| 17 Finding a pathway to progression in Taranaki With three young children, the farm’s size and scale as a husband and wife duo had grown a lot over their 10 year’s at Janet’s side. Kim Newth After more than 20 years, Janet Schultz’s dairy farm journey at Inglewood is coming to a close with another chapter now opening for the next generation. The word ‘tenacious’ springs to mind on hearing about Janet talk about her life and her years in the dairy industry. In 2001, she lost her husband Gary in a car accident and was herself seriously injured. Refusing to give up on the farming life they had started together, she went on to purchase a 103ha (86ha effective) farm at Inglewood in 2006 and developed both farm and herd into a highly productive dairy business. Then, in 2012, she added and developed a nearby 36ha runoff for grazing heifers and calves as well as growing supplementary feed. By 2023, life was moving in a new direction as Janet prepared to move to a lifestyle block in New Plymouth, and her daughter and son-in-law, Kelsey and Matt Brooks, reluctantly resigning from their contract milking position on her farm. With three young children, the farm’s size and scale as a husband and wife duo had grown a lot over their 10 year’s at Janet’s side. They were burn out and looking to explore other interests. Then last September, Janet was approached and asked if she wanted to sell her farm. After satisfying herself that the prospective buyers were indeed keen, Janet decided to accept their offer with this June being the takeover date. In the meantime, Kelsey and Matt had realised they wanted to go back farming but at smaller scale so Kelsey could continue to work off-farm for Primary ITO. They were interested in small West Coast lease properties or 50/50 positions but there wasn’t a lot in Taranaki at the size they were seeking. When a 69ha dairy farm for sale at Tariki became listed, Kelsey approached Janet about becoming an equity partner. After consulting with a team of trusted advisors, she realised it would be ideal with the new property supporting her run-off by providing built-in heifer grazing and beef calves. The family’s tender was successful. “I’ve always had a strong passion for getting young people into the dairy industry. For me, this is what progression looks like. At the end of the day, I don’t want the hassle of finding new staff or compliance. That’s now their domain. As it’s a smaller farm, it’ll be a lot easier for them to run. RURAL PEOPLE » Janet Schultz The shed is only 15-a-side so won’t need two milkers and can have that work-life balance they were missing.” After 37 years breeding cattle, Janet’s biggest worry was losing all the genetic gain in her herd as a result of selling her farm. She’s relieved that the Friesian content of her herd is being retained; while her J16s are being sold, the F16 cattle will be going to the new farm. “My daughter used to work for CRV so I know she will keep that genetic gain going too.” Janet’s son Brody is also involved in the sector, working for Fonterra. “He’s just bought a place in Inglewood and will be moving there next month.” Meanwhile, Kelsey and Matt’s lifestyle block is on the market as they prepare to move to the new farm, while Janet is in the throes of moving from New Plymouth to her runoff block, where she’s building a new house. It’s just 2km from the new farm. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, our commitment to excellence ensures that you get the best products and services. 39 Cutfield Street, Inglewood 94 Broadway, Stratford 0800 662 6455 See us for: Pumps and Water Systems | Milking Machines Effluent Systems | Meal Systems | Teat Spray Systems www.moamilking.co.nz • Mowing - Teddering - Raking Bales - Round/Square • Loader Wagons - Pit Tractor • Fert Spreading - 6T/8T/3pt linkage • Hedge Mulching - Roller/Direct Drills • Discs - Scoop - Power Harrow Tractor/Trailers • Skidsteer - 3.8T/13T Diggers • Mericrusher - Aerator • Tow and Fert 1000ltr/4000ltr • Truck and Transporter “I’ve always had a strong passion for getting young people into the dairy industry. For me, this is what progression looks like.”
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