52 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Suffolk Farm Taranaki farmer Martin Keegan and wife Sophie. Aimee Wilson Just one year on from winning New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year, Taranaki farmer Martin Keegan has got married and also now owns his own herd. He and wife Sophie have had a big 12 months, also renovating one of the New Plymouth rental properties, and are tackling all of the dairy farm administration ready for the busy winter season. “I had a New Years resolution to take things off my plate but I’m not sure how well I’m doing with that,” he said. Based in Inglewood where he started out managing his parents-in-law’s Suffolk Farm, Martin was only one year into the job when he entered the awards and took out the top prize. A jack-of-all trades, the former diesel mechanic also has a side hustle fixing up and on-selling farm machinery with a business partner. Losing his dad when he was just a baby and then his mother nine years ago was tough, but it has also taught him resilience and gave him a strong work ethic - engrained from a young age. His father and mother were both dairy farmers and then his step-dad stepped in to become a huge role model as well. “I was taught how to work by my parents, who were incredibly hard workers and the environment that I have grown up in.” Rearing and selling calves in his teens, he went on to become a relief share milker, firstly on his parent’s 68ha farm, and then others around the district. On the 92ha Suffolk Farm he is responsible for the health and welfare of 243 cows - now entirely in his ownership and having to learn the ropes fairly quickly. “I’ve had to put a lot more emphasis in getting fully immersed in the business. “I didn’t realise how much time goes into administration. It’s a big balancing act with having to run the entire farm by myself as well.” Martin is always looking for new ways to improve and grow, regularly bringing new ideas to the table and implementing them on the farm. Winning the national title in 2025 was the proof that he needed to reassure him he was on the right track. He’s learned quickly that having positive people around you that also want to do well, helps in business. A big 12 months for Martin and Sophie bjbishoptransport@xtra.co.nz 1914 Mountain Rd, Inglewood, Taranaki 0274 479 232 Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, our commitment to excellence ensures that you get the best products and services. 39 Cutfield Street, Inglewood 94 Broadway, Stratford 0800 662 6455 See us for: Pumps and Water Systems | Milking Machines Effluent Systems | Meal Systems | Teat Spray Systems www.moamilking.co.nz “Surround yourself with the right people who offer opportunities, not scarcity,” he said. His cows are still number one - they pay the bills and always come first. “You see so much more when you take in the moment and just sit in your environment.” Not that he has much time for sitting around anymore - “there is a method to the madness. But I’m finding the easier it is to understand my farm, the better I can teach others.” Eventually he will employ and grow his team to hopefully share his similar values. Believing that strong production is a by-product of good management, the result will be well fed, well conditioned animals that are relevant to the system he is implementing.
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