| 31 nzdairy Andrew is considering reducing the herd down from 320 to 300 and tossing up whether to grow less maize to retain more paddocks in pasture (top). DAIRY PEOPLE » Coshquin Farm investment for couple Dairying goes digital for ‘Once a Day Farmer’ Sue Russell Andrew Macky is the fourth generation of the family to operate Coshquin Farm, nestled on 100 hectares of rolling land a stone’s throw from one of Waikato’s most iconic peat lakes, just north of Te Awamutu. The family’s history extends back over 150 years in the Paterangi district, when in pre WW1 days Andrew’s great grandfather William bought the farm after selling one further away so his children could ride their horses to the station and catch the train to Hamilton for schooling. And ever since, the Macky’s have been loyal to the Jersey breed. “They are easy to handle with a lighter frame and they’re just nice animals to work with,” Andrew says. Twice a week Andrew switches from the daily grind of running the farm to social media contributor when he picks up his video camera and shares insights with a loyal following of thousands of viewers from all over the world. Asked why he decided to start presenting ‘The Once A Day Farmer’ video clips on YouTube, Andrew says it was one way to provide a very realistic picture of what life running a dairy operation is all about.” “I usually film throughout the week and try to have a new video out every Tuesday and Friday morning. I’m always thinking of new topics to show and talk about, but it can also be challenging. Other farmers also want to see how we farm here in New Zealand because overseas dairy farms don’t generally operate the way they do here.” that management plan has been adopted for the most part at the Pokuru farm. The herd, purchased with the farm are Friesian-cross; same as the herd down South. Cameron says so far production is going well and on target to reach the goal of 165,000kgMS. “We have a 24 aside double-up milking shed and a feed pad. I’m pretty pleased with the condition of the paddocks as well, given a challenging winter and spring.” Pokuru is a mainly dairying district and the couple have family not too far away. This was one of the key-drivers in determining the move north. Their four children, Lachlan, Edward, Jonty and Jack are enjoying being back on the farm. Cameron says the Pokuru farm will be a longterm investment, offering stability for the family. “It was a very good thing we decided to take some time off from farming and really consider what would be best now for the family. We’re both committed to getting the very best performance and lifestyle from this land.” Cameron and Nicola van Dorsten (left and right). 027 547 2627 ryan@rpearthworks.co.nz @RyanParkesEarthworksLtd “Do it once, do it right!” • to page 32
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