34 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Karl and Jess Wood Aimed at young breeders aged 20 to 35, the programme aims to develop skills outside of the showring, particularly in the areas of governance and industry affairs. Russell Fredric Shannon sharemilker Karl Wood is one of a crop of emerging dairy industry leaders fortunate to be chosen for the Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Young Breeders Development Programme. Aimed at young breeders aged 20 to 35, the programme aims to develop skills outside of the showring, particularly in the areas of governance and industry affairs. The programme is running this year for the first time, from March to December, with the six participants chosen by Holstein Friesian NZ’s board of directors who recognised their potential for leadership roles in the future, participating in a mixture of online and in-person workshops. Karl, aged 31, is currently farming through his in his 14th season and his fourth as a sharemilker. “I’ve been involved with Holstein Friesian [NZ] mostly through the judging side of things in the past and having registered some Holstein Friesian cattle now I’m out on my own [as a sharemilker].” Karl was previously an associate judge with the organisation but is now a senior judge and has “done some fun things” and had some great experiences in this capacity, he says. “I’ve judged a few A & P shows now around the country and a few on-farm competitions. The biggest highlight was being the associate judge at the 2023 NZ Dairy Event in the Holstein Friesian ring.” “[HFNZ] are aiming to get groups through the programme in order for us to eventually to take over leadership roles within the organisation as well as other organisations within the industry.” “It’s giving us some skills and the confidence to go on in the future; to have the ability to be effective leaders in different organisations as well as give back to Holstein Friesian [NZ] at some point. My understanding is it’s a way of future-proofing their direction and their focus which is great to see.” The programme started with a two-day introductory session in March outlining how the programme will run, followed by governance training covering the four pillars of governance, director responsibilities and governance for not-for-profit organisations. “That was a really informative session and I think it helped me understand a bit more about what effective governance looks like and how to effectively govern when you’re working with a not-for-profit.” Through the year the workshops and online sessions also include understanding a comprehensive range of topics, from breeding values/genetics/genomics, to communication, finance, critical thinking skills, the New Zealand milk payment system and the impact of global financial fluctuations among others. Governance and industry affairs focus “Since I’ve gotten involved, I’ve got a lot out of it. I’ve got a better understanding of a lot of the things that Holstein Friesian [NZ] does in the wider industry, what their goals are and the direction they want to head in.” Once he has completed the programme Karl’s expectation is he will be able to translate what he has learned through to opportunities as they arise. Karl and his wife Jessica have a mixed 230 cow herd farmed on 85 hectares owned by John Gardner/Wyke Partnership near Shannon, supported by a neighbouring 19 hectare lease block. They employed a full-time worker this season, the first time they have had an employee. “I’m excited for this season; I’m looking forward with great positivity. We set up with a good start to calving, the farm’s looking in good shape and I’m ready to pump some milk.” 06 350 7900 | pkfr.co.nz Our Mission “caring for you” PKF Rutherfords are proud to support Karl and Jess Wood a ll about people Well done Karl & Jess, farming success built on heart and hard work! Milking Shorthorns Northbrook Wok Dam is Northbrook Wonder and Sire is Treeton Pingerly Northbrook Lacy Dam is Northbrook Nc Lucy and Sire is Oceanbrae Logics Plato Northbrook Open Dam is Northbrook Operetta and Sire is Northbrook Titan ET Milking Shorthorns are proud to be part of the New Zealand dairy industry for 200+ years As a family we are proud of the journey Karl and Jess have started into the dairy industry and we wish them well. 798 Reid Line East, RD11, Palmerston North Email: northbrook2016ltd@gmail.com Phone (David): 027 200 2726 Phone (Anja): 021 180 4931
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