| 63 nzdairy Chris, Rachel, Jack (8) and Oscar Numan (6). DAIRY PEOPLE » The Numan Farm PHONE 07 827 7066 MOB 027 493 2076 WEB www.blackwoodyamaha.co.nz ADDRESS 33 Albert Street Cambridge EMAIL sales@blackwoodyamaha.co.nz $12,999 NO BULL, REAL WORLD PRICING. THE SMART FARM CHOI CE. THE SMART FARM CHOICE the farm. Rachel carries out many veterinary duties and is an accredited mastitis vet who also supports other farmers. The couple complete their own pregnancy scanning, disbudding, metrichecking, race maintenance and tractor servicing. With their own scanner, Rachel also contracts pregnancy testing work for other local farmers. Animal welfare has also guided recent infrastructure projects. Races have been reworked, a 60-hectare block re-fenced and one area of the farm reconfigured to reduce lameness by removing the need for cows to walk uphill. Environmental stewardship is another long-term focus. Each year the farm plants around 1,500 to 2,000 native trees in riparian areas and fenced-off marginal land. A local planting crew is paid per tree, with funds supporting the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society and the rehabilitation of kakako on Pirongia Mountain. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” says Chris, “and it’s really improved how we experience and enjoy the farm.” Over the past five years, the couple have also closely monitored nutrient loss, reducing nitrogen application by 10 to 15 per cent annually. “It’s been about understanding our numbers and staying ahead of regulatory change,” says Chris. “At the same time we’re focused on maintaining efficient feed production.” The focus is now firmly on debt reduction, efficiency and continued environmental improvements. “We’re at a point where future planning and goal setting are important,” says Chris. “But we’re also taking the time to appreciate what full ownership represents.”
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