| 63 nzdairy Bill Quin and Tim inspecting the soil on farm. Helping to feed the calves – Georgia, Naomi, Lydia (front) and Caleb help feed the calves. DAIRY PEOPLE » Tim Fransen Mentorship pivotal to broader organic adoption Bernadette Cooney Otorohanga’s Tim Fransen is a passionate organic dairy farmer and current chair of the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group, a national group of pastoral, dairy, sheep and beef farmers who share a fervour for organic, regenerative and biological farming. Together with his wife Sandie, Tim embarked on the transition to organic dairying six years ago, achieving certification three years ago. “This is our third season fully certified. We’ve been farming organically for six years and have had the farm for 10 years,” says Tim. The Fransens milk 220 Jersey cross cows on their Te Kawa farm, where they live with their six children. They grow five hectares of maize annually, nourished by effluent solids and organic chicken manure from Taranaki supplier, Osflo. The decision to transition to organic farming was spurred by the incongruity between their sustainable practices at home and conventional methods on the farm. “We were practising organics at the homestead, then doing the complete opposite on the farm relying on fertilisers and antibiotics and all that stuff,” says Tim. “We now believe organic is the way to do it for us, so that’s why we’ve made the transition.’’ Participation in the Fonterra Organics programme sees them receive the Organic Milk Price, ensuring premium rates for their certified organic milk. This meant the farm could feasibly afford to make the switch says Tim. Guided by their farm consultant, Bill Rys and their organics mentor, Bill Quinn of Thames, The Fransens navigated the transition, aware of its challenges and rewards. “Bill Quinn was instrumental in helping us make the switch, and also a good friend and former owner of Homeopathic Farm Services,” says Tim. Tim emphasises the necessity for commitment, noting the enduring benefits he is now experiencing include: reduced operating costs, improved in-calf rates and reduced animal health costs. Recognising mentorship as pivotal to broader organic adoption, Tim underscores the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Groups’ use of email and webinar forums for knowledge exchange. Tim intends extending this to an offline mentorship program to connect organic farmers and enthusiasts and foster localised support networks. The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group has been going for 20 years and comprises approximately 120 members, serving as a hub for organic advocacy and collaboration. Tim welcomes a diverse membership, highlighting the growing interest in organic conversion amidst rising farm costs and the burgeoning regenerative farming movement. Despite constituting a mere 1 percent of total milk volumes collected, organic milk and dairy products command premium prices and robust overseas consumer demand. Advancements in organic research and development had buoyed the supplier’s network and product range also. As ODPG chair, Tim is gearing up for their annual AGM &Conference this April 5th& 6that Havelock North Events Centre. Held over two days and two nights the conference is open to members and non-members and will include a field trip to a nearby organics farm, dinners and discussion and invited speakers including Hawkes Bay animal health expert, Phyllis Tichinin and Dr Phil Schofield, chair of the Hawkes Bay Future Farmer Trust. For those keen to engage with the organic farming community,conference tickets and membership details are available at www.organicpastoral.co.nz For all your contracting requirements. Phone 07 872 0000 www.johnaustinltd.co.nz Where quality and service count
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