18 | Two successful certified organic farms This year, Rachel’s passion for and commitment to advancing people in dairying is being recognised, named one of three finalists in the Fonterra Dairy Women of the Year award. Sue Russell It’s been a little over a year since NZ Dairy last spoke with busy-as Rachel Short, who, along with husband Kenneth and her parents Louis and Barbara Kuriger own two successful certified organic dairy farms in coastal Taranaki. The farms are 13km apart in the south-west quarter of the region, not too far from Opunake and these days are tended on a daily basis by a variable order sharemilker and contract milker respectively. Having made the decision to step away from cow-shed responsibilities on the farms, has given Rachel more time to continue to devote to a myriad of roles with farming related organisations near and dear to her heart. “Both Kenneth and I are busy people. He teaches part-time at Opunake High School and is soon to be heading away judging for the Dairy Industry Awards, while I’ve got a number of groups I’m involved with to do with dairy environment leaders, organic and regenerative farming, so plenty on our plates.” This year, Rachel’s passion for and commitment to advancing people in dairying is being recognised, named one of three finalists in the Fonterra Dairy Women of the Year award. “I wasn’t expecting a nomination but someone nominated me. I’ve spent a lot of time involved in groups because I’m passionate about furthering the place of people in the sector and in promoting all the benefits that come from organic and regenerative farming practice. I’ve had an interview by the judges and am very much looking forward to attending the Dairy Women’s Network Conference early May in Christchurch.” And in a ‘full-circle’ moment, Rachel says its nice to be following in the footsteps of her mother, who was the inaugural winner of the Dairy Women of the Year award back in 2012. “What’s really nice also is that all three of us finalists are Taranaki born and bred. Says something about the region don’t you think!” The interview for the award gave Rachel the opportunity to voice what drives her to be so connected to sector organisations and give back to an industry she’s so passionate about. “I was drawn to organic and regenerative farming because it has a strong holistic approach at its core. We’re not driven by reaching production RURAL PEOPLE » Shortland Farm targets as much as we’re more intent on seeing people, animals, the land and ecosystems thrive. By becoming certified organic nearly 8 years ago, its allowed us to practice a ‘more-holistic’ approach to what our farming business is all about and to become stewards of the land.” Asked about future plans, Rachel says, the next big activity on the farms will be in growing more trees throughout. We have a plan to grow more tree’s for shelter, shade and fodder but we have been a bit slow at getting started. “It’s definitely a long-term activity and it feels like the right time to be working on this development.” Her passion for organics and commitment to Biological and Regenerative Organic farming systems coaching, with a focus on the most cost efficient and practical way to connect plants to soil to achieve the ultimate animal and human performance. GREG BARCLAY 027 450 5054 gregbarclay@xtra.co.nz www.soilconnection.net Supplers of inputs and advise for Soil, Plant and Animal Nutrition advancing organic practices in dairying is leading Rachel further south, following the May conference. She’s one of a team heading to Otago and Southland to talk through with existing dairy farmers just what the journey toward becoming organic is like. “There’s just so much demand world-wide for organic dairy products that New Zealand can’t keep up with it. We need more dairy farms to become organic to fill that demand. We know more and more people these days want to eat organic food, understanding the benefits that it brings not only to them, but also in the benefits and care we see organic farming systems bringing to animals and to the land. At the moment Fonterra only has North Island organic suppliers, but has recently announced it’s plans for extension into the South Island. Reflecting back on their conversion to certified organic status, Rachel says her and Kenneth were fortunate to be farming in a region with a good deal of certified organic farmers already operating. “The thing about organic and regenerative farmers is they’re very happy to help others understand the process and to support them. Because they’ve experienced the gains that being organic bring to their own farm, they want to help others have similar experiences.” Ring True Health 027 465 1906 www.truehealth.co.nz Innovative farmers like the Shorts understand the real issues with antibiotic use…..reduce costs while doing it better. We keep you growing HAWERA • PHONE 0800 480 309 Proud to support Shortland Farm
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