32 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Otto Dogterom Building an extensive agricultural enterprise Otto remains committed to demonstrating that environmental sustainability and profitability can coexist. Karen Phelps It has been a year of consolidation and restructuring for North Otago dairy farmer Otto Dogterom, as he streamlines his operations to prepare for the future. “You have to start thinking about succession. It’s good market conditions so it’s a good time to do it,” he says. Central to this has been the decision to sell a 190-hectare farm in Duntroon, which milked 500 cows. Otto has also been reshaping his partnerships with former employees. On a 750-hectare dairy farm with 800 cows, he will buy out his partner, with his son Pim set to return to manage the operation. He is still in partnership on two further dairy farms spanning 500 hectares with 1,000 cows. He also intends to sell his share in a 500-hectare beef drystock farm running 700 bulls and trading stock across Otago. Since moving from Holland in 1993, Otto has built an extensive agricultural enterprise, which now comprises five dairy farms totalling 850 hectares with 2,500 cows, as well as an 800-hectare run-off block in Duntroon in addition to his interests in the two partnership farms. The operation employs a mix of sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm managers. He says the restructuring and consolidation have also created opportunities for staff development. Otto, who has been farming in the district for 33 years, remains committed to demonstrating that environmental sustainability and profitability can coexist within modern farming systems. His operation focuses on running as efficiently as possible, both environmentally and financially. “We do pretty good production with quite low inputs and have low leaching and low emissions,” he says. “Three farms now use partial solar irrigation, which insulates the business a bit from energy price increases.” The sustainability ethos extends to the human element of his business, with strong staff retention rates and clear career progression pathways evident across his farming group. Otto highlights the role of the younger generation in farm ownership and management in the region. Otago Transport 2025 Ltd. 17 Tiverton St, Palmerston Ph: 03 465 1147 | Email: jamie@otl.co.nz Contact Jamie 027 589 5869 Bulk Haulage | Fertiliser Spreading | General Cartage Specialists in... Large Solar farms • Solar for Full Dairy Shed systems Solar for Houses • All other Electrical needs. CALECT SOLAR 0800 360063 calum@calect.co.nz We supply & provide agronomy for Otto Dogterom. Speak to our team today! www.mckeown.co.nz
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