Workers a big part of the farming business
"We couldn't do this without our team. They are integral to everything." That's the first thing that Te Awamutu dairy farmers Jayson and Stacey Thompson have to say about their team.
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has acknowledged the tragic passing of Morrinsville farmer Jeff Bolstad.
In a statement, the NZDIA said Bolstad was a true stalwart of the New Zealand dairy industry and was one of the Awards' biggest advocates.
He died in a tragic event while milking cows on his farm. Worksafe is investigating the accident.
His daughter Angela said in a Facebook post that her dad died tragically in the cowshed "milking his precious cows".
"We are all totally broken and cannot yet comprehend this tragedy. People that knew Jeff knew he was so full of life, loved his family, loved people, loved having a chat, loved his dairy farming and he never thought this day would ever come to him. He still had so much to do in life."
The NZDIA sent its sympathies to his wife Annette, his daughters Angela, Debbie, Janice and Alison and all their families.
"A family man and proud dairy farmer, Jeff was instrumental in developing the Awards and had a deep passion and belief in not only the Awards, but the whole dairy industry," the NZDIA says.
"He has dedicated much time and energy to the Awards and was a dedicated volunteer, committee member and judge."
In 2021, Bolstad was the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Contribution to NZDIA Award, presented at the national gala dinner in Hamilton. During his acceptance speech, he commented that he was very touched by the recognition. In his words, "You get out what you put in".
"Publicly, Jeff preferred to remain in the background and used his strengths in forming strong relationships to guide, encourage and mentor up-and-coming farmers," the NZDIA says.
"A community man, Jeff was also a board trustee and involved in Federated Farmers, community projects and was considered a sounding board and mentor by many. An extremely humble man, Jeff expected no recognition. He was one of a kind and his loss will be felt by many."
The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).
Hamish and Rachel Hammond jumped at the chance to put their university learning into practice by taking up a contract milking offer right after graduation.
"We couldn't do this without our team. They are integral to everything." That's the first thing that Te Awamutu dairy farmers Jayson and Stacey Thompson have to say about their team.
OPINION: The Canadian government's love affair with its lifestyle dairy farmers has got it into trouble once again.
Volatile input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, a reduction in direct payments and one of the wettest periods in decades that resulted in a disastrous harvest, have left their mark and many UK farming businesses worse off.
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed last month.
OPINION: A keen pair of eyes wandering down the main street of the hub of the Horowhenua, Levin recently came…
OPINION: The demise of Organic Dairy Hub is official.