48 | nzdairy Shane says New Zealand dairy has a positive story to share with the world and it needs to be told well. “When Fonterra formed it had 11,000 or 12,000 shareholders. Now it’s down to 9500 and there’s been big growth in the numbers of cows on the remaining farms that have scaled up. When I entered parliament, the average herd size would have been around 160 cows and now it’s more like 450 to 500 cows. It had to happen in order for dairy farming to stay viable.” Shane and his sons Cameron and Jonathan own and manage two South Taranaki dairy farms in Te Kiri and Awatuna that lead on efficiency, thanks to their adoption of farm innovations such as Halter technology and advanced below-ground trickle irrigation. They also have one of the country’s fastest dairy shed operations. “If there is someone, somewhere in the world, who believes they can produce high quality protein food for humans with a lower carbon DAIRY PEOPLE » Shane Ardern • from page 47 footprint than our Taranaki dairy farm can then they are welcome to get in touch and I’d go look at it – but I don’t think it can be done.” Jonathan manages the family’s Awatuna farm and has recently bought another neighbouring farm. In total, that will bring the whole family farm operation up to 1200 cows. Shane says New Zealand dairy has a positive story to share with the world and it needs to be told well. “We have some of the best quality and low carbon emissions/environmentally friendly production here and it should be celebrated.” Looking ahead, Shane would like to see a shift towards more of a ‘can do’ economy. “I absolutely endorse comments made recently by Finance Minister Nicola Willis that now’s the time to say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’ to growth and development.” David Roache: 0274 425 961 Dean Roache: 0274 467 297 Kurt Jackson: 027664 9897 We are proud to support Shane and Kim Ardern! Is your business performing as well as it could be? We can help... learn more at www.velocite.co.nz
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