great bunch of people, and you can always socialise well with them, especially veterans. I can go to Australia, and everyone is happy to help you with anything.”
“A united vision for the farm and good infrastructure are two of our family strengths,” says Teagan.
“Being fifth generation is something I’m very proud of. I’m fortunate that the farm is well set up. I have a good cowshed and stand-off for our area soil type, and good facilities to make the job as easy as possible and run the farm the best I can.”
Attending Massey University and gaining a Bachelor of Agriscience with
a major in equine, Teagan discovered farming ticked a lot of boxes for a career choice.
Teagan was named the NZ Dairy Industry 2024 Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Manager of the Year and also received the DeLaval Livestock Management, Fonterra Dairy Management, Pioneer Pasture and Feed Management, Brandt People and Leadership awards, along with the CowManager Personal Planning and Financial Management Award.
Bruce has been in the logging industry for more than 30 years, a career that led him to take up woodchopping as a sport
Teagan won the Dairy Manager of the Year 2024 in the Auckland/Hauraki section of the Dairy Industry Awards
Pictures by Lisa Sun Photography
DAIRY & EFFLUENT
Easier access to skilled hands
by Andy Bryenton
With data from industry advocates indicating that 16 per cent of Kiwi dairy farms are in need of extra hands, a move made in the last days of 2024 has been hailed as a big part of the solution.
Changes to the accredited employer work visa regime could see skilled agricultural workers granted a three-year stay in New Zealand, with the threshold for qualifying as skilled cut back to just two years of experience.
“While our sector employs significant numbers of New Zealanders, international workers have filled a genuine gap in the workforce,” said DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.
“Reducing the experience requirement for migrants from three years to two ensures migrants are sufficiently skilled while increasing the number of available workers. Increasing the visa duration to three years for some workers will also help add certainty for farmers over the different seasons.”
Staffing has been identified as a major factor in boosting dairy productivity and lifting New Zealand’s international export offering, at a time of wide-reaching change to international trade agreements. Not least among these is the indication that the incoming US president Donald Trump, will take an aggressive line on tariffs. Being flexible and having good capacity in a changing global market benefits the wider economy. At the same time, political and social change makes New Zealand a favoured destination for skilled migrants.
“The value of international workers should not be underestimated. They and their families contribute to the vibrancy and prosperity of rural communities,” said Mr Parker.
“These new changes will align wages with local workers while helping to create a pathway for migrants. We will continue working with the government to ensure the immigration system is robust, sustainable and works for farmers.”
The median wage requirements for overseas workers have also been abolished, in a move that has drawn criticism from opponents of the coalition government, but which immigration minister Erica Stanford says will benefit New Zealanders.
“It distorted wages and, in some cases, resulted in businesses paying migrant workers more than New Zealanders doing the same job. Other businesses had to increase prices to ensure pay equity across Kiwi and migrant workers,” said Ms Stanford.
“The dairy sector is committed to offering competitive wages for skills and experience,” said DairyNZ’s Campbell Parker.
“However, we face the dual challenge of a tight local labour market and New
GOT WATER PROBLEMS??
“A responsive immigration system is fundamental to rebuilding the economy,” says Immigration Minister Erica Stanford
Zealand equivalent farm experience not being readily available overseas. As a result, the majority of our international workforce start as entry-level farm assistants, making it challenging for businesses to justify paying the median wage.
“The key issue is finding the right set of capabilities, as farm businesses are complex and require a range of skills.”
ADVERTORIAL
by Andy Bryenton
Paramount means supreme spreading
The benefits of using effluent to boost natural growth across all kinds of crop and pasture lands are well documented, but there’s more than one way to get the goodness where it’s needed most.
In Waikato, Paramount Effluent Spreading has invested in innovation, avoiding big, heavy tankers for a revolutionary umbilical system, which allows for greater access, precise placement and a lighter footprint. It’s a smart solution brought to the market by agriculture machinery pro Nick Wright, who picked the name Paramount to reflect his quest for the best.
Rather than pumping effluent into a bulky containment vessel on wheels, and trying to tow this load to where it’s needed, the Paramount team deploys up to 1.6km of heavy-duty hose. Connected to a tractor with a dribble bar, this hose can pump up to 300 cubic metres of effluent every hour.
Moreover, because it’s just a hose, albeit a long one, this means that there’s no big trailers rumbling back and forth down roads and races on the farm. Stock can get to where they need to go, and so can staff, all while nutrient-rich effluent is sent to far-off places where an irrigator or heavy slurry tanker may not be able to tread.
Having a smaller and more nimble tractor platform to lay down effluent has another bonus, too. It’s a very precise way to cover terrain, making this method exceptional for maize and other cropping ground. To make things even more pinpoint-accurate, Paramount uses the Tabula system, accessing GPS satellite data to give categorical proof of placement. Less wastage impacts the bottom line. In fact, a combination of all the factors we’ve talked about makes the umbilical system very cost-effective indeed in both time and money.
From deploying powerful pond stirrers to liquify effluent, through to nitrogen testing,
pumping and placement, and even a final mapping report, it’s all part of the Paramount package. As up to 15 per cent of solids are pumped out by this innovative method, there’s another bonus, too — collateral pond cleaning and a boost to effluent pond capacity.
If you have effluent to spread, remember, it’s ‘better laid than sprayed’, using the smart, fast and cost-effective umbilical system as deployed by Nick and his team. Give them a call and turn your effluent into a liquid asset.
• Evenly spread your effluent the full width and length of your paddocks; ideal for maize and other cropping ground
• Low to no wear and tear on lanes and gateways
• GPS proof of placement using Tabula
• Incredibly cost effective
• Up to 15% solids pumped, increasing overall pond capacity
• No interruption to stock movements on lane-ways with the ability to move 280m3 per hour
• We stir your pond ensuring we are getting the bulk of nutrients out
The Paramount Effluent Spreading team has smart ways to get vital nutrients to where they are needed
DAIRY & EFFLUENT
Grassroots dairy event returns to Matamata
The two-day NZ Dairy Expo is promising to be bigger, better, and more focussed when it kicks off on Tuesday, February 11, 8.30am–3pm with its final day on Wednesday, February 12.
Taking place at United Matamata Sports Club, at Bedford Park in Tainui Street, this event is set to draw dairy farmers from across the country. The NZ Dairy Expo is designed specifically for dairy farmers, offering a unique opportunity to engage with over 120 exhibitors spread across more than two hectares
“This isn’t your typical field day event,” says event organiser and dairy sector advocate Amanda Hodgson. “You won’t find container loads of lifestyle products or unrelated goods here.
“Every exhibitor is here for a reason: to help farmers make informed decisions about products and services that genuinely benefit their farms.”
The expo is free for farmers to attend, ensuring accessibility while delivering high value.
The event is timed between milkings, making it easy for farmers to attend without disrupting their daily routines.
Farmers are encouraged to register to help organisers prepare amenities and ensure a seamless experience.
Registered attendees have a chance to win a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Grease Gun with a starter pack.
With a concentrated audience of proactive, engaged farmers, the expo provides businesses with a rare opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers.
“We encourage our exhibitors to keep it simple and grassroots,” Amanda says. “No need for flashy, expensive set-ups. Just bring your best people, because at the end of the day, that’s what matters.”
This event takes a targeted approach, designed to give dairy farmers the best possible experience by bringing together everything they need in one place, including the latest in dairy innovation.
For more information or to register visit nzdairyexpo.co.nz or email Amanda Hodgson at office@nzdairyexpo.co.nz.
20 years experience of
Servicing of all Effluent & Irrigation equipment
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NZ supplier of DODA products, we also carry a comprehensive range of Dairy Effluent parts & equipment designed to provide a robust and trouble free operation, complementing our Servicing business.
Waikato
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