Business Rural Winter 2021

10 | Stellar year for young farm trainee Sue Russell DAIRY AWARDS » Sam Smithers I t’s been a stellar year for up and coming dairy farmer Sam Smithers, who took out line honours at this year’s Dairy Industry Awards for Farm Trainee of the Year, West Coast/Nelson. Sam is in his third year on the land, having com- pleted university at the end of 2017, and acquiring his first position on a farm at the start of 2018. He’s been on the 400ha, 700 cow Blackball farm for six months. The farm’s effective platform is 280ha supported by a 120ha run-off and is owned by Alan and Zana Berry. Deciding to enter the awards, his first time putting himself up for contention, was driven by a desire to see how he would compare with other contestants. “I thoroughly enjoyed the competition process. It was a chance for me to show-case my learning and skills and I have taken a great deal from that which will help me continue to improve my farming practice,” says Sam. The farm is mostly river flats with a small amount of developed hump and hollow and the herd is slowly being bred toward more Jersey. “They are lighter on the ground and we’re hoping will reduce pugging and their BW is higher.” Calving is scheduled to get underway mid August. Working with Sam is owner Alan and two other farm workers. 2IC Lou Brown-Bud is leaving at the end of the year and Sam will take up her role. Roy Phillip drives the tractor and relief milks as required. The farm has a 50 bale Waikato milking shed with automatic cup removers and Sam says it works very well. In his new role Sam will be responsible for the milking shed and work alongside Alan. Other plans ahead include returning to university in 2023 to complete his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in biology and geology. Asked what he most enjoys about working for Alan and Zana Sam says there’s a great working cul- ture within the team and having the boss hands-on provides lots of opportunities to continue to learn. “The laid back style of work and all the different tasks you get to do really give you a great grounding in dairy farming.” His decision to enter the dairy awards came about simply through a conversation he had with a Primary ITO staff member for West Coast, who suggested he think about entering. The process involved two rounds of judging with practical skills elements tested. “I had to get off a tractor, and they were assess- ing it from a Health & Safety perspective. I also had to identify lots of pipe fittings. I did very well at that. Admittedly I was very nervous in the first round and when it came to the second round of judges they were different people. I think it’s a very good way to assess capability.” Sam received $6050 in prizes as well as two merit awards: The Dairy Holdings Ltd Farming Knowledge award and the Dairy NZ Practical Skills award. Sam was looking forward to representing his region at the national event in Hamilton. “With me will be Alan and Zana, along with my father and sister and some other supporters and I intend to do my very best.” Sam Smithers took out the Farm Trainee of the Year award for West Coast/Nelson. Photos supplied WEST COAST AG CONTRACTORS LTD – Dwayne: 027 299 8887 Ph: 03 732 3719 A/Hrs: 03 732 3879 E: ahaura.transport@snap.net.nz • Livestock Cartage • Bulk Cartage • Gravel Cartage & Supplies • Readymix Concrete For all your rural transportation needs