52 | nzdairy In June last year, just a few months after being named 2022 Taranaki Sharefarmer of the year, then placed third at the Nationals, Murray and Rachel Perks commenced their new role as 50/50 sharemilkers. As fate would have it, the transition was just in time for a very wet spring, in fact many of Taranaki’s older farmers say was the wettest in living history. “We probably weren’t as bad as other parts of the country but it was very, very wet and growth was very slow,” says Murray. “We were feeding a lot more supplement out in the spring time than what you would normally. It was also a warm spring; but lacked the sunlight for photosynthesis. Growth was about three weeks late and that did impact on production. Most of Taranaki was about 12% behind in production. We had a group of younger, lighter cows on once a day just trying to protect their body score condition going into mating.” Murray says that thankfully, the seasons have now evened out with a lot more summer growth than normal and not the need to feed-out quite as much. “We’re right on par with last season’s production, which ended up being quite a good season. Now it looks like we will meet our production targets for the bank.” The farm that Murray and Rachel moved onto in June is owned by two of Murray’s uncles and an aunty, as was the farm they were on previously. Both farms are in Kaponga, between Stratford and Hawera. At 96-hectares, and peak milking 324 cows, the farm is a smaller property than the farm they were on as variable order sharemilkers. Effectively the couple swapped farms and roles with Murray’s cousin Ben. “Ben was already 50/50 on the farm we’re on now, and he has gone to the farm we were on, which was bigger, and bought the herd, while we bought his herd. It’s a big investment buying the cows, but the bank has been very supportive of us and I think our success with Sharefarmer of the Year helped with the financial side too.” Before going farming a little over ten years ago, Murray was consulting for Dairy NZ in the Waikato and met many highly motivated and successful young sharemilkers. He says, you think I want a piece of this, and that was a strong motivator. “When I started sharemilking, what got me the most was that I could walk out my backdoor and I was at work and that was really nice. Since then, it has definitely evolved and having kids has changed the dynamic as well. The up-bringing Rachel and I can give our three children on farm provides a practical base of knowledge that will hold them in good stead for later on in life, no matter what they end up doing. It’s the ability to problem solve. Having our children involved in what we’re doing is one of the strong motivators now. They’re all interested in different facets of what we do. One of the kids is interested in tractors and gear, and the others are into the cows and calves, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.” DAIRY PEOPLE » Murray & Rachel Perks Transition just in time for a very wet spring Richard Loader Rachel and Murray Perks. At 96-hectares, and peak milking 324 cows, the farm is a smaller property than the farm they were on as variable order sharemilkers. 027 446 0443 19a King Edward St, Eltham o ce@gernhoefercontracting.co.nz At Lloyd Gernhoefer agricultural contracting, we o er you a wide range of Agricultural services. Call Lloyd now for your 2023 season requirements. Specialising in rural services with over 20 years in the trade means you are choosing an Electrician you can trust. Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week Call Chris for all your electrical needs. (06) 272 8210 027 515 5442
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