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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