Testing Time for; Farm Managers

The Farm Manager of the Year region covers the lower North Island, and has produced two entrants from Manawatu/Rangitikei this year. ——————– F or David van der Jagt, entering the Farm Manager of the Year competition, which is part of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards scheme, is a whole new experience.

Milking 900 cows – 300 once a day, the remainder twice a day – David feels his lack of on-farm responsibility in the Marton operation has been a handicap. But in May he starts a new job, and believes he will be in a better position next year.

“I’m looking forward to the feedback. And once we start visiting winning farms and seeing their operations, the real benefits of entering will come.”

The second Farm Manager of the Year contestant from this region is Tim Olson, who manages a 77-effective-hectare property near Shannon. Tim milks 238 cross-bred cows twice a day, after starting work for an uncle at age 14 and climbing the dairying ladder.

This is also his first year in the competition, which has already boosted his confidence.

“Like most farmers, I spend most on my time out on the farm, talking to the cows and my dog, so I was really nervous the first time I had to get up and speak in front of people.”

Tim sees securing and retaining staff as a challenge. And just as his uncle gave him his first break, and put him through the Federated Farmers introduction to dairying course, he has taken on his nephew.

“The hardest thing is to find people who have the passion. I’m lucky. I have a nephew working for me, and he has the passion.

“Our goal is to own our farm. We’ll contract-milk or low-order share-milk before we can achieve that.

“One thing is for certain: we’ll be staying in farming, staying with the dairy lifestyle.

The kids enjoy it, and we enjoy it, and through this we can achieve what we want from life.

* The other event that runs as part of the awards scheme is the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition.

Open to farm employees who have completed their national certificate in agriculture to Level 4, the contest is to support young people starting their dairy career, reward excellence, inspire further study and identify potential leaders.

The top eight trainees identified from around New Zealand will win a study trip to Australia.

Once again, there are two entrants from this region – Tracey Hudson and Kiel Berry.

The Dairy Trainee Award winners will be announced at the function in Palmerston North.

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(c) 2007 Evening Standard; Palmerston North, New Zealand. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.