Business Rural Winter 2025

Jane Schwass oversees the sheep, beef and dairy grazing while daughter Elle grows an innovative felted mat enterprise - Page 49 A very diverse operation WINTER 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents #businessrural #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   41 | Bold leap into agri-tourism rewarded 50 | Equipping cadets for farming success 62 | Gearing up for a busy 2025-2026 season 11 | Big achievement for Sam and Kasia RESEARCH & MARKETING Sam Dart, Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Lisa Moffat, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Michelle Phelan. 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Ashley and Kayla Riley �� 03 Bruce Eade �� 04 Benio Dairy Limited �� 06 Chris and Pauline Prattley �� 08 Marlon Mateo Gabriel - Grant Dickson �� 09 Dean Geddes �� 10 Sam Riley and Kasia Sadowska �� 11 Josh and Becs Dondertman �� 12 Alan da Veiga �� 14 Wilcock and Thompson �� 15 DKM Logging �� 16 McCord Forest Services Ltd �� 17 Kings Log Transport Ltd �� 18 Alpine �� 21 Gutschlag Farming Ltd �� 24 Mt Benger �� 26 Oliverburn Farm Ltd �� 30 Caldervan Limited �� 32 Nelson Farming Company �� 33 Forest Creek Station �� 34 Pye Group �� 36 Remote Farming �� 38 Belinda Colling and Charles Hore �� 40 Beresford Heights �� 41 Brad Williams - The Gums �� 42 Cattle Flat Station �� 44 Dan Devine - Awakino Station �� 45 Glentoi Farm �� 46 Grandview Farm �� 47 Hokotehi Moriori Trust �� 48 Kaiora Downs �� 49 Jeff Farm �� 50 Glenlake Farm �� 53 Kakahu Angus �� 54 Lambhill-Hindon �� 56 Leafland Simmentals �� 57 Matakanui Station �� 58 Matthew Tayler �� 59 Rosedale ��60 Glen Leith ��61 Barrett Ag Ltd ��62 Campbell Bonnar Contracting Ltd ��64 Caldwell Contracting ��65 EWL Limited ��66 Farmlands ��67 Harris Contracting ��68 Midland Spreaders Ltd ��69 Heartland Sheds ��70 Landify ��72 Jackson Spreading ��73 Grasslanz ��74 Oakleys Premium Fresh Vegetables ��75 Peter Corcoran Contracting Ltd ��76 Ranfurly Transport ��77 Renner Fencing Contractors Ltd ��78 Riverton Rural Transport ��79 Solly’s Freight ��82 TR Stack Building Limited ��83 Tasman Agriculture Rural ��84 Koi Ag ��85 WestGarth Rural Ltd ��86 Two Boys Fencing ��87 Brooks Spreading ��88 Hyslop Rural Transport Ltd ��88 Johnstone Contracting Ltd ��89 Redwood Fencing ��89 Ray McCrostie ��90 Spreading Canterbury ��90 Somerton Station ��91 Chris Dillon ��92 Patoa Farm ��93 FarmRight ��94 Seed and Field Services (SI) Ltd ��97 Hamish Irwin ��99 WJ Farming ��100 Hide Spraying Ltd ��104

| 3 DAIRY PEOPLE » Ashley and Kayla Riley A well-honed breeding programme Supplement feed production this season was a bonanza, despite a wetter than usual summer pushing haymaking from the usual Christmas timeframe to mid-February. Bernadette Cooney Fifth generation Collingwood farmers, Ashley and Kayla Riley of Riverlea Ayrshires in Golden Bay, contract milk the family’s pedigree Ayrshire dairy herd, which has benefitted from a well-honed breeding programme developed by Ashley’s parents Stewart and Marice Riley. Stewart and Marice purchased the family farm in 1998, a holding that stretches back to the 1800’s. The farm spans 200 hectares, with 155 effective, and this season, they peaked at 425 Ayrshire cows, with 92% of the herd being pedigree. Making Riverlea one of the larger pedigree Ayrshire herds in New Zealand says Ashley. A breed well-suited to their dual-purpose system, producing quality milk while also raising excellent steers for beef. The farm remains largely self-sufficient, supported by a 440 hectare (200 ha effective) dry stock farm at Rakopi used for winter cropping and raising stock replacements. Ninety to on hundred dairy beef cross calves are taken through to two-and-a-half-year-olds and sold to the works at an average of 280kg carcass weight. A significant focus for the Riley’s is genetic improvement through sire proving with the overall goal to produce bull calves accepted for Artificial Breeding (AB) sire schemes. Most recently their sire bull, Riverlea Samuel, has been accepted into the AB sire proving scheme and is currently one of the highest Breeding Worth (BW) Ayrshire bulls in New Zealand. “We were quite excited when he made it to be an AB proven bull sire,” says Ashley, “We knew he was a good bull, but to have that all proved is really neat.” “We’ve got a couple of bulls in for proving, but certainly the success of Riverlea Samuel has bought the indexes of the whole herd up quite a bit. We’re quite picky on what we put over the cows, carefully selecting sires to replicate his quality going forward.” This genetic strategy primarily relies on New Zealand and some imported Finnish Ayrshire genetics, with the aim to enhance milk production while maintaining strong, healthy cows suited to their farming system. Milk production has remained strong, projected to reach between 155,00 and 160,000 kilograms of milk solids, potentially their second-best production season, says Ashley. “I think we’re up 3 percent production wise for the season so as long as we can keeping doing that, we should end up around 155 to 160 kg MS.” Supplement feed production this season was a bonanza, despite a wetter than usual summer pushing haymaking from the usual Christmas timeframe to mid-February. “We’ve got more than ample supplements. I think we made 650 odd bales of hay and about 730 bales of baleage.” The herd receive a consistent 2 kg of palm kernel each, per day also. During winter, around 150 cows, are wintered on farm and the remainder, yearling heifers, beef calves, cows and bulls are wintered over in Rakopi 03 525 9843 | www.sollys.co.nz For all your Transport and Logistics requirements Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Feriliser PH: 03 528 9065 | 32 KING EDWARD STREET - MOTUEKA • On farm service technicians • Full workshop facilities 42 YEARS IN BUSINESS Proud to support Ashley and Kayla Riley Tristan Strange 027 515 5204 Takaka, Golden Bay strangecontracting@gmail.com Specialising in: · Mowing · Raking · Tedding · Square Baling · Round Baling · Cartage Ashley and Kayla employ one full-time staff member and two casual workers who assist as needed, while Ashley and Kayla manage milking operations and raise the sixth generation of Riley’s together: Lachan, aged 10, Hudson, 8 and Amara, 5 years. Proudly supporting Ashley & Kayla Riley Commercial Refrigera�on Design & Installa�on 24/7 Service Dairy Cooling Supply & Maintenance 1/137 Pascoe St, Nelson Ph: 0800 800 944 mcalpinehussmann.co.nz

4 | DAIRY PEOPLE » Bruce Eade Bruce Eade utilising latest technology Bruce says he is extremely grateful about their decision to have a 5,100 square metre barn built in 2012. Russell Fredric Barely a few decades ago autonomous robots, massive barns and growing maize was the stuff of fantasy to southern dairy farmers, but today these a living reality at Fairleigh Farm. Fairleigh is a family business at Kelso, West Otago, owned and run by the Eade family, incorporating Fairleigh Ayrshire Stud. Just a few kilometres from the Southland border, it covers 370 hectares of which the home farm is 250 hectares and a dry stock block across the road 120 hectares. Bruce is married to Tanya and his parents Ken and Nancy are still actively involved in the farm which split-calves and peak milks 570 cows comprising Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire and Jersey through a 40 a-side herringbone shed, plus four milking robots. Given last year’s extremely adverse spring, Bruce says he is extremely grateful about their decision to have a 5,100 square metre barn built in 2012 and couldn’t imagine having to manage the cows and pastures through the relentless rain and cold without it. “It’s second nature to us and I could never go back to traditional winter cropping. We still have bulls and beef cattle on kale, but I couldn’t go and have the whole milking herd on kale. It felt like a six month winter last spring.” “You hate to see your fellow man struggling as well, but we didn’t win that barn in a lottery, we had to pay for it. We made the choice years ago to spend the money and this season it certainly paid dividends.” Also paying excellent dividends is the DeLaval milking robots installed in December 2023. “The robots was a big learning curve and obviously a change in system, but we probably couldn’t have time it any better with the terrible spring and the $10 payout. It’s worked out as good as it could in the end. “There are so many benefits to the cows; they’ve really jumped in production, there’s cows that are milking seven times in two days unassisted doing 50 litres a day and they just hold their peak for so much longer. “We have close to 300 cows inside on the robots. They’re not out in the weather, they might walk 300 metres a day, they’ve got all the feed they could ever ask for.” In addition to contributing to higher production, the overall system is also contributing to preserving pastures and grass, reducing labour, benefitting the cows’ health and creating greater peace of mind. “We couldn’t be happier really.” “Autumn’s been pretty good, we got our maize off no trouble and got some oats drilled in behind it so that’ll turn into spring feed coming out of the winter for the young stock.” It is Fairleigh’s second season with maize – a crop not usually grown so far south – sown over Agricultural Contractor FOR ALL YOUR FARM / FENCING NEEDS 021 468 954 MurrayEarthworks - Proudly supporting Bruce Eade Phone Jason - 0274 392 838 | A/H 03 207 2611 › Ploughing › Discing › Power Harrows › Roller Drill › Aerating › Baling › Direct Drilling › Individual Wrapping › Tube Wrapping › Mowing CLELAND CONTRACTING 2005 Ltd 30 hectares after a successful trial with 17 hectares the previous season. “We will do another 30, maybe 35 hectares this coming season. It averaged just over 20 tonne a hectare of dry matter at 32% so that was quite an increase from the last season. “We struggle down here with sunshine hours at the back [late season] end and we don’t have the same heat in April as Canterbury and the North Island. We’re pretty happy with it considering where we farm. We never thought we’d be growing eight to nine foot tall maize so near to Southland.”

| 5 Housing & Accommodation • Woolsheds & Covered Yards Sheep Yards • Cattle Yards • Workshops • Stables Honey Sheds & Extraction Sheds • Fert Bins

6 | Regan’s hard work and dedication For his efforts Regan received $5,000 in prizes and three merit awards. DAIRY PEOPLE » Benio Dairy Limited Sue Russell Regan Smith of Benio Dairy Ltd, is someone passionate about getting the very best out of learning opportunities, as these present, to grow knowledge and skills and to forge new pathways to further his aspirational vision for his dairy business. In March this year, Regan’s hard work and dedication to continually improving and learning was recognised in attending runner-up in the Dairy Manager category of the Otago/Southland Dairy Industry Awards competition, the second time he’s entered the event. “I really enjoyed the excitement of the Awards dinner event and to see all the other finalists in their categories was great.” For his efforts Regan received $5,000 in prizes and three merit awards, which he’s very proud of: The Fonterra Dairy Management Award, the VetSouth Environmental Sustainability Award and the Dairy Training Ltd People and Leadership Award. Regan works on a 200ha effective dairy unit at Pukerau, 78 km north-east of Invercargill. The farm has a combination of rolling to steep country and the cross-bred herd is well suited to the terrain. “We had a great calving this season, followed by some poor weather through Spring, making good grass growth somewhat challenging at times. We’re tracking 3% up on milk production compared with the previous season,” Regan says. Regan doesn’t come from a farming family, having grown up in Dunedin, previously studied business and worked for a spell in tourism. “You know farming was never an option to consider when I was at school. There wasn’t any information about the ways you can enter the industry and all the potential it provides if you’re prepared to work hard.” “At the end of May 2026 is a good time to end here, I look forward to see our current herd manager Phil Balacuit step into my position. Moving on will provide a place for Phil to increase his responsibilities and learnings that come from that.” He’s booked himself a wonderful break from farming this winter, in the form of a Europe Contiki adventure beginning on 2nd June and returns on 31st July. “I’ve never done a trip like this before and it will be good for me.” Surrounding yourself with like-minded, focussed people, intent on progressing their own farming journey, is something Regan says is very important to do. 0508 678 464 | cplimesolutions.net.nz In his case, he has gained a good deal of support from friend Ann-Kristin Loferski from Cottesbrook Dairy Farm. The dairy awards has also helped Regan build a network of farmers in the Southland region. “We’ve completed Primary ITO classes together and we discuss the future and what paths we might take. It’s quite a big step going from my position into contract milking, but Dairy NZ have a great calculator, when assessing a contract.” Inputting data into the calculator relating to the fixed price per kilogram milk solids paid and adding in running costs provides a good assessment as to how financially viable the milking contract is. Regan says he’s keen to hear from anyone wanting to engage a hard working passionate contract milker for the 2026-2027 season, to discuss possibilities. “I know that my next step in contract milking will create the pathway for me to reach my ultimate goal of one day owning my own farm. In contract milking I’ll be able to give other aspiring young people opportunities to find their way into this exciting industry.”

| 7 Regan says he’s keen to hear from anyone wanting to engage a hard working passionate contract milker for the 2026-2027 season. DAIRY PEOPLE » Benio Dairy Limited “It’s quite a big step going from my position into contract milking, but Dairy NZ have a great calculator, when assessing a contract.” We’ve got the experience & equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. Sales: Hay: Paddock & Shed Stored, Standing Grass, Conventional & 4 x 4 Rounds Maitland, No 5RD, Gore 0274 318 148 | 027 623 7440 petercorcorancontractingltd@outlook.com www.petercorcorancontracting.co.nz Umbilical effluent system 3Km of hose Proof of placement Per m3 charge out rate Less compaction in paddocks No laneway/gateway damage Based in Southland & Otago For interest and enquiries phone Matt 022 430 5324 Stock Cartage, General Cartage & Fert Spreading Get in touch! admin@waikakatransport.com 032072885

8 | DAIRY PEOPLE » Chris and Pauline Prattley Shelter for the yearling heifers is key Having first built two herd homes, it wasn’t long after they were completed that the couple knew they wanted a third. Sue Russell Since Rural South last spoke with Chris and Pauline Prattley who own and operate a farm near Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury in 2021, some significant developments have happened. The couple’s 196ha farm is home to 750 cows, of which 200 are registered pedigree Ayrshires. The farm is also home to three herd homes, two constructed 4 years ago and the other 3 years ago. “We had been looking a good while at cow shelter options and talked with other farmers about their experiences. With regulations coming in about pugging and the welfare of cows we thought it was best to invest and be prepared.” A meeting with the Herd Homes agent at Field Days near Hamilton provided Chris and Pauline with the opportunity to see the infrastructure in action. Having first built two herd homes, it wasn’t long after they were completed that the couple knew they wanted a third, as a shelter for the yearling heifers about to transition to puberty. The Prattley’s understand that the extreme heat can cause animal health and milk production challenges. “We had some cows lose their embryos. They can handle the heat in the day but it has to cool down at night for them to cope the next day.” The three sheds are next to each other and provide animal management options, particularly if the farm encounters a wet period. The property has deep drains which flow into Lake Ellesmere. “We’re very conscious of what is leaving the farm. It has very heavy soils and had been using Turbo N but felt we needed to go further. We’d get a response but not the expected lift in feed.” Through accessing a farm sustainability grant available to farms with a2a2 cows, the Prattley’s had used this to engage an agronomist which they say has been very valuable. “He’s looking at root depth and soil structure in much more detail and advising us on fertilisers. What we’re doing now is applying more of a Folia fertiliser using a tow-fert spreader we bought. We’re also adding a mix of fish fertiliser, minerals and biological products, so its quite exciting to see how the pasture responds,” says Pauline. As a result of these changes the farm has grown better grass this autumn, the cows are looking in good condition and the milk production is positive. The Prattley’s supply Synlait, who offer a premium for a2a2 milk. Asked how the connection with Ayrshires started, Pauline says many years ago they milked for a couple who had an Ayrshire herd, and just fell in love with the breed. “When we were sharemilkers for Tasman Agriculture Ltd, we purchased our first heifers from the couple and the numbers have grown to 200.” One challenge has been the availability of a2 semen to put over the cows. The Prattley’s source Viking Red Semen.` “Our calving window is 12 weeks. Ayrshires are very good calvers and we seldom have to give any assistance.” These days, the Prattley’s engage a couple as sharemilkers. “Gordon went to Lincoln University and its very good to have someone with sound technical skills.” Chris and Pauline look after the young stock and Pauline also takes care of the administration. Two support blocks, of 24ha and 54ha provide options for young stock and growing crops and the farm’s rotary shed works well. Looking ahead the Ayrshire Conference to be held on 17 April in Dunedin is something the couple FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz are looking forward to. “It will give us a chance to see some Ayrshire herds in the district.” Last winter Chris and Pauline attended the world Ayrshire Conference in the UK and they plan to attend the next one to be held in Sweden in 2028.

| 9 Marlon looking toward a sharemilking future Marlon manages the 200ha Yellow Farm dairy unit. Anne Boswell In the heart of Otautau, Southland, Westfield Farm’s Yellow Farm is home to 600 dairy cows and a compelling story of determination and progress. At the helm of the Yellow Farm is contract milker Marlon Mateo Gabriel, whose journey from the Philippines to New Zealand has been marked by ambition, hard work and a commitment to excellence in dairy farming. Marlon and his wife Eva made the life-changing decision to emigrate to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2004, driven by the desire to build a better life for their family. However, the transition was not without its challenges. “The Philippines is very hot, and coming to the South Island we found it very cold,” Marlon says. “We have found the weather challenging.” Despite the cultural and climatic challenges Marlon began his career as a farm assistant, learning the ropes of New Zealand’s dairy farming industry. Over the years he has climbed the ranks to become a contract milker - a significant achievement in any dairy farmer’s career. Today, Marlon manages the 200ha Yellow Farm DAIRY PEOPLE » Marlon Mateo Gabriel - Grant Dickson Complete Silage, Baling, Cultivation, Effluent, Spraying & Excavator Contracting Service Phone: 03 225 8488 Rabco Ag Ltd E-mail: admin@rabco.nz Web: www.rabbitt.co.nz CONTACT Craig Plunkett 027 748 4421 | broadviewfarming@gmail.com WE OFFER FULL BALEAGE AND CULTIVATION SERVICES: Double Mowers Mchale Fusion 3 plus 5 furrow overum plough 6m leveller and roller drill Proudly Supporting Marlon Mateo Gabriel - Grant Dickson BALING & AG dairy unit, converted from sheep farming in 1996. The farm is part of Westfield Farms, a collection of four colour-coded dairy units owned by Grant and Janene Dickson. With two staff members and the support of his wife and three children, Marlon has created a close-knit, efficient team focused on continuous improvement. With a strong focus on performance, Marlon is currently aiming to increase the herd’s 430kgMS/ cow production output to 450kgMS/cow. This goal reflects his future-focused mindset as the farm gears up for a busy season, with calving scheduled to begin at the end of August. Marlon describes his dairy farming journey thus far as “interesting,” reflecting a period of intense learning and resilience as he and his family have settled and made a successful home and career here in New Zealand. His contribution, and that of other Filipino workers, has not gone unnoticed: Westfield Farms owner Grant Dickson commends Marlon and his fellow countrymen for their invaluable input. “It is great that Filipino workers are being recognised for the hard work they contribute to the New Zealand dairy industry,” Grant says. Now in their fifth year at Yellow Farm, Marlon and Eva are looking toward the future with the hope of becoming sharemilkers. It’s the natural next step for a couple whose journey has been built on steady progress and hard work. Westfield Farms, with its supportive environment and clear vision, has provided fertile ground for Marlon’s professional growth. As the new season unfolds and production goals are pursued, Marlon’s steady leadership and aspiration for further career growth will no doubt play a central role in the farm’s success - and in his family’s continued contribution to New Zealand’s dairy industry.

10 | Incredibly high standards for his auction Dean has been running Tahora Farm since he took over from his parents Jim and Judith back in 1987. Photo: Dianna Malcolm. Sue Russell DAIRY PEOPLE » Dean Geddes It’s an exciting and busy time for Dean Geddes and Jo Youl, as at the time NZ Dairy spoke to them they were preparing to stand up a selection of their pedigree Holstein cows at an auction in late March. The auction, however, had some unique aspects to it, as Dean explains. “We stood up 75 pedigree females in conjunction with Glenella and Snow Fed Farms,” Dean says. And its not only cows that were put under the auctioneers hammer, Lot 69 was a deep pedigree polo pony, the first Dean believes, to be stood up at public auction in New Zealand. When Rural South caught up with Dean the sale catalogue was just being posted and he said its always great to see the long list of animals being auctioned in print. Back in 2022, Tahora Farm held what was said then to be their last auction ‘Party at the Pub’, actually stages at the Tai Tapu pub. “Yes, I had said it was definitely the last as I prepared for semi-retirement, however I had one more sale in me by the looks of it.” Dean has incredibly high standards when it comes to deciding which cows to put up for auction and, not surprising its a very impressive line-up – the culmination of generations of carefully selected genetics. As usual the T L and A families feature strongly. TAHORA SIDEKICK LEGACY2 89MAX was Supreme Champion Holstein at this year’s NZ Dairy Event, while TAHORA PHARO ABRIANA was named Supreme Champion Dairy Cow at the Christchurch Show 2024. “We’re expecting a real buzz of interest at the auction and when the pony is presented for sale its going to be something really special.” Josh Norton is engaged at Tahora Farm as Contract Milker. Josh is keen to see the herd increase to 400 requiring Dean and Jo to look for more land. Dean’s approach to breeding is based on simple commonsense. “Our priority has always been to breed in the qualities that make a good dairy cow. An animal that will produce high amount of milk from a great udder and carry the ability to walk long distances. If you get these right, the rest seems to take care of itself.” Dean has been running Tahora Farm since he took over from his parents Jim and Judith back in sales.canterbury@thinkwater.co.nz • Call 03 324 3880 www.thinkwatercanterbury.co.nz Services and Solutions • Irrigation • Pivots • Drainage • Plumbing • Effluent • Stock Water • Pumps • Water Reticulation • Servicing • 24/7 Breakdown FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz www.rurallivestock.co.nz Hayden McCarthy 0274 730 802 Proud to work alongside Tahora Farm “You cannot beat NZ Wool it is naturally grown from grass” Main West Coast Road, Yaldhurst, RD 6, Christchurch 7676, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 342 6223 Email: ywlwool@nzwool.com Web: www.nzwool.com 1987. The farm is 160 ha with a further 50ha in two blocks leased to grow supplements and run the heifers on. The herd is split milked, supplying Synlait all year round. In winter the herd is kept off the pasture and housed in a barn built 11 years ago, so it is well set up with all the necessary infrastructure to operate successfully. So if, in fact, this auction is the last one Tahora will present a collection of their top Holstein cows, Dean will no doubt find plenty to do, including playing his beloved Polo at the Port Hills Polo Club. “We’re certainly looking forward to seeing how the market responds to our selection. The cows will be presented in top condition and the buyers will be spoilt for choice.”

| 11 Big achievement for Sam and Kasia Kasia Sadowska and Sam Riley. Karen Phelps Golden Bay farming couple Sam Riley and Kasia Sadowska say securing the runner-up position in the 2025 Top Of South Dairy Industry Awards marks a significant achievement in their careers. The pair, who are 50:50 sharemilkers on the Riley family farm in Collingwood, were recognised for their excellence in the sharemilker category. “Networking was the main benefit of entering and getting feedback, for example around maintenance systems and processes,” says Sam, who had previously won the regional trainee award in 2012. Sam’s career has seen him move in and out of the farming industry. After leaving school Sam went back to the family farm and did calf rearing and ran the run off. He them completed a building apprenticeship in Nelson and did his OE for a year. He returned in 2012 and started working in the farming industry, including as a dairy farm assistant for a season with an Uncle and then contract milking for a farm his parents owned in Dovedale for three seasons rising to overseeing three family farms. He then worked in off farm jobs for five years including helping farmers in the sheep milking industry. He returned to farming when he and Kasia went 50:50 sharemilking on the family farm where they are now in their third season. The 200-hectare effective farm, which peak milks 550 Kiwicross cows, presents unique challenges with its marginal pakihi soils. “It has an iron pan under it so once it gets wet it gets really wet and doesn’t free drain,” says Sam. “We are well contoured which helps.” Despite these challenges the farm achieved solid production figures of 241,000kg milk solids last year and is on track for similar results this season. The farm has a 50-bail rotary shed equipped with automatic cup removers and Protrack technology. Sam and Kasia are undertaking a breeding programme they hope will result in a herd comprising quarter Ayrshire, half Jersey and quarter Friesian. “The Ayrshire I hope will breed hardiness into the cows that hold their condition better and are good at foraging rougher grasses,” says Sam, explaining his breeding philosophy. “Jersey - a smaller cow that handles the wetter country - and balancing that out with Friesian to give more of a crossbred cow.” The farm employs a manager and two farm assistants, with additional seasonal staff including a calf rearer and a part-time tractor driver and handyman. Sam fills gaps as needed and works full-time on the farm during spring. Sam is also involved in a family owned run off which has a manager. He aims to develop part of the dairy farm each year and direct drills blocks as 8x4 well aiming for 20ha of re-grassing and 10ha each year of serious development on the run off including root raking and working up the ground, drainage, levelling. “We do all that inhouse. We also do all our own supplements and fertiliser spreading inhouse.” The couple lead busy lives both on and off farm: Kasia works for a Christchurch-based startup called oVRcome, which provides treatment for anxiety disorders using virtual reality technology. Sam works as a stock agent for Carrfields Livestock, covering the Marlborough/Nelson and West Coast regions. He is also involved with Federated Farmers and the Fonterra Next Generation programme, helping to establish local forums for industry development. Sam credits having a strong team on the farm for allowing them the flexibility to pursue their off farm roles. The couple’s future farming goals include growing DAIRY PEOPLE » Sam Riley and Kasia Sadowska SHEARING CONTRACTORS COVERING SOUTHLAND & OTAGO 027 333 2417 | swshearing@gmail.com 03 525 9843 | www.sollys.co.nz For all your Transport and Logistics requirements Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Feriliser PH: 03 528 9065 | 32 KING EDWARD STREET - MOTUEKA • On farm service technicians • Full workshop facilities 42 YEARS IN BUSINESS Proud to support Brent & Sam Riley their business to continue the family farming legacy while investigating off-farm opportunities. “We are also looking to keep improving the herd over time,” says Sam. “I think there are some gains to be had there. We want to simplify things and do capital projects as funds allow.”

12 | DAIRY PEOPLE » Josh and Becs Dondertman Josh and Becs passionate about farming The couple’s capability, drive and positivity for farming was recognised at the Canterbury / Otago Dairy Industry Awards. Sue Russell Becs and Josh Dondertman are enthusiastically supportive of the dairy sector and passionate about progressing their own farming business well. The couple, along with their three children contract milk on a large farm just out of Dunsandel, some 18km south-west of Rolleston, mid Canterbury. In March, the couple’s capability, drive and positivity for farming was recognised at the Canterbury/Otago Dairy Industry Awards, where they were announced runner-up overall and received two merit awards, of which they are very proud – one, the ASB Business Performance Award, the other, the Federated Farmers Leadership Award. “Many moons ago Josh had entered the farm manager category. The Dairy Industry Awards are a big commitment and a lot of work but the experience, networking and support you receive is so valuable,” Becs explains. Entering involved a two-hour presentation by the couple on all aspects of their farming business. Judges then assess this presentation backed up by a tour of the farm. “When you work in this sector, or any business for that matter, you soon discover that progression is not linear. Instead it goes up and down as it trends upwards. You have just got to keep focussed. For us, the awards highlighted the opportunity to purchase land and be involved in farm ownership, our ultimate goal.” The farm they are on is a Dairy Holdings property and this is their third season on the farm. One of the benefits of being part of the Dairy Holdings cluster of farms is the systems and support available. The ability to benchmark against other similar farms allows you to be accountable and make changes as necessary. There is always someone at the end of the phone if you have a problem or an issue. Having the backing of great agricultural support businesses, including Ashburton-based Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings 2023 LTD, who specialise in supply, installation, service and maintenance of Reinke centre pivot and lateral irrigation systems, has been another reason why the business has grown from strength to strength. “In total there are five working on this farm, with its herd of 1100 kiwi-cross cows. I help rear the calves and Josh does everything else as I work off-farm for No8 HR and we have three boys as well so life is pretty busy.” When Rural South spoke with Josh and Becs early April it was a fairly quiet time on the farm. Josh had, infact, just returned from a ‘very social’ rugby trip to Singapore. “We’re a low input system here and we’re still milking. It’s been a good season for milk production and grass growth. As for the herd our key focus is on having extremely fertile cows and we’ve recorded a very pleasing 6 week in-calf rate,” Josh says. Josh is quite philosophical about his farming experiences, saying, like many others, he was typically the bloke who didn’t ask for help and it was realising how important it is to have support that brought Josh toward the Rural Support Trust, of which he is the current mid-Canterbury Chair person and more recently Deputy Chairperson of the National Rural Support Trust Board, roles he says are so worthwhile. “We’re just there to listen and I know just how important it is to have someone who understands listening. Listening is the most important thing we do and we can help connect a farmer with help.” Come this year’s National Fieldays Event, at Mystery Creek, just south of Hamilton, the national “In total there are five working on this farm, with its herd of 1100 kiwi-cross cows. I help rear the calves and Josh does everything else as I work off-farm for No8 HR and we have three boys as well so life is pretty busy.” Proudly supporting Josh and Becs Dondertman With 34 years of irrigation expertise and as Reinke dealers since 2000, Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings, based in Ashburton, offers design, sales, installation, and maintenance for all your irrigation needs. As CropX distributors for the South Island, we are bringing cutting-edge soil monitoring and irrigation technology to farmers, shaping the future of agriculture. Advancing Irrigation with Innovation and Expertise 03 308 6022 30 JB Cullen Drive Ashburton Business Estate offi ce@raymayne.co.nz www.raymayne.co.nz We proudly support Josh and Becs Dondertmanwith Reinke irrigation systems, known for durability, high-strength steel, and innovative features like the Hook & Receiver Joint. With weather-resistant control panels, Reinke sets the standard for quality and longevity.

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