18 | Only participant from the southern regions The programme is designed for young Holstein Friesian breeders aged 20 to 35 with an eye on leadership or governance roles. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Haswell Farm A passion for genetics has pushed Inch Clutha farmer Megan Johnston (nee Morrison) out of her comfort zone as she took part in the Young Holstein Breeders Development Programme. Megan was accepted into the elite programme run by Holstein Friesian New Zealand (HFNZ) last year, the only participant from the southern regions. “I haven’t had a lot of governance experience, so it was good from that perspective,” says Megan. “It helped me change my frame of mind to thinking big picture, which has then informed my approach on farm. It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day routine. It was also really nice to meet a new group of people, including a consultant, key account manager of an artificial insemination company, and other farmers, and learn their perspectives and how they do things. That’s hugely valuable.” The programme is designed for young Holstein Friesian breeders aged 20 to 35 with an eye on leadership or governance roles. It combines online and in-person workshops, seminars, and meetings with key board members in the sector, finishing with participants delivering presentations to the HFNZ board of directors. Workshops covered a range of topics, from the four pillars of governance to practical sessions on presenting to a group. Megan says she found a presentation on how body language and demeanour can get people engaged or turn people off particularly useful. “Today it’s harder to capture attention and keep it. That’s helped with my interactions with staff on the farm, especially if it’s a tough conversation or an important detail they need to remember,” she explains. Megan manages her parents’ property, Haswell Farm, a 180-hectare effective farm milking 440 cows. She has been involved in the operation since 2021 and will take on lower-order sharemilking from 1 June. “I’m excited but nervous, a good sort of nervous,” she says. The family runs a System 1, grass-fed operation, making any supplements on farm. A particular area of focus for Megan is genetics. “I’m always trying to increase production, which means making sure cows’ udders are good. When I’m looking at bulls, I look at the fat and protein values and the udder overall, aiming for as close to a 1 BV as possible. I’m also trying to get slightly more height to my cows but still keep the capacity,” she explains. Megan has been exploring overseas genetics, a new approach for the farm. “I’ve grown the overseas component to over 100 straws now. As part of the programme, we had a workshop with Select Sires in the USA, so understanding how the American system ranks bulls was great.” This expansion complements her aim of achieving 500kgMS per cow, building on last year’s 465kgMS through better utilisation of grass and breeding decisions. On top of managing the farm and the programme, Megan balances family life with husband Craig and their two children, Harry, five, and Oliver, two and a half years. With a family farm succession plan underway, farm ownership is her ultimate goal. “I’ve grown the overseas component to over 100 straws now. As part of the programme, we had a workshop with Select Sires in the USA, so understanding how the American system ranks bulls was great.” FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL REQUIREMENTS 03 418 2762 | accounts@mcelrea.co.nz Experienced Electricians providing dairy shed maintenance, rebuilds and conversions Proud to support Haswell Farm BOTTING BROS. LIMITED BALCLUTHA Silage • Ploughing • Digger & Truck Hire JAMES 027 333 3844 • MATHEW 027 333 3851 Find us on Facebook
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