Business South October 2020

44 | Supplier enjoys ‘positive relationship’ TT Richard Loader F raser Dairies has been a whole milk supplier to Oceania Dairy right from the start of the milking processor’s operation in Glenavy. Comprised of three contiguous dairy farming units, one of which is owned in equity partnership with Red Cunningham and low order sharemilkers Greg and Ali Morresey, Fraser Dairies is part of a large scale and di- verse intergenerational farming business that is headed by CEO Hamish Fraser. Located at the foot of the Hunter Hills, inland from Makikihi and about 30 min- utes south of Timaru, Fraser Farms’ dairy units—two of which are dry land and one irrigated—are home to 2700 cows supplying Oceania with 1.1 million kilograms of milk solids each year. Two adjoining support blocks are home to young stock and provide off-platform winter grazing. “We started dairy farming 12 years ago and the management of the farms is all done by the Morreseys,” says Hamish. “They’re a very integral part of our business—probably the most important part really. “ “One of the big things for us is that we want- ed to grow our dairy business and allocate our capital into other parts of the business rather than having to buy shares—that was a big driver for us in joining Oceania. Being part of a smaller and local organisation with a strong focus on supplier relationships was also a key driver for us.” Hamish says right from the very outset, a positive working relationship with Oce- ania was forged, which he attributes to the calibre of people on the ground representing Oceania. “We work closely with Chrissy Williams, Sup- plier Liaison Officer, and Shane Lodge, Supply and Environment Manager. “They’re fantastic people and understand what’s happening on farm but can also repre- sent the interests of Oceania really well too. They have a win-win attitude.” For the last three years Hamish has been Chair of the Oceania Suppliers Committee, a position that enables him to represent and advocate on behalf of suppliers. “One of the things I have really wanted to achieve within that role is establish and maintain a close and open relationship with Oceania to ensure suppliers continue to be a valued part of the business—which we’ve always been. “My vision for the committee is to have a consistent voice with Oceania and also achieve a close alignment with the interests of the processor and farmers. Proud to support Fraser and Hunter Dairies and farming excellence. 0800 100 123 | ravensdown.co.nz Maize & Fodder Beet Precision Plan�ng Chopping - Grass, Maize & Wholecrop Baling - Squares & Rounds - Balage, Hay, Straw Ag Work - Ploughing, Ripping, Direct & Roller Drilling Cartage - Feed Sales - Woodchip Jamie: 027 200 8872 Brad: 027 200 8871 DAIRY INDUSTRY Oceania Dairy - Fraser Dairies “The supplier committee is mandated as a strong sounding board or conduit with the fac- tory. I would call it relatively informal but it’s a good process.” The third generation in his family to follow the path of farming, Hamish is passionate about the opportunities within the agricultural sector for young people with ambition. “I grew up on a farm, but my background is in rural finance as well as farm consultancy. I manage about 40 staff and my role as CEO is more about people and culture, business management and growth within the business. “There has never been a greater time for opportunities with the amount of change that is going on.” Quality Systems Manager Alex Taylor,left, and Supply and Environmental Manager Shane Lodge.