| 13 Hard work rewarded by rapid progression Tyrone the trainee manager. Kim Newth Since Tyrone Davis started as a farm assistant working for Dunsandel dairy farm director Tony Coltman four years ago, he has risen rapidly through the ranks to become a trainee unit manager with big responsibilities. The 22-year-old is thankful to have a positive mentor like Tony, who was quick to spot his potential and back him to succeed. “I’ve been very lucky – Tony has helped me a lot,” says Tyrone, who grew up in Hokitika, the son of a farm manager. “I run the farm by myself but Tony’s always there when I need to talk things over with him. He only wants the best for everyone he works with.” Since launching their Canterbury dairy partnership in June 2013, Tony and Dana Carver have grown their equity business (Datona Ltd, Canlac Holdings and Rahi Partnership) from a 1400cow dairy farm (335ha effective) to 3350 cows spanning several farms and a land area of just over 1200ha. Their passion for farming sustainably was recognised at the 2020 Ballance Farm Environment Awards when they won the Canterbury Supreme Award. Along the way, their equity partners Richard and Chrissie Wright have played a hugely supportive role in their dairy journey. Tony and Dana are currently in the throes of buying the local farm where they have been 50/50 sharemilking 1150 cows, with settlement coming up in June. Last November they added another 230ha support block, seven kilometres from the main dairy farm. “I’m helping to manage that too with one of the calf rearers and we look after irrigation there – we’ve got calves on there at the moment,” says Tyrone. DAIRY PEOPLE » Canlac Holdings “I really enjoy working on a bigger farm operation that is growing and prepared to try new things. It’s a good learning curve for me.” Tyrone manages the original Canlac Holdings farm at Dunsandel. It is right next door to the second farm that Tony and Dana developed (Quantum Dairy), with the two farms and their respective managers working closely together. “For example, if he’s short on grass at Quantum, we have enough to give him a couple of paddocks. Dry off is in my shed and calving is on my platform. FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz It’s a very busy time, but I love the challenge. This last calving season, we had 86 calves a day at peak. When you have 10 people in your team it can get crazy at times and things don’t always go your way, but you learn from your mistakes.” Tony has long been impressed by Tyrone’s unflappable disposition and willingness to get stuck in. “He doesn’t get stressed and nothing’s a problem,” says Tony. “He’s a natural with stock and he’s really good with people too. He’s a unique individual - mature beyond his years.” Both Tony and Tyrone agree that the dairy sector continues to offer good opportunities for young New Zealanders who are prepared to work hard. As Tony observes, those who do work their way up to become farm managers will find they are well remunerated for that. Meanwhile, Tyrone says he’s thoroughly enjoyed his dairy career up to now, with all the associated learning along the way. Contract milking is in his sights as a possible future option over the next four or five years. Cow Track Lime Supply & Lay • All Shingle Supplies • Truck & Trailer Hire • Hedge & Stump Removal Direct Drilling • Tree Shearing • Farm Tracks & Driveways • Fodderbeet Planting • Pivot Rut Filling Cultivation • Grader & Digger Work • Reversible Ploughing • Supply & Installation of Irrigation Pipe RD2 Leeston 027 534 9161 e: chris@chrisswanson.nz CULTIVATION & EXCAVATION CONTRACTORS
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