22 | A passion that has grown over time When John and Larissa returned to the family farm after sharemilking, careful planning was required to ensure the business could support both households. Russell Fredric For Tokoroa dairy farmer John Balvert, the path into farming wasn’t always a given - but today his career is built on passion, adaptability and a clear eye on the future. Peak milking 280 cows on 100ha, John and wife Larissa Taylor are 10% shareholders in John’s family farm, established by his parents Herm and Linley almost 30 years ago. Despite growing up on a dairy farm, John admits the industry didn’t initially appeal to him. “But Dad ended up needing a hand, so I came home to the farm and I’ve been here ever since,” he says. “It has been a passion that has grown over time.” That gradual shift from helping out to fully committing to the industry has shaped John’s approach to farming - one grounded in continuous learning and long-term thinking. When John and Larissa returned to the family farm after sharemilking, careful planning was required to ensure the business could support both households. So, over a 10-year period improvements were made to lift productivity and create a sustainable structure. One of the most significant investments was installing a meal feeding system in the shed, which contributed to an increase of 30,000kgMS, with the herd now producing 135,000kgMS. This lift in production has been instrumental in making the operation viable for both generations. Today, the farm runs with 1.5 labour units. John works fulltime on the farm, while Linley plays a key seasonal role, helping raise calves for five months each year. Larissa works as a schoolteacher in town, and the couple raises their four young boys. A key part of John’s growth mindset is staying connected to the wider dairy sector. Over the years, John has been heavily involved in discussion groups, recognising their value in keeping up with industry changes. He even hosted a group on-farm in March, continuing a long-standing commitment to knowledge-sharing. He believes these groups are essential in today’s farming environment. With increasing environmental pressures, regulatory changes and evolving best practices, keeping informed is no longer optional. “As things evolve, it is good to stay in touch,” he says. “There is always a lot going on, whether that’s in the environmental space or other. You don’t just milk a cow and close a gate anymore.” Financial resilience is another cornerstone of John’s approach. Having experienced several challenging payout seasons, he understands the importance of spreading risk beyond the farm gate. “I’ve been through several bad payouts and it’s good to have something in the background,” he says. That thinking influenced a recent decision for John and Larissa to purchase a house in town; an investment that provides both security and flexibility. It’s part of a broader strategy that also includes gradually increasing their stake in the RURAL PEOPLE » John Balvert farm, with plans to purchase the remainder in the next 18 months. “It’s been great to be able to be flexible with my parents, buying a bit of the farm at a time,” John says. 0212 723 646 Rouse Contracting Limited is committed to quality work and dependable results. Big job or small, we’ve got you covered Rural Earthworks | Rhyolite Ripping & Contouring | Effluent Ponds | Landscaping Site Works | Subdivisions | House Site Establishments | Civil Drainage Looking for honest, reliable contracting services? 027 291 2898 rousecontracting@gmail.com www.rousecontractingltd.wixsite.com facebook.com/rouseearthmover “Dad ended up needing a hand, so I came home to the farm and I’ve been here ever since.”
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