Waikato's top share farmer regrets historic 'poor decision'
The major winners in the 2024 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards are proof that poor decisions of the past can be overcome to carve out a successful career in milking cows.
Broomfield, 33, was runner-up in the same category last year and is the first sole female winner in the category.
She told Rural News that working on judges’ feedback from last year’s competition and brainstorming different ideas got her over the line this year.
“My weakest areas last year were around environment/ sustainability and health & safety and I won both those merit awards this year,” she says.
Broomfield, born and raised on a dairy farm in Patetonga, says farming is in her DNA. Her grandfather, father and mother are all dairy farmers.
The former DairyNZ consulting officer and Primary ITO tutor says her favourite part of farming is the cows.
“I absolutely love the cows: they are my girls,” she told Rural News. “I’ve always wanted to be a farmer and give future children the rural upbringing that I had.”
Broomfield says she really enjoys working with the animals, in particular growing exceptional youngstock.
“Having happy, healthy cows that have low somatic cell counts and high in-calf and production results.”
She also identifies a traditionally stressful time on-farm as her favourite – calving.
“It’s also important for me to continually develop, so I have been doing a lot of training which helps improve the business and keeps you motivated.”
Broomfield is proud that she is a sharemilker in her own right, with an 82% 6-week in-calf rate and 52,000 SCC.
The last month has been exciting for her and partner James Courtman: the couple have bought their first farm.
Broomfield says they are excited to be moving into the farm at Springdale on June 1.
“It’s our first family farm and we are excited,” she says. “James and I have both worked really hard in our own businesses to get to where we are today. Purchasing our own dairy property has been a goal for both of us for a long time.
“Anyone who knows either of us will know that there will be lots of vigorous debate on farm – particularly about what colour cow we are going to milk.”
Broomfield believes the strengths of her business lie in proven on-farm performance regarding cows and pastures.
“I have a genuine passion for all things farming, particularly pasture management which allows us to get good performance at a lower cost than others,” she adds.
“Excellent cost control in the business as well as personally has allowed me to make strong profits year-on-year and build equity.”
