| 19 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Bridie Virbickas Based near Whakatane Bridie contract milks 800 cows at Otakiri for her parents and has overseen huge expansion. Transformed self-perception and ambitions Karen Phelps When Bridie Virbickas found out she had won the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Emerging Leader Award she could hardly believe it was real. The Bay of Plenty contract milker had battled serious self-doubt throughout her career making the recognition even more meaningful. “I had major imposter syndrome. I felt like I didn’t deserve it and it was only after I spoke to people afterwards that I felt like I was worthy of getting it,” explains Bridie. “It’s given me a boost in terms of any doubts I had about what I was doing for the farming community.” She never expected the nomination. Brent Mountfort, Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers President, informed her of his intention to put her name forward but Bridie declined. He nominated her anyway and she remained unaware until receiving the call that she had made the finalist list. Based near Whakatane Bridie contract milks 800 cows at Otakiri for her parents and has overseen huge expansion from 270 to 850 cows and the recent installation of a state-of-the-art 50-bail rotary shed. “I can now focus on making the farm really hum after ten years here and growing cow numbers.” Her journey to leadership roles in the industry began with an agricultural degree and valuable off-farm experience with Ballance Agri-Nutrients, where she led the North Island Sustainability Team. Despite enjoying the comforts of office work the calling to return to the land proved irresistible. “When the opportunity arose to manage one of my parents’ dairy farms I put my hand up,” explains Bridie. Since then her parents have purchased the neighbouring farm expanding Bridie’s role to contract milking both properties as a single unit. Bridie acknowledges the support of her excellent team, including Jeff Peroche, Emma Taia, Piper Anglesey and Dannika Tukua, along with her very supportive family, as being an important part of the farm’s success. Despite admitting she is incredibly busy Bridie has built an impressive portfolio of industry involvement. She joined Federated Farmers four years ago and now chairs its Bay of Plenty sharefarmers section where she supports fellow farmers through advocacy, dispute resolution and practical workshops. “It’s normally older farmers who have the time to go into leadership roles but I feel younger voices need to be heard at the decision table as well,” says Bridie. “I feel being hands-on on the farm is important too as that gives a different perspective when decisions are being made.” Her leadership extends to being a founding trustee of AgRecovery, helping reduce farm waste nationwide, and leading on-farm restoration projects with schools and councils. Two years ago she served as DairyNZ associate director for 12 months gaining valuable governance experience, and has completed the Fonterra Governance Development programme. The award has transformed Bridie’s self-perception and future ambitions. “It’s made me believe more in myself. I’ve always wanted to be involved in governance roles but the doubt creeps in about whether I can do it,” she explains. “Getting this award has let me back myself more, so I feel like I will be braver going forward. I would like to be involved in organisations that align with my values. I’m not someone who wants to pile up directorship roles just because. I feel like I really make a difference when I care about the organisation.” Despite her expanding influence in agricultural leadership, farming remains her first love. “At the end of the day I’m a farmer and love what I do.” BAY DIGGERS LTD Craig and Deanna Brown 148 Hallett Road, RD2, Otakiri WHAKATANE 3192 EARTH MOVING AND TREE FELLING info@baydiggers.co.nz 07 304 8494 or 021 167 1077 - Farm and orchard drainage - Trenching - Metal / pumice / stock rock supply - Tree Felling/Tree Shear - Maize & Silage Stacks - 13 TON DIGGER, Tractor and Trailer - 5.7 TON DIGGER, Truck and Trailer - OWNER/OPERATOR Proudly supporting Bridie Virbickas FARMit Accountants are proud to support Bridie Virbickas (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
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