| 3 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Aaron and Fiona Campbell Sibling rivalry works well on the farm Richard Loader It’s about work/life balance, people, faith and friendly competition for the Campbell family. Aaron, 50, and Fiona, 46, have three sons, Josh 21, Ethan 19, and Mathew 17, helping run their dairy farm near Bunnythorpe, half way between Feilding and Palmerston North. Sibling rivalry works well on the farm. “They have separate jobs, and all learnt to drive a tractor,” says Aaron. They give each other a hard time if something’s not done right, which saves me a of bit work! Just like their sports, where they compare cricket scores, you still need to get along with your team mates. The common goal: Keeping Dad off your back, getting the job done, and getting paid.” “Our middle son said ‘do we get time and a half today.’ He’s very aware of the stats! says Fiona. “They’re independent and put money aside for school trips etc, and finally have their own cars, so I’m no longer taxi driver.” Aaron has noticed work-life balance improving. Years ago, it was “whatever it takes”. Not taking time off takes its toll. “Having two full-time workers and myself wasn’t working. So now it’s one full-timer, Dave, who’s been with us for six years. He gets Friday and Saturday off, so I have Sunday free. Our eight amazing part-timers can then pick and chose their hours and days to suit. We have cups on at 3.30-4am, finishing at 6.30am, so staff have time to go home and drop kids at school, and an afternoon shift finishing at 4pm. Fiona is a relief teacher in-between doing the flexible roster, accounts, and loves analysing herd records and rearing the calves. The flat 91ha terrain farm, running 380 Friesian light crossbreeds, has an extra leased 70ha which they have improved. “My Dad was a big Friesian/Holstein breeder. He fed his cows on grass only, but a cow needs more to reach her potential. We grow two tonne of our own maize annually, on our System 5 farm. Simon Redmond our nutrition specialist has us feeding a palm kernel molasses mix for gut health. The herringbone 34-aside cow shed was extended from 24 since buying this farm seven years ago, saving 1-1.5 milking hours. We’ve only used A2/A2 bulls for the last decade, and keep things simple and low cost for better returns on investment. This is thanks to advice and assistance from our BNZ banker, Brigit Boon, and long-time accountant, Keith Earl. Our per-cow milk solids have increased from 530 to 550. The couple bounced off each other’s strengths during their 20 years of farming. Fiona from Koputaroa a P.E and Health teacher, met Aaron from Foxton, then an agriculture science teacher at a private MataMata agriculture school. Aaron says his faith has grown since last February and has a strong sense their next chapter is pastoral work. So fences are being fixed and a clean up is in action to put AFJEM Holdings on the market this October. “So much has been happening, we’re enjoying more time with people and mentoring couples,” says Fiona. Aaron adds that while much is bible based, he enjoys simply helping people and community. “The focus is off myself to concentrate on blessing others. Aaron and Fiona, have three sons, Josh 21, Ethan 19, and Mathew 17, helping run their dairy farm. 180 John F Kennedy Drive, Palmerston North (06) 356 2195 Proud to support Aaron & Fiona Campbell Now after a day flat-out milking, we’ll have conversations in the shed, talking about what’s happening in our lives. When you know what’s going on and understand your staff, you can look after their needs. Sharing difficulties lightens the burden.”
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