| 17 nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Niamh Mark Niamh is now a star on the rise Karen Phelps Being named runner-up in the 2025 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year category at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, alongside winning the Whakatane District Council Environmental Sustainability Award, has cemented Te Puke dairy farmer Niamh Mark’s reputation as a rising star in the industry. “It’s recognition that I’m doing well and doing my job to a high standard. It’s been good to see where I sit amongst my peers and get feedback on what I can improve on. It’s also made my parents proud. They were stoked,” says Niamh. Niamh, 27, manages her family’s 100-hectare, 272 cow property, working alongside her father Peter, who oversees operations and handles bookwork, and mother Megan Richards, who assists with calving and feeding workers. Niamh admits it can be challenging to walk the line between employee and daughter. “As I continue to mature, gain new skills and take on more responsibility on-farm, I feel I’m successfully managing this balance,” she says. The awards process proved invaluable for professional development. “The process showed me any gaps in my knowledge and what I should be doing to fill those in,” says Niamh. “Particularly around pasture management, where I’ve learned we could implement better systems through more frequent plate metering and incorporating different pasture types.” The experience has also encouraged her to seek external learning opportunities, including joining Dairy Women’s Network following a judge’s recommendation. 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 LITCHFIELDS GRAIN YOUR SOURCE FOR QUALITYMAIZE Supplying lifestyle blocks & small farms with 10kg, 20kg, 25kg & bulk maize (whole or kibbled). Bulk deliveries & silo fills up to 10 ton. Ideal feed supplement. 578 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke 3187 BOP P. 027 900 5424 | info@litchfieldsgrain.co.nz litchfieldsgrain.co.nz • Priced from $925 + GST and freight • Proven over 10 years of hard use • Bag provided for storage off season • Proven over 10 years use in all weather conditions • Available in 2 bay (2.8m x 3.6m) through to 6 bay (2.8m x 10.8m) 03 546 6809 | sales@tmcovers.co.nz Watch Video @tmcovers.co.nz/product/calf shelters COVERS “One of the judges suggested that Dairy Women’s Network was doing seminars on contract milking so I joined and I have already attend some zoom seminar. It’s been useful to open my eyes to other resources and networks I could be using within the dairy industry.” The merit award recognises the farm’s comprehensive approach to conservation and environmental stewardship. The family has planted 1,700 native trees across less productive hilly areas. “We wanted to replant some of the hilly gullies. We are also between two kokako reserves and are trying to connect these with native trees,” explains Niamh. “We are also undertaking pest management throughout the re-vegetation areas, contributing to broader conservation efforts in the region.” A focus on effluent management represents another key environmental focus. “It’s important to know the regulation around effluent management and recording and using the effluent efficiently to get that most out of the pasture and soils.” The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends to infrastructure investments. A newly constructed composting barn, capable of housing the entire herd, proved its worth during the recent challenging winter conditions. “We’ve had some wet weather this winter and having the barn is working well and helping to reduce pasture damage,” explains Niamh. “The barn uses a sawdust base system that contains effluent for composting and later spreading across the farm.” Community engagement forms another pillar of the operation’s environmental programme. The farm maintains a bush classroom for nearby Te Ranga School, where children learn about native bush ecosystems and sustainability practices. Niamh’s next goal is to transition into contract milking within the next two years, and get married to fiancé Breno Codogenolla, who manages orchards for Seeka. They are planning to build a house and start their future together as fifth generation on the farm. “I’m pretty proud that I can farm the land my great great grandparents farmed and carry on the family tradition.”
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