NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

| 43 nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Andrew Thomson equation Farm succession planning vital Karen Phelps Canlac Holdings’ Dana and Tim Coltman share concerns about the mental health impact of the fast changing regulatory environment and worry that the pace of change is outstripping farmers’ capacity to adapt. B ig changes have been underway at New Zealand’s oldest Ayrshire stud, Carmelglen Ayrshires of Waiuku. The sudden passing of stud owner Alastair has made the family realise the importance of farm succession planning, says son Andrew, who is now running the farm. “Dad had set up a trust but we’ve since come to realise it was probably not the ideal setup for the family,” he says. “It’s important when farmers think about succession planning that everyone is involved in the decision making process.” Since Alastair’s passing the farm has been consolidated with part sold off. The original home farm is what remains, 100ha effective milking a herd of 250 cows. A 16-aside herringbone shed was upgraded to a 28-aside during the Covid-19 lockdown to allow for greater efficiency. The result has been a reduction in milking time by around two hours per day. “The cows were dried off early because of drought so we bit the bullet and did the main struc- tural work ourselves with our farm workers,” says Andrew. “The reduction in milking time frees us up to do other jobs on the farm and it will also help to attract staff as it creates better work-life balance.” The family is still in the succession process and Andrew admits it has been a tough time losing his dad, who he started working alongside over 20 years ago. “He was a man of few words,” remembers An- drew fondly, “but it was comforting to know I could ask his advice on anything. Now I have to trust my own knowledge.” He says that there was also some information about the farm that only Alastair knew so Andrew “It’s important when farmers think about succession planning that everyone is involved in the decision making process.” has noted the importance of having a written record of farm information so no knowledge rests with just one person. “It’s even little things like where old water lines run. It can be hard to unravel, so that’s been part of the process as well,” he says. Andrew advises others to get succession plan- ning sorted early then be prepared to give control to the next generation early as well. “This helps them to get ahead if there are any sudden deaths,” says Andrew. “Be open and discuss everything. It makes it easier because at that time you’ll be grieving and going through the emotional stuff.” Carmelglen Ayrshires is the legacy of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. The stud registered its first pedigree cow with Ayrshire New Zealand in 1911 and some of the farm’s genetics today still go back to the original. It means that every time Andrew sees an Ayrshire wandering the farm it’s a reminder of his father. The breeding programme includes breeding Ay- rshire cows with higher T.O.P scores and a special emphasis on udders, capacity, temperament traits, and production. In recent years the stud has gone more traditional and started to outcross bloodlines, improving conformation and longevity as well as the enjoyment of milking. “Ayrshires can handle our system,” Andrew says. “They’re really good on the hills at home and their production is really good. They look after them- selves and they’ve always looked after us so we keep milking them. I would encourage anyone inter- ested in Ayrshires to give them a go either by cross breeding or contacting a breeder and purchasing a few calves or heifers. They are productive cattle that pay the bills.” We are proud to supply ATV’s & Motorcycles to Canlac Holdings 33 Coles Crescent PO Box 72-016, Papakura 2244 T 09 299 6596 E admin@robbix.co.nz • C hartered Accountants • Business Advisors • Rural Specialists Proud to be associated with Andrew Thomson Empowering freedom, clarity and purpose in business Specialised, Local, Experienced TRACTOR & K2 HIRE Email sales@bulkspreaders.nz GROUND SPREADING • FERTILISER • LIME FOWL MANURE • MULCH • COMPOST BRENTON 0274 921 916 • AROHA 0212 063 126