20 | The best decision he could have made Mike says there’s plenty of opportunity for those from overseas, prepared to put in the necessary hard work. Sue Russell DAIRY PEOPLE » Omega Milk Ltd Carving out a successful farming life in New Zealand feels like a million miles away from his birth home in the Philippines, however Michael Omega says, the decision to move to this country was the best one he could have made. Such has been his progression that, when Rural South caught up with the Southland dairy farmer, he was still happily contract milking on a farm near Gore, and one of the equity partners of four other dairy farms, in partnership with six other Investors, located in the Riverton/Tuatapere districts. These farms collectively milk 3,600 cows and come with a team of 17 staff. Not one to shy away from fresh opportunities, however, Mike has made the decision next season to move away from the partnership and embrace a new phase of contract milking which will eventually lead to a 50:50 sharemilking position on the farm. While challenges presented on the other farms, Mike says he was fortunate on the home farm to grow plenty of grass. Carrying 1000 cows the season is progressing well, with a predicted milk production of 460,000kgms. “The cows are keeping well and maintaining good condition. We would be wanting a bit more rain though now,” says Mike early February. Looking back on his time here, Mike says he’s very proud of what he has achieved. Enjoying a great relationship with the home farm owner has also been a boost. Mike says there’s plenty of opportunity for those from overseas, prepared to put in the necessary hard work, to gain a good foothold in farming here. “It comes down to understanding what your purpose and goals are and then always having those visions at the back of your mind as you work each day. I wanted a good future for my family and that’s always been my driving force.” Over time Mike’s plan is to own a farm. It’s always been the vision and he hasn’t deterred from that since arriving. “The thing about farming is there are so many directions you can go in, once you’ve acquired some experience and people see you’re a hard worker. Having had the years of mentorship with past and current employers has been a valuable stepping stone to progress my own opportunities.” When Mike first came to New Zealand in 2007, he worked as a farm assistant in Western Southland, moving to the position of assistant farm manager at Balfour in 2010. He stayed on this farm just two years before again progressing to farm manager at his current farm, Rosehill Farm, near Gore, owned by Kenny and Jo Baynes. In 2013, Mike was named in the top five of the Dairy Trainee of the Year in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards, an accomplishment he says, gave him great experience, learnings and more confidence. Five years later, in 2017, Mike assumed the role of contract milker on the same farm. One year after Mike moved to New Zealand, his wife Sheilah and young daughter Mikee followed. Mikee is now 18 years old and the couple’s second daughter Shane is 11. “That was huge for me to have the family settle here. It was always our intention to make a life on the land here. With the girls older now, there are more things we are involved with through them.” It is fair to say Mike has wasted little time since arriving here 18 years ago, taking each opportunity to grow his farming business toward the ultimate goal of farm ownership. Proud to support Omega Milk Ltd For all your agricultural aviation needs Call Sam on 027 367 3658 AVIATION FOR AGRICULTURE
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