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.”
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