Team effort brings results
For the team at Westmorland Estate Limited in Waikato, it has been another year of everyone working together to achieve impressive results.
The company, owned by David and Sue Fish, employs 12 staff drawn from all over the world and looking after them is the owners' top priority.
Annual Awards Recognise On-Farm Excellence
Last month, David and Sue Fish, their staff and group of sponsors gathered for their annual awards luncheon to honour each member for another year of achievements, dedication and teamwork.
Prizes were awarded for farms that produced the top performing cows, top quality milk and reared the best calves.
Westmorland operations manager Dries Verrycken says the 2025-26 season was a standout one for the company.
He told Dairy News that the Westmorland business built on teamwork, humility, and a deep passion for the dairy industry.
"What began as a small, determined team has grown into a multicultural powerhouse - people who show up each day with pride, professionalism, and genuine care for the land, the animals, and each other."
Strong Culture and Work-Life Balance
"A defining part of Westmorland Estate Ltd's culture is its commitment to work-life balance. The business proudly operates on a 5x2 roster, with controlled hours to ensure every team member gets home on time.
"Westmorland Estate Ltd believes that great results come from people who are rested, supported, and able to enjoy life outside the farm.
"This philosophy has strengthened morale, improved performance, and created a workplace where people genuinely thrive."
Team Performance Across Three Farms
This year, the Westmorland team - comprising Dries Verrycken, Paola Verrycken, Daniel Bautista, Jezer Ragasajo, Emilio Ayerdi, Barbara Hinton - took out the top prize for best cows and lowest somatic cell count and the farm pride award.
The Sandhurst team - comprising Dries Verrycken, Paola Verrycken, Daniel Bautista, Jezer Ragasajo, Emilio Ayerdi, Barbara Hinton - won the best calves award.
The Somerset team - made up of Aubrey Fish, Jose Urbina and Steven Munro - scooped the lowest empty rate award.
Recognising Industry Partnerships and Support
Prizes were provided by Rabobank, Fonterra, Baker Tilly, GEA, FIL, LIC, DairyNZ, Agrihealth, Donaghys, Horwen, PGG Wrightson and Vet Clinic Morrinsville.
Verrycken says Westmorland Estate has spent years building strong, meaningful relationships with sponsors.
"This relationship is grounded in trust, respect, and shared passion for dairy farming. These sponsors are more than supporters; they are part of the Westmorland Estate Ltd team."
HR Leadership and People Development
The annual awards luncheon is organised by human resources manager Paola Verrycken.
Sue Fish says the annual awards celebration has become a defining moment for the estate.
She says Paola Verrycken's commitment to people, culture, and strong relationships ensures the event continues to evolve.
Fish says Westmorland Estate Ltd enters the future with confidence and gratitude.
"The achievements of 2026 are not just awards - they are the result of people working together, supporting each other, and taking pride in the dairy industry they love.
"Our philosophy remains simple and powerful: strong relationships, strong teamwork, and strong values create strong results," she says.
