20 | RURAL PEOPLE » Charlie and Emma Adair Fixing milk price ‘really paid off’ The Adairs embarked on their New Zealand journey in 2015, with Charlie (far left) , who holds a Diploma in Agriculture from the UK, having managed a 300-cow dairy farm in his homeland. Karen Phelps Northland couple Emma and Charlie Adair has proven that making bold decisions can lead to substantial rewards. Earlier this year, when they chose to fix half of their Fonterra milk price, some thought they were taking a significant gamble. Little did anyone know that their decision would result in a windfall of $740,000 and provide them with a crucial buffer against the backdrop of soaring interest rates. “The first three years we fixed we were $120,000 worse off,” says Charlie. “It does make you question your decision. But now it’s really paid off. Fixing gives us security and helps us to budget. It’s also allowed us to grow our business as by fixing it has given the bank more reassurance, as we know what we will get paid. At this stage in our business it makes sense to have security, as we need income to service loans. For us it’s taken the risk out and also gives us time to think what to do if the pay-out is not flash when we know we’re coming off the fixed price.” While the Adairs have undoubtedly reaped the benefits of their strategic decision, they acknowledge that cash flow remains tight. Consequently they have temporarily halted their business expansion efforts after a period of rapid growth. The couple’s multifaceted farming venture includes a ten-year equity partnership on a 360-hectare technograzing bull farm in Titoki. This partnership not only grants them partial land ownership but also the opportunity to lease the farm and maintain complete control over daily operations. The farm focuses on breeding replacement heifers and bulls, operating within a highly intensive system. In addition to the bull farm, the Adairs own a 50-hectare run-off grazing block at Knight Road, which includes a consented quarry they hope to activate in the future. This block supports their 211-hectare dairy farm on the same road, where they milk 600 cows. They also lease a neighbouring farm at Rapid Road, encompassing 167 hectares and equipped with a 36-aside herringHAY · SILAGE • SPRAYING • FENCING CULTIVATION • SEEDING • FEED SALES Office 09 433 1733 Eden 021 0842 6587 | Warren 027 391 4777 vcon.o ce@gmail.com bone shed, where they milk 500 cows. Further expanding their agricultural portfolio, the Adairs lease a 200-hectare block for contract maize cultivation. They own another dairy farm at Kokopu Road, spanning 182 hectares, milking 550 cows through a 50-bail rotary system. Additionally, they oversee a 40-hectare lease block dedicated to rearing replacements. The Adairs’ farming empire includes a calfrearing unit on a 60-hectare leased block, where they raise approximately 2,700 calves annually to 100 kilograms. Their hands-on approach extends to undertaking their own contracting work encompassing cropping, fertilizing, and digger operations. The Adairs embarked on their New Zealand journey in 2015, with Charlie, who holds a Diploma in Agriculture from the UK, having managed a 300-cow dairy farm in his homeland. Their decision to move to New Zealand was driven by the prospect of better opportunities and progression in the dairy industry. Today, Charlie spearheads the daily management of their diverse farming endeavours, while Emma assumes the role of administrator and takes care of their two young children, William and Oliver, aged 5 and 4, respectively. They also employ a dedicated team of 11 full-time staff and two part-time workers during peak seasons. Charlie highlights their current focus on finetuning operations, with an eye toward future opportunities. “There will be a lot of opportunities in the future because of the current tough times and the aging generation of farmers exiting the industry. So we’re trying to set ourselves up so that when the opportunities arise, we can jump on them.” Congratulations Charlie & Emma Adair! We are honoured to be working with our valued clients Charlie & Emma Adair. Their efforts display a fantastic commitment to our industry, and our agent Stuart Wells and the NZ Farmers Livestock Northland team are proud to support them. At NZ Farmers Livestock we are committed to working with farmers for farmers, and we are dedicated to ensuring you get the best service and support we have to offer. Stuart Wells Craig Douglas Don McKenzie Murray Lynch 027 282 8204 027 445 1167 021 754 174 021 966 501
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