Business South March 2021

42 | Enjoying the challenges of farming T T Richard Loader T T to page 44 DAIRY INDUSTRY Westland Milk Products S tanding proudly in the middle of the Volckman’s farm in the dairy farming village of Little Wanganui just south of Karamea, an untouched block of Kahikatea trees is a powerful reminder of what the surrounding land must have looked like many generations ago. Mild winters, very few frosts and an annual rainfall between 1.8 – 2 metres provides Karamea with a microclimate delivering year round grass growth, perfect conditions for dairy farming and the production of world class milk. In total the Volckman’s dairy farm encom- passes 550 hectares inclusive of an adjoining run-off and approximately 100 hectares of native bush which includes rimu, rata and kahikatea. Frano and Kylie Volckman have been in equity partnership with Frano’s parents, Geoff and Maryanne for the last four years. Frano is a seventh generation Coaster on his mother’s side and grew up on the family farm — the Coast and dairying is in his blood, undoubtedly his passion. “I enjoy the challenges that dairy farming brings, especially on the Coast with its weath- er,” says Frano. “Dairy is a pretty rewarding industry if you’re prepared to knuckle down and work pretty hard. “The world needs food and we’re certainly doing our fair bit to supply that. You tend to lose sight of that sometimes.” Phone 03 755 8397 59 Revell St Hokit ika • E mail dwan.andrews@xtra.co.nz The Team at Dwan & Andrews are proud to support Westland Milk Ocean Outfall Project Dwan & Andrews are proud to be part of the Installation of PE Pipe, Pumps & Stainless Steel works on the Ocean Outfall Project for Westland Milk Products & West Coast Dairy Farmers. Representing Excellence Master Plumbers DWAN & ANDREWS PLUMBERS GASFITTERS DRAINLAYERS