| 19 ‘Our people are our passion’ Legendairies Steve and Tracy Henderson, with Brooke Buchanan, Rachael Pearson, Craig Shaw, Peter Spencer. Lincoln summer student Sarah Sawyer back for semester holidays to see what wintering is all about on farm. Here she is shifting a break for the R1 bulls. Kim Newth DAIRY » Legendairies Finalists in three categories at the 2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, Invercargill dairy farmers Steve and Tracy Henderson have worked hard to foster a fun and supportive employment environment for their team. The couple’s family farm business - Legendairies Ltd - was nominated for the Good Employer Awards by 2021 Nuf eld Scholar Lynsey Stratford, a consultant for Primary People Ltd. It was a lovely surprise for the couple to be selected as awards’ nalists for Employee Development; Inclusive and Diverse Workplace; and Small Business Recognition. “Lynsey did a case study with us on people in farm teams and came to us afterwards asking if she could nominate us,” says Tracy. “We didn’t know about these awards at that stage and had no idea what she put on the entry form. It is nice to be recognised in this way; our passion is our people and looking after them within our farm operation.” Steve and Tracy have taken proactive steps to balance the needs of the farm around their family - Ruby, 6, Gus, 5, and Annie, 3. Hiring more staff has been key to achieving that. Today their team includes both mums and students. Tracy and Steve appreciate how life’s challenges don’t always line up with a set timetable. That’s why they offer exible work arrangements and support their staff to achieve both work and life goals. “Obviously, someone has to be there at milking time but once milking is done there’s exibility if they want it. We can give them the hours that work best for them. We like giving people that opportunity to grow too. Not everyone is focussed on progressing in the industry. Some want a home for their families. Whatever their goals, we try and support them to get there.” In today’s tight labour market, it helps to be known as a good employer. “In fact, one of our employees who left us two years ago to move closer to family has recently come back to us. She’s really excited to be here again and is loving it.” Last summer, the couple began offering holiday work to Lincoln University students with no prior farm experience. “They’re great kids and so grateful for the opportunity. People say they can’t nd staff, but the truth is you won’t get the people if you’re not willing to train them.” Tracy and Steve are going into their eighth season as 50/50 sharemilkers. On their 320ha dairy platform near Invercargill, they are milking 850 Friesian cross cows. The farm is complemented by an adjacent run-off for young stock and Steve and Tracy also have their own neighbouring beef property. All up, they are running some 7200 stock units. A very dry summer last season knocked the edge off production with cows going to OAD milking earlier than usual. While they spent more on feed, Tracy says the upside is that cow condition is tracking well this season. Meanwhile, with input costs fast rising, a close eye is being kept on farm budgets for the season ahead. The farm team has recently joined up with some other farms taking part in FarmTune, DairyNZ’s lean management programme, with the course being facilitated by Lynsey Stratford. LEGENDAIRIES Westpac New Zealand Limited. Our Agribusiness team do business best over a cuppa. We come to you, because to help your business, we want to know it as well as you do. We are in your community, using our local knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your goals. Have a chat with your local team go to westpac.co.nz/agribusiness Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply to Westpac products and services. Eligibility and lending criteria apply to some Westpac product and services. YOUR PADDOCKS ARE OUR OFFICE
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