58 | Farming for the environment and the future Kim Newth Proudly supporting Robbie McIlraith Mt Parker Farm That pledge is upheld at Mt Parker too, where Farm IQ’s safety management system ensures a safe working environment for Robbie and Julia’s farm team. Robbie observes that the Waitaki Valley is traditionally summer dry but has been particularly dry this year. Investments in irrigation and reliable stock watering systems have been invaluable for the dairy support part of their operation. Paddock subdivision has also allowed better control of grazing, enabling them to spell paddocks and push capital stock into the higher country during dry periods. Purchasing extra feed has also helped get through the dry, though all their young cattle were moved onto crop six to eight weeks earlier than normal. “We had planted plenty of crop this year, so our feed budget is okay to get through winter – we are hoping for a good spring.” Farming for the environment and the future, the couple have retired less productive gully areas into pine forestry and have put in new fencing to keep stock out of waterways. Robbie says they love taking the family and friends to Mt Parker to enjoy the farm and area. Robbie McIlraith. In the Waitaki Valley, near Kurow, lies a Century Farm – Mt Parker – that has been owned by the McIlraith family since 1920. Current owners Robbie and Julia McIlraith are busy adding their own chapter to Robbie’s sheep and beef family farm history here, while also running a successful business called Stellar Recruitment. Robbie co-founded Stellar with his good friend Shaun McCambridge in 2006. Under their ownership, Stellar Recruitment flourished and grew, in turn paving the way to Robbie and Julia being able to buy Mt Parker in 2017, (having previously leased it for two years from Robbie’s parents). “For me, keeping the farm in the family for future generations has been a number one goal. At the same time, I enjoy farming. I like the idea of growing grass to produce food and fibre while caring for the land. It’s also a great lifestyle - I love taking the family and friends to Mt Parker to enjoy the farm and area.” Having the right team in place has been key for Christchurch-based Robbie and Julia, whose experienced farm manager, Charles Millward, has been with them since May 2015. Working autonomously, he makes the day to day farm decisions. Charles’ partner, Hayley Curd, also works on the farm along with Kody Gibbon as a general farm hand. Robbie uses tools like Farm IQ and Figured software to track farm performance, and regularly talks with Charles and meets with him fortnightly. “We also meet with our accountants twice a year.” Effective teamwork is an important priority for Robbie, too, as General Manager, NZ for Stellar Recruitment, where he supports a skilled management and corporate team to keep the business moving in the right direction. Stellar actively recruits for roles across New Zealand’s primary industries, sourcing staff for meat processors, dairy companies, tractor and machinery dealerships, irrigation companies, civil contractors, as well as engineering and other service companies. Robbie’s farming background and good understanding of rural working conditions and locations has proven very helpful in making good connections in the rural sector. Stellar has a global recruitment reach, often sourcing much needed international labour from places such as South Africa, the Philippines and the United Kingdom to cover shortages in NZ and fill skilled roles in the primary sector. Stellar is committed to achieving the highest level of customer service and to providing safe and healthy workplaces. RURAL SERVICES » Robbie McIlraith - Stellar Recruitment
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