38 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Patiki and Taurima Farms Evolved into a substantial multi-farm business Scott is clear that people and pasture remain the cornerstone of performance. Karen Phelps Radd Limited’s growth story is rooted not just in land and livestock but in people. It has quickly evolved into a substantial multi-farm business, built deliberately by developing staff and creating clear pathways for progression. Owned by Scott and Stacey Mackereth, the couple work with Fortuna Group across Southland and Otago. “We’re looking at growing the business in partnership with Fortuna Group,” says Scott. “Fortuna has been great at fostering innovation and have been fantastic to work with. They’ve helped us into opportunities and we’ve executed so it’s been a win-win.” They are contract milkers on one of Fortuna Group’s farms, Gleneden Dairies, at Brydone just south of Gore, which peak milks 1400 cows on 499ha/464ha effective. Scott is also responsible for overseeing five other farms, of which two - Patiki and Taurima in Riversdale that Fortuna Group 50:50 sharemilks - have just had near full conversions completed. Scott and Stacey are also part of an equity partnership in 2,400 cows over three farms in Clydevale, South Otago with Fortuna Group. Scott is clear that people and pasture remain the cornerstone of performance with Gleneden Dairies - split into three clearly defined units, each with its own herd, boundaries and unit manager - acting as a kind of training ground to catapult people into other roles within their business. Rather than relying on formal advertising, Radd Limited has grown its team largely through reputation and networks. “I don’t specifically advertise. When I have it hasn’t worked out,” says Scott. “Leaders grow leaders. I try and find good people in industry networks and people who know us or are employed by us already.” That visibility has been strengthened through involvement in initiatives such as the Dairy Industry Awards, Plantain Project, the Edendale Aquifer Group, and hosting DairyNZ field days, school visits and Fortuna group field days. Once people join Radd Limited, development is structured and transparent. “We have a really transparent and inclusive team culture,” explains Scott. “New employees receive a development plan at three, six and 12 months, then annually thereafter. Group sessions focus on collaboration, culture and high performance, while emerging leaders are coached to develop people beneath them. By putting in place comprehensive development plans when people step up into a bigger role they’ve got all the tools necessary and I still work with them on the new farm so it’s a smooth transition.” Progression can be rapid. “It depends on the person but normally people step into some form of new responsibility each year,” says Scott. Performance underpins everything. Across the farms Scott works with, milk production records are being set each year through pasture-first systems with in-shed feeding sitting at 600–700kg per cow. “It’s about growing more high quality grass and utilising it better,” says Scott. “Improved grazing intervals, nutrient management and round length management have seen some farms harvest more than three tonnes of extra pasture per hectare. It’s our responsibility to leave each farm in a better state than what we received it in and we strive to do this every day. In terms of milk production, as an example, the year before we arrived at Gleneden Switzers Valley Transport Ltd 29 Main Wendonside Rd, RD7 GORE 9777 phone 03 202 4000 Proud to support PATIKI AND TAURIMA FARMS Locally owned, locally operated and locally trusted to meet all your cartage and sowing needs. 77 CLYDE STREET, INVERCARGILL, PH (03) 214 4254 www.southlandhonda.co.nz SOUTHLAND HONDA For the best Parts, Sales & Service in the south 21 Springford Street Proudly supporting Patiki and Taurima Farms Dairies it was 460,000kgsMS and two seasons later we are on target to achieve 630,000kgsMS.” Radd Limited itself reflects family values as well as ambition, with its name drawn from the initials of Scott and Stacey’s four children - Rae, Angus, Dannii and Dior. Stacey is now leaving her full-time role to work full-time in the business, supporting its continued growth. “Ultimately I love high performance,” says Scott, “and doing what people say can’t be done.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING PATIKI AND TAURIMA FARMS www . w i l k i n s f a rmi ng . c o . n z FOR MORE INFO For pricing & contracts: 03 201 6246 or 027 249 9317 GRAIN, BLENDS AND CUSTOM STOCKFEED
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