16 | Gradual handover to the next generation Karen Phelps The Nind family farming business at Five Rivers, on the Lumsden–Queenstown highway, is entering a new phase of succession, with the recent addition of a dairy farm marking a significant shift in how the next generation will carry the operation forward. David Nind says the structure of the business has been deliberately shaped to support a gradual handover to son Aaron and wife Olivia and daughter Rachael and husband Brendan, with dairy now forming a key part of that long-term plan. “The focus is on creating a more resilient, self-contained system that can sustain multiple income streams year-round,” he says. The dairy farm, purchased a year ago, is located 15km from the home block near Lumsden. The 175ha property, with 160ha effective, milks 400 cows and produces around 210,000kgMS, operated by a manager and 3.5 labour units. A further 30ha is currently being brought into the platform. “Pam and I had milked cows for 14 years in the past, and we’ve always wintered dairy cows on our farms so we had experience,” says David. “As we were also doing some dairy grazing for other people we decided we may as well be feeding our own cows to get the full benefit. It gives an extra income for all of us and helps the kids get set up as well.” The core farming platform is spread across East Dome Farms, which comprises two properties which sit diagonally opposite each other. The home farm is 735 hectares and includes 450ha cultivatable land, 240ha deer fenced, 245ha over sown hill country and 30ha of pine plantations. Bixter Road Farm, 265 hectares, is fully cultivatable, with 104ha deer fenced. Together they support a breeding and finishing system built around deer, sheep, beef and dairy support. Livestock numbers are varied and integrated into the overall system. Sheep include 4000 Romney ewes and 900 hoggets, which are largely grazed off farm. The deer herd is a major focus, with 950 breeding hinds, 180 first calvers, 840 mixed-sex weaners, 140 velveting stags and 25 sire stags. Aaron says the move into velvet stags was a RURAL PEOPLE » East Dome Farms deliberate decision to reduce labour pressure and improve returns. “We used to buy in weaners from lease blocks we had but when we stopped leasing these we replaced them with velvet stags about three years ago. It’s another income stream and it means we are not so exposed to buying stock in,” he says. Cattle also form an important part of the system with 100 Angus breeding cows, 25 R2 in-calf heifers, 95 progeny calves wintered and 50 Charolais dairy-beef calves reared on farm. The business also winters around 800 dairy cows, including 550 from its own dairy platform, strengthening the link between the finishing and dairy operations. Genetics and performance remain central across the business with sexed semen used on the top 40% of the dairy herd. Around 25–30% of the lower end is mated to Charolais and Angus genetics with the balance using Premier Sires bulls. “The aim is to lift per-cow production towards 540kgMS, with this season tracking around 500–510kgMS. We are also undertaking ongoing re-grassing and system refinement,” says David. All livestock is processed through Silver Fern Farms and the more closed-loop system between dairy and finishing that has been developed has helped to reduce exposure to volatile store markets. East Dome Farms is Silver Fern Farms NZFAP Gold accredited. Winter cropping plays a central role in feed supply with 24ha of swedes, 36ha of fodder beet and 45ha of kale all direct drilled. These are followed by 35ha of oats and 15ha of barley, before paddocks move into dairy grazing and then young grass establishment. The system is designed to keep land productive year-round while reducing reliance on external feed sources. David says the direction of the business is now firmly centred on succession. Rachael, based in Balclutha, manages administration, with support from Pam, while Aaron and Olivia run East Dome Farms with support from David. Aaron says taking on more responsibility has come naturally as the business transitions. “It’s a big responsibility and it feels good to be able to carry it on,” says Aaron. “We are always wanting to improve so that will be our continued focus.” East Dome Farms DAIRY SERVICES “Quality Solutions Delivered on Time” Covering Southland, Central & South Otago (03) 440 0100 | enquiries@iclca.co.nz | www.iclca.co.nz Proudly supporting EAST DOME FARMS LIMITED PROUDLY SERVICING SOUTHLAND FOR OVER 75 YEARS Livestock & Farm Cartage Fertiliser Spreading Contracting & Demolition Stockfeed Delivery Gravel Supply CALL NOW 03 2217 192 ryalbushtransport.co.nz The deer herd is a major focus, with 950 breeding hinds, 180 first calvers, 840 mixed-sex weaners, 140 velveting stags and 25 sire stags.
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