| 19 Plans to move into full share-milking Joban, Navdeep and their two children Ekam Singh and Arzoi Kaur. Alexia Anderson RURAL PEOPLE » N & J Farming Ltd Navdeep Singh’s agricultural journey covers arable fields in India to large-scale dairy operations in New Zealand, where he has established N & J Farming Ltd. “Born into a family involved in arable farming, I developed an interest in tractor operations and crop management,” Navdeep says of his career path. After finishing high school, he moved to New Zealand in 2013 intending to pursue a career as a veterinarian, but instead started working as a farm assistant in Reporoa. He progressed his way up through the industry, and today leads N & J Farming Ltd, running two lower-order sharemilking operations supported by runoffs, with plans to move to full sharemilking within the next two years. Life on the farm is both rewarding and meaningful, he says. “Living in quiet nature and providing real food for the community is a rewarding lifestyle for us as a farmer. Sharemilking is a practical step toward farm ownership, which I have always aspired to.” Navdeep’s current operation is spread across two dairy farms, complemented by two support blocks. One of the farms milks 620 cows on 193 effective hectares of pumice soil, using in-shed feed, summer turnips, and autumn fodder beet under a system three “grass first” approach. The second farm milks 600 cows through a 42-aside herringbone shed on 198 effective hectares of rolling hill land, also operated as a system three. The two support blocks, covering 65 and 70 hectares, provide flexibility. “Support blocks play a critical role in the management of our future dairy cattle, providing optimal care for both young stock and wintergrazing cows for approximately four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and drought factors.” Navdeep says strong financial planning has been key to N & J Farming’s growth. Building sound relationships with advisors, bankers, and industry programmes such as DairyNZ’s Mark & Measure has provided valuable guidance. While farm ownership remains a key goal, Navdeep says in the short term, he hopes to manage a larger sharemilking business of 1000 to 1400 cows to gain further experience. Like many in the sector, staffing and environmental expectations are a key focus. “We manage staff challenges by using technology, such as installing collars last year,” Navdeep says. He has also lowered stocking rates by 10% over three years while maintaining production targets, supported by efficient use of fertiliser and improved herd genetics. Sexed semen for top cows and high-genetic heifers has boosted efficiency and created opportunities to rear beef instead of bobby calves. In regards to sustainability, he highlights progress in milk production per cow, increasing from 390kg milk solids to 440kg. He has also taken part in pasture and crop renovation programmes and uses minimal nitrogen. Farming is a family effort for Navdeep, who is supported by his wife Joban. Joban works as relief staff and a part-time pharmacy technician while also caring for their two young children, Ekam Singh and Arzoi Kaur. “No matter how stressful or tiring the day is, the children’s smiles always bring joy upon returning home.” For Navdeep, farming brings purpose, community, and connection with the land, and through sharemilking, N & J Farming Ltd is building both resilience and a future within New Zealand’s dairy industry. “Living in quiet nature and providing real food for the community is a rewarding lifestyle for us as a farmer. Sharemilking is a practical step toward farm ownership, which I have always aspired to.” 07 348 3628 | 19White St, Rotorua | www.abcmilkingsolutions.co.nz
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