56 | nzdairy The Goodalls going strong one decade on The Goodalls have distinguished themselves through their people-focused management style. Karen Phelps Hayden and Chelsea Goodall have emerged as rising stars in New Zealand’s dairy industry, securing the runners-up position in the Bay of Plenty Share Farmer of the Year category and clinching three merit awards: DairyNZ People and Culture Award, the Federated Farmers Leadership Award and the Honda Farm Safety, Health and Biosecurity Award. “We had two terrible years both financially and on farm prior to entering,” says Hayden. “So we didn’t go into the awards expecting much. Getting runner-up and merit awards was a big surprise.” Just a decade ago, the Goodalls were living a vastly different life in Tauranga, where Hayden worked as a residential insulation installer. In 2014, seeking a career with more growth potential, they made the bold decision to pivot towards agriculture. “I liked the thought of riding round a farm on a motorbike,” Hayden says with a smile, explaining what initially drew him to farming. Starting as a farm assistant, Hayden quickly progressed to herd manager within two years, then to second-in-command shortly after. His aptitude for the work was recognised early on when he won the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee award. Today, the couple are contract milkers for the Gow Family Trust, employed by Matt and Laura Gow and Shona Gow, managing a 213-hectare farm near Whakatane. Under their company, White Gold Pastures, they milk 700 cows and produce around 290,000kg of milk solids annually. The Goodalls have distinguished themselves through their people-focused management style. “People are a big driver of the business,” says Hayden. “We strive for a great company culture where all our staff are valued and want to progress. We aim to have great communication and relationships with everyone who has an impact on our business.” This approach extends to their commitment to staff development. The Goodalls utilise the DairyNZ HR toolkit, conducting regular performance reviews and helping staff set both on-farm and personal goals. “We want to attract progressive people with a DAIRY PEOPLE » White Gold Pastures and Plattfields QUALITY WORKMANSHIP BY OUR QUALIFIED TRADESMEN At Matt Heath Builders quality is our main priority. Specialising in new builds, alterations and light commercial work throughout the Eastern Bay from Opotiki to Kawerau and everywhere in between. Our team of highly skilled, qualified builders give you the confidence to enjoy your build process – worry free! www.mattheathbuilders.co.nz admin@mattheathbuilders.co.nz 027 417 8114 @MattHeathBuilders FARMit Accountants are proud to support White Gold Pastures & Plattfields Farm (07) 307 7245 team@farmit.net.nz www.farmit.net.nz GOLD PARTNER Company Restructures Succession Planning Financial Accounts Tax Planning Equity Partnerships Budgeting and Forecas�ng passion for the industry. Culture and staff morale is important and having good communication. We focus on fair remuneration and time off to provide a good work environment. It’s about helping them reach their potential and dreams,” Hayden explains. Their dedication to worker wellbeing is further evidenced by their focus on farm safety. “Everyone getting home to their families at night is a priority, so we have good systems in place, meetings, and keep everyone on the same page,” says Hayden highlighting the practices that earned them the Honda Farm Safety, Health and Biosecurity Award. The Federated Farmers Leadership Award came as a surprise to Hayden: “I’ve always tried to lead from the front. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses,” he says considering that his journey from a non-farming background to his current position offers inspiration to others considering a career change into agriculture. The Goodalls’ ambitions extend beyond their current success. With goals of herd ownership and sharemilking on the horizon, hopefully on the current farm, they’re continually working to maximise productivity. “Our next goal would be to go 50:50 sharemilking with a manager and also have our own small run off block,” says Hayden. “It’s challenging with the current economic climate but we’re determined to keep working to achieve our dream.” Stainless steel – fabrication and welding Design Supply Install Steve King 027 4095 0054 Will King 027 615 7922 Robbie Hall 027 807 1312 * Ef uent & irrigation * Feed systems * Frost protection * Animal health * Detergent * Rubberware & Consumable * Trenching service c1107kwKing Milking & water systems specialists since 1988 Main Street, Edgecumbe Ph 07 304 9640 anytime King Farm Services Ltd Stainless steel – fabrication and welding Design Supply Install Steve King 027 4095 0054 Will King 027 615 7922 Robbie Hall 027 807 1312 * Ef uent & irrigation * Feed systems * Frost protection * Animal health * Detergent * Rubberware & Consumable * Trenching service c1107kwKing Milking & water systems specialists since 1988 Main Street, Edgecumbe Ph 07 304 9640 anytime King Farm Services Ltd
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