SYSTEMS SUSTAINABLE FARMING
SHORT TERM PAIN for long term gain
Tirau-based dairy farmer Shane Goldsmith sees a reduction in herd numbers leading to a more stable and better environmental future. Words by: Elaine Fisher. Photos by: Emma McCarthy.
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hane Goldsmith is a “glass half full” farmer when it comes to his attitude to proposed reductions in both dairy cow numbers and hectares in dairying. “There are a few different factors to stabilisation of payouts and an oversupply of milk, but I think no more conversions going into dairying and a reduction in herd numbers may be a positive contribution to its stability in the future.” says Shane who milks 700 cows on 240 ha (214ha effective) near Tirau. The Independent Climate Change Commission’s (ICCC) draft carbon budgets and advice to the Government includes a suggested 15% reduction in the numbers of dairy cows, beef cows and sheep by 2030 while maintaining current production levels. It is also envisaged that there will be direct land use change from dairy farming to horticulture of around 2000 hectares per year from 2025 onward. “Some farmers are not happy about the proposed cutbacks but if you look back say 10 years, every time there was talk of a $6 to $7 payout many farmers increased herd numbers and bought in more feed which
Above: Guardians of the land: Shane and Sarah Goldsmith. Left: Stronger together: (from left) workers Sam and Tom Lane with Shane Goldsmith, and workers Ashleigh MacGregor and Jared McKenzie.
led to an oversupply and the risk of a drop in payout. “A far more positive way to look at the environmental proposals is to consider that it will bring a more stable payout long term,” says Shane who, for the past three seasons, has supplied Miraka. The Taupo company’s principles, including sustainable farming practices which have a minimal impact on the environment, are among the reasons Shane and wife Sarah became Miraka suppliers not long after buying the Tirau farm.
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | May 2021
“I like the direction Miraka is taking and its personal approach to suppliers. You are not just a number. They know us by name and are always welcoming.”
FROM SHIFT WORK TO FARMING
Unlike many in the industry, Shane’s journey into dairy farming didn’t follow the sharemilking route. He left home at 18 and worked for companies, including Waikato Dairy Co and Tatua; worked as an AB technician, did relief milkings on days off and even 41
