Open Country opens butter plant
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Organised by Federated Farmers, the event is targeting contract milkers, sharemilkers and farm owners.
The ‘Managing risk in sharefarming’ events will be held in Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Hawera, Rongotea, Dunsandel, Waimate, Balclutha and Winton. The first event at Morrinsville Rugby & Sports Club kicks off at 10.30am on Thursday, November 7.
“There are considerable opportunities and benefits in sharefarming, but there are plenty of risks too,” says Federated Farmers national sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett.
“Farmers need to enter into sharefarming or contract milking relationships with their eyes wide open if they want to have a successful business or farming career.”
Federated Farmers is running these events to help farmers better understand what those risks are, and more importantly, how they can be mitigated.
“This is the kind of workshop I wish I had attended before I first went sharemilking. It would have been hugely beneficial for me as a young guy starting out,” Ebbett says.
“We’ll have all the industry experts in one place offering practical advice on things like contracts, farm assessments, insurance and building strong working relationships.
“If you’re looking at getting a sharemilker on next season, or you’re thinking of going sharemilking yourself, you should definitely be attending these workshops.”
The events are conveniently timed between milkings and will run from 12.30am until 12.30pm with a free BBQ lunch provided for attendees.
“Moving from a farm manager’s role into sharemilking or contract milking means you suddenly become a self-employed business owner,” Ebbett says.
“This brings a whole lot of new responsibilities. You’re essentially now carrying all the same risks as a farm owner, just not quite on the same scale.”
He says sharemilkers are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the milk price, while contract milkers can get stung with rising costs in a high-inflation environment.
“Suddenly you’re employing staff, dealing with health and safety requirements, and navigating environmental and animal welfare responsibilities that all bring risk too.
“These workshops are all about helping people understand those risks and responsibilities, and how they can put in place a plan to manage them.
“Farm progression is so important for the future of our dairy sector so it’s important we provide these opportunities, particularly for the next generation coming through.
“November is when people tend to start making decisions about what they might like to do next season, so these workshops couldn’t arrive at a better time.”
Workshops are free to attend. If you’d like to know more call 0800 FARMING.
Event timetable
Morrinsville
Thursday, 7 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Morrinsville Rugby & Sports Club, Campbell Park, Thames Street
Te Awamutu
Thursday, 14 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Te Awamutu Rugby Sports & Recreation Club, 420 Albert Park Drive
Hawera
Tuesday, 26 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
TSB Hub, Camberwell Road, Hawera
Rongotea
Wednesday, 13 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Te Kawau Memorial Recreation Centre, 1 Wye Street
Dunsandel
Tuesday, 19 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dunsandel Pub, 3374 Main South Road
Waimate
Tuesday, 12 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Waimate Rugby Football Club, Wall Street
Balclutha
Thursday, 14 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cross Recreation Centre, 18 Glasgow Street
Winton
Tuesday, 26 November, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Midlands Rugby Club, John Street
