Easy, efficient systems driving profit
A focus on creating a simple, profitable farming operation with an efficient Jersey herd is helping Zach Mounsey to grow his dairying business.
The Otorohanga farmer and DairyNZ economist is excited to be chosen for two prestigious agricultural events.
Mounsey and Marlborough farmer Doug Avery were selected as winners by a panel including Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew after giving presentations at National Fieldays this year.
The two will be part of the 2015 Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) - World Farmer Organisation study tour in Argentina later this year.
The purpose of this study tour is to increase global understanding and engagement on agricultural greenhouse gas research. Mounsey and Avery will be ambassadors for New Zealand in sharing environmental management practices that support sustainable productivity.
Mounsey will also attend the global Youth Ag-Summit in Canberra in two months; he and 100 other young aspiring farmers from around the world will discuss the issue of how to feed a growing world population.
To qualify, he wrote an essay on how New Zealand could produce food that would be internationally competitive that would reward the consumer and the producer.
Mounsey says he’s very fortunate to have won places at the two events.
“I think these events will help me operate to my full potential, and fasttrack my personal development while giving me overseas experience,” Mounsey told Dairy News. “It will also give me a global perspective on agriculture.”
Mounsey says he is passionate about agriculture, food security, and environmental and social responsibility.
“It came natural to me to get involved in the topics of food deprivation and agricultural emissions,” he says.
Apart from being in partnership on a farm and working for DairyNZ, Mounsey is a Fonterra networker. He is also chairman of Federated Farmers Otorohonga region and is currently on the Kellogg’s Leadership programme.
Mounsey, who milks 300 cows on 114ha, says the farm is going well and looking better than ever.
“We are coming into our third season of the conversion. We are improving production year on year and focusing on environmental and health and safety initiatives.”
The downturn in milk prices is hurting farmers; for Mounsey keeping tab on costs is the key.
“Upholding productive capacity, while trimming operating expenditure that is not showing a marginal yield or return is the challenge right now. Maximising margin by considering the cost of production is essential for us.”
His advice to young farmers is to work smart.
“Play to your strengths, surround yourself with likeminded people, be passionate, resilient and committed to your end objective, and never let go of its promise.”
