| 23 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Clarence Stolte and Rene Ten Bolscher Strong collaborative relationship with owners Richard Loader Rene Ten Bolscher reckons one of the biggest reasons things run so smoothly on the Carterton dairy farm he manages is the strong, collaborative relationship he has with the owners. “We listen to each other, and we put our best ideas together, then come up with something beautiful that works. If it doesn’t, we put our heads together again,” he says. The 500-cow operation, owned by two generations of the Stolte family, has been home base for Rene for the past six seasons. While he leads the day-to-day running of things, Clarence Stole stays closely involved, particularly with budgeting, dry stock, and young stock management. Rene and Clarence’s weekly Tuesday morning drive-around helps keep them both on the same page, alongside quick catch ups by text and a monthly dashboard meeting, which includes the wider crew. “It’s good to keep the team in the loop with how we track budget-wise and also encourage them with the great results they achieved, make focus areas, and go over KPIs,” Rene says. That collaborative approach extends to on-farm improvements too. Rene is reluctant to take sole credit for any major changes and says plenty of ideas evolve over time. “You ponder something for a week or two, then during our drive you say, ‘I’ve been thinking...what about trying this?’ Then we go over the pros and cons. That’s how a lot of our changes come about.” Recent investments include a new concrete feed pad and bunker to reduce wastage, with plans for another bunker for grass silage next year. An upgraded effluent system is also in the works. “Our system is pretty sharp. We’re not looking at big changes - just improving what we’ve got,” Rene says. The team of three on-farm is also humming along nicely. Rene leads a second-in-charge and an assistant, who arrived from the Netherlands last year with little dairy experience. Originally from the Netherlands himself, and a former plumber, Rene understands the challenges of starting afresh in a new country and industry. That empathy helped lay the foundation for a quick connection. “He came to church, someone mentioned he was looking for work, and I gave him a call,” Rene says of his newest worker. Rene is reluctant to take sole credit for any major changes and says plenty of ideas evolve over time. “It goes a bit easier when you’re from the same background - you kind of know how the other thinks.” While mentoring a newcomer can come with challenges, Rene says attitude is everything. “If people are genuinely keen and want to work hard, I’ve got all the time in the world. Proudly supporting Clarence Stolte and Rene Ten Bolscher ORDISH & STEVENS Mistakes don’t matter so much if the drive is there.” As for Rene’s own future, he’s keen to take the next step towards farm ownership. “We’re very privileged where we are, so unless it’s the right opportunity, we’re happy to stay. But if something comes up, we’ll definitely look at it.” His advice to others aspiring to progress in dairying? “Surround yourself with smart people. Don’t walk away from a challenge. Prioritise - write your goals down and go over them a few times a year. You can’t have everything all at once, but if you push and commit, you’ll get there.”
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