24 | Cadet training programme focus for group For nearly 10 years Coleridge Downs has been training young school leavers, keen to pursue farming life. Sue Russell Tony Plunkett, General Manager of Coleridge Downs Ltd, a collective of four South Island stations administered by a seven-strong board of directors, says that overseeing such an extensive rural business is both exhilerating and challenging. He has a team of four managers, each responsible for the day to day operation of their station. “I came in as general manager right at the start in 2009. Back then we only had two stations. My role is to link with each manager to ensure the overall farming business continues to thrive and seize opportunities as these present,” Tony explains. And Tony is the first to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of his senior management team: Kristen O’Callahan – cadet training programme manager and Reece Cleland, Troy Barell, Charlie Johns and Tim Sowman, respective farm managers. “These people really take care of each entity they are responsible for and collectively make a strong team for me to engage with.” To put the size of the business into perspective, stock units on each station amount to: • Annavale Station – 8000su across sheep and cattle (Angus) • Big Ben Station – 10,000su sheep and cattle • Coleridge Downs – 19,000su sheep, cattle and deer (Red Hinds x Wapiti), young venison is finished to Alliance • Dry Acheron Station – 8000 su sheep and cattle. Finished steers are sold to Five Star Beef at 12 – 18 months of age. Coleridge Downs Ltd has another important purpose. For nearly 10 years it has been training young school leavers, keen to pursue a farming life. Given the scope of stock and activities across the stations, it’s the ideal learning environment. “We started with three students and these days we have eight in training across a two-year programme – an intake of four each year,” says Tony. Trainees come straight from school and Coleridge Downs engages a full-time trainer, to organise the programme. Each student undertakes all parts of the training, so they come out with a well-rounded understanding of sheep, beef and deer farming operations. MEAT & WOOL » Coleridge Downs Ltd Candidates gain Primary ITO Level 3 unit standards and are underway with Level 4 by the time they complete their two year programme. Asked how candidates are selected into the programme, Tony says it begins with the opportunity for all to attend an open day, held this year on July 7. Following that opportunity to learn about how the farm operates and meet key staff, any student interested make application by the end of July. “Once applications have been received, we go through a shortlisting process where those selected are called in for an interview. These take place early September, with the next new group of cadets selected on 22 September.” A pre-entry orientation day for those chosen happens in December, to cover off health and safety, procedures and systems, prior to starting work on or about February 7. “The programme is a real melting point for those chosen. We’re looking for young people who are really passionate about agriculture.” When Rural South spoke with Tony late April, work had just been completed on a large irrigation project, extending over a further 300ha of full irrigation. Tony says currently pasture conditions are as dry as they have ever been since he, and wife Pam, stepped on to the property. “It’s a pretty tough climate out there and I’m not just referring to the weather. We have the perfect storm with drought and low product prices and increasingly escalating farm costs.” And at times such as these, Tony says, the only thing the team can do is to make plans weekly as to how to manage stock, when to sell, what to keep. “We’ve sold a lot of lambs store that we would normally finish and we’ve sold down trading cattle that we would have normally taken through, but all you can do is make the best call at the time, and work with what you have available.” Tony’s aware also of the impact tough times such as these are having and he believes its important for farmers to not get themselves into an isolated situation. “Talking about mental health and recognising that we’re all struggling at times is important. Getting alongside the team at our weekly meetings and having a laugh helps these along.” It’s important, especially in these trying times, Tony reflects, that farmers get out and talk to their neighbours, their advisors and friends. BRS are proud to support Coleridge Downs Ltd Experienced Shearers & Shedhands Wanted! Enquiries: Pip TeHopu Call 027 432 6932 or email shearing@rogersinc.nz Enjoy year-round work with us, ensuring top-notch service for our clients. We provide accommodation, meals and transport. Proud member of NZ Shearing Contractors Association.
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