| 23 RURAL PEOPLE » Oppertunity Farms Dairy awards fertile ground for growth Sue Russell Asked why they chose to enter the Dairy Industry Awards, in the sharefarmer category Kevin Oppert says it made sense for a number of reasons. “We just wanted to find out a bit more of our business, stress testing ourselves. We had absolutely zero expectations of winning the event,” he says. Kevin and Nicole Oppert are very much a team when it comes to working on and in their farming business located 8km from Taupo and Kinloch. Sharing the farm are their two children, seven-yearold Kaleb and five-year-old Kaitlin. They currently employ two staff members and Nicole is chief calf rearer, a role she enjoys. Currently they milk 550 cows on a 200ha (178ha effective) property and when Rural North spoke with Kevin they were enjoying their third season on the Kevin and Nicole Oppert with children Kaitlin and Kaleb. farm. The farm operates to a system 4, with in-shed feeding. The property used to run sheep and beef and Kevin says is aesthetically pleasing. Kevin can’t speak highly enough of the opportunities that spring from being involved in the Dairy Industry Awards. He’s a great believer in seizing moments, such as entering the event, and now being involved in the Advisory Board, to grow professional industry connections. “We certainly grew as people and the networking possibilities are great. As far as I’m concerned, everyone who enters is a winner because they have given it a go and been open to new learning.” He also knows that the Dairy Industry is the best in New Zealand to be a part of, describing farmers as ‘jack of all trades’, prepared to help each other out. The weather-gods have also been very kind, delivering good dollops of rain and warmth. Kevin says he especially enjoys autumn. “We’re just drying out now in February and autumn is just around the corner.” Nicole and Kevin are this year’s Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year Leaders, a role that they both enjoy because it’s about helping people to become a better version of themselves. This year the region’s awards dinner is to be held on 16th March, with preliminary judging having already occurred in February. Because this year, there are only four sharefarmers entered in the event, all four go through to the finals to be held at the end of February with the big announcement made at the awards night. Contestants receive valuable feedback from the judging panel, which changes each year. Kevin says this feedback is incredibly valuable to farmers’ entered. “The feedback will certainly push the competition in terms of the final round.” Both Kevin and Nicole think the Dairy Industry Awards process of rubbing shoulders with other farmers and getting advice and being questioned by experienced judges is where the value really lies. In the preliminary round, contestants have to present their business on home soil. The visit by judges also includes a farm tour which takes about an hour. “During the farm tour is when contestants are given opportunities to try to sell the farm, using evidence-based information. This is what the judges are looking for,” Kevin explains. Next season the family move to a larger farm with 750 cows and the room for career growth. That farm is located on Te Matia Road, behind the TECT Park. “We’ve been offered to buy equity as well as contract milking. This contract is for three years upfront. We’re very conscious that our children are in a critical place in their education.” Nicole and Kevin are very grateful for the three years they have had on the current farm and for the opportunity that has now presented to grow their business. And a final word on the value of the Dairy Industry Awards. “It offers a great career progression pathway if you seize the opportunities that come with entering. Contestants learn networking and ways to evolve their career and it has professionalised the industry, bringing ‘townie’ and farmer together.” 2 Satco Drive, Tokoroa PH. (07) 886 6413 TOTAL ANIMAL CARE FOR THE SOUTH WAIKATO 75 Tirau Street, Putaruru PH. (07) 883 3018 109 State Highway 30, Whakamaru PH. (07) 882 8685 FARM ANIMAL SERVICES • SMALL ANIMAL SERVICES • DAIRY RESOURCES
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