The Moores, who won $18,400 in prizes, aim to achieve this by growing their business using sustainable farming and human resource practices.
The other big winners at the 2013 Southland Dairy Industry Awards held at the Invercargill Workingmen’s Club were Daniel and Emma Todd, the region’s 2013 Farm Managers of the Year, and James Warren, the Southland Dairy Trainee of the Year.
Don and Jess Moore, aged 28 and 26, are in their second season 50% sharemilking 950 cows for Jeff and Edith, and Bruce and Sue Cunningham at Gore. They have been on the farm five years, spending two years managing, and a year lower order sharemilking before progressing.
A former deep sea fisherman, Don Moore, won the 2010 Southland Farm Manager of the Year title. The couple say there are many benefits to entering the awards.
“It makes you look at your business through a microscope and delve into the how, why and where to in every aspect – from the day-to-day running to our goals for the future,” he says. “We also enjoy the opportunity to network with some of the standout leaders in the dairy industry, as that is what makes this industry so strong.”
The couple say communication and maximising low cost production are strengths. “On a large farm, it’s important that people are kept well informed. For this reason we focus on keeping up communication and having systems that assist us to do this so that everyone knows what they are responsible for.”
Second in the Southland sharemilker/equity farmer contest were Tokanui equity farm managers Chris and Lynsey Stratford, who won $10,400, while Winton equity sharemilkers Andres Patino and Jorgelina Leiva were third, winning $5200.
The 2013 Southland Farm Managers of the Year, Daniel and Emma Todd, want to grow their livestock numbers quickly and profitably so they can progress to 50% sharemilking within four years.
The couple, who won $9150, contract milk 377 cows for Rob and Karen Duthie at Rimu. “Our contract milking position is enabling us to grow our livestock numbers, and thus helping us to grow our equity and reach our goals faster.”
The Todds say they work well as a team, as they are able to use their individual skills and expertise to the businesses’ advantage. Daniel Todd, aged 25, has a practical farming background while Emma Todd, aged 26, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is an associate chartered accountant.
“Our practical farming experience mixed with accounting, taxation and human resource management skills have been a successful combination for us, enabling us to focus on the parts of the business we love to do and giving us more time together as a family.”
The couple had entered the awards once before, saying it forced them to step out of their comfort zone.“We loved the challenge and the ability to network with other farmers and industry representatives.”
The 2013 Southland Dairy Trainee of the Year, James Warren, says there are great opportunities to progress in New Zealand’s dairy industry.
