12 | nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » R and T Pastoral Ltd Hard work and a commitment to learning Kelly Deeks Runner-up in the 2025 Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Manager of the Year category, Owen Clifford is proof that hard work, adaptation, and a commitment to learning can take you far in the New Zealand dairy industry, whether you’re born into it or marry into it. Owen manages a 500-cow herd on a 200ha property at Waerenga, owned by Ross and Tracey Laing. He works alongside his wife Sarah, whose parents own the farm, and the couple have been living and working there since January 2022. Prior to that, Owen was an agricultural contractor, originally visiting New Zealand from England on a six-month trip that turned into a life-changing opportunity. “Covid actually turned out to be a good thing for me,” he says. “I came for agricultural contracting and got stuck here during lockdown, picked up some spring calving work then met Sarah. Things just snowballed from there.” Owen’s passion for dairy farming quickly took hold, and he found himself learning and progressing every season. Entering the Dairy Industry Awards has been a big part of that journey. “This was our third time entering,” he says. “The first year we didn’t get to the finals, but we learned so much. Each year we improved, and now to place runner-up really validates all the effort.” He says the competition also fosters great camaraderie among entrants. “Steven Pratt, who won this year, and I have both entered for the past three years and this year we were each other’s biggest competition. Speaking to the judges afterward, they said it was nearly impossible to separate us by even one point.” Owen won $3090 in prizes and also took home two merit awards. But for him, the biggest reward is how the competition pushes participants to sharpen their skills and see themselves as future leaders in the industry. “It’s an amazing career builder, especially for someone like me who’s come into farming through marriage. You meet great people, get recognition, and it opens doors, whether that’s a management role, sharemilking, or even farm ownership.” On-farm, Owen is proud of recent improvements, particularly around pasture management for this winter-milking herd. “We’ve changed our grass varieties over the past three years, moving to a later-heading tetraploid. That’s really helped our late lactation production.” The previous grass varieties would go to seed too early, compromising summer milk production. Now, the couple is seeing higher milk volumes later into the season and have better-quality feed on hand. “It’s been a game-changer for us,” he says. “Efficiency and timing are everything in dairy. We’re focused on keeping the system simple and effective with no unnecessary complications.” Looking ahead, the Laings are considering leasing the farm, which could present opportunities for Owen and Sarah to buy into stock Family pic (from left) Sarah, her Mum Tracey and Dad Ross (farm owners). Ross holding James and Owen Clifford. and potentially step into a lower-order sharemilking arrangement or partnership. “It’s all pretty open-ended at the moment,” Owen says. “But we’re having those conversations.” The couple has also recently experienced another major life change, with their first baby arriving in July. “It’s pretty special to think about continuing the family farming tradition. We’re in a great place to build something for the future.” With a solid career path, recognition for his skills, and family life underway, Owen is proving that success in dairying isn’t about where you start, but where you’re willing to go. Peter Ellmers Farm & Electrical LTD Over 30 years experience in all your Electrical, Milking Machinery & Water Pump needs. Proudly Supporting R and T Pastoral Ltd Address: 760 Waikare Rd, Te Kauwhata Waikato, 3781 Ph: (07) 826 3135 Mob: (027) 494 3942 E: cowpower@xtra.co.nz Proud partner of R and T Pastoral Ltd
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