32 | nzdairy The Bell’s go back to good old-fashioned Karen Phelps Matthew and Samantha Bell have gone back to old-fashioned farming. No CDIRS, few mod cons in the cowshed and milking fewer cows. “Farming has so many inputs now and it doesn’t always make sense. It might make you more milk but does it make you more money,” says Matthew reflecting on the couple’s journey back to a simpler, more sustainable approach to dairy farming. The Bells’ story is one of rediscovery after years of high-pressure, large-scale dairy farming left them burnt out and considering leaving the industry altogether. Matthew, the 2015 New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year and current Federated Farmers Waikato sharemilker chair, grew up on farms in the Waikato and always loved the farming lifestyle. However, after contract milking 1800 cows in Mid Canterbury for four seasons and managing 12 staff at peak, he found himself running on empty. “It wasn’t sustainable what we were doing, and it wasn’t fun. We needed a change,” Matthew admits. The turning point came when the couple decided to write a list of what they wanted from their next farming venture. While financial considerations were important, they prioritised working with great people in a great location. Their search led them to a 50:50 sharemilking role on a 430-cow farm just inland from Raglan, where they’re now starting their second season. The farm, owned by the Quirke Family Trust, has proven to be everything the Bells were looking for and more. With its native bush, waterfall, and opportunities for hunting and fishing, it offers the character and lifestyle they craved. More importantly, it has allowed them to return to a more traditional, grass-based system that aligns with the farm owners’ values. They only bring in a small amount of PKE if they have to. They’ve also downsized to a smaller, more hands-on herd size and are aiming for a 400425kg liveweight cow that is better suited to the farm’s contours and Mairoa ash soil. The couple is considering moving to once-a-day milking year-round, a practice that’s gaining traction in the Raglan area. “I love milking a smaller herd. One of my favourite things to do now is milk when I’d never liked it before as it took so long with the larger numbers of cows. With its native bush, waterfall, and opportunities for hunting and fishing, it offers the character and lifestyle the Bells craved. DAIRY PEOPLE » Matthew and Samantha Bell For all your site works, sand pads and retaining walls! Proudly supporting Matthew Bell 021 550 067 info@raglanexcavations.co.nz
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