| 7 nzdairy “We are actively developing the wetlands further, making them more resilient for flood events and more efficient overall.” Big accolades for Westholm Dairies team Karen Phelps Otago dairy farmers Luke and Nicole Kane are celebrating a standout season. They were named the Otago Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, have just completed the succession of the family farming business and welcomed a new addition to their young family. Westholm Dairies milks 700 crossbred cows across 680 hectares, with a beef fattening operation running alongside it. All replacement heifers are reared plus Friesian bulls and Jersey bulls and the Kanes utilise genetics from the Angus stud to give dairy/ beef calves from lower ranked dairy cows. It is a model built on efficiency, diversity and long-term thinking. This was reflected in the fact they took home a series of merit awards at the competition: Norwood Farming Efficiency Award, Otago Regional Council Water Enhancement Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award, Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award and the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award. On the efficiency front, the approach is systematic. “We run a system where our nutritionists, fertiliser representatives, consultant and vets need to talk to each other via regular meetings,” says Luke. “It makes sure every aspect of the business is working in harmony and feed decisions are driven by cow diet requirements, crop availability and supplement timing all calibrated for the best return on investment.” Environmental management is equally rigorous. The farm sits on a flood plain, with the Pomahaka River running through its centre and wetlands throughout the property. “We are actively developing the wetlands further, making them more resilient for flood events and more efficient overall,” explains Luke. “It is a work in progress. Water use efficiency around the cowshed is also a focus.” The DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award recognised the significance of the family’s centurylong tenure on the land and the weight of responsibility that comes with completing succession. People have always been central to how Westholm Dairies operates. The farm maintains a strong relationship with nearby Blue Mountain College, bringing young people on to the property through the Gateway programme. “Our current manager, Hamish Corbett, was the very first young person who started working for us during his school holidays,” says Luke. “Staff are selected with personalities considered above skill level. If personalities don’t align across our team, nothing works. Significant investment in staff housing also helps us to attract and retain quality people.” Both Luke and Nicole are hands-on. Nicole leads calf rearing, which is her passion, human resources, Westholm Dairies milks 700 crossbred cows across 680 hectares. DAIRY PEOPLE » Westholm Dairies finance and accounts. Luke has recently completed three years as Provincial President of Federated Farmers Otago and is looking forward to spending more time on farm, especially now they have just officially taken it over. The timing could not be more fitting. The couple have just welcomed their second child, Addison, joining three-year-old Poppy, as the farm enters this new generation of leadership. Their current goals are to continue to increase efficiency and they are looking at a feed pad for better utilisation of feed, expansion and to help farm manager Hamish into a contract milking or lower order sharemilking job possibly via an equity partnership. 0800 SGTDAN (748326) Gorton Street, GORE Ph: 208 3965 E: admin@sgtdan.co.nz For all your Trucking needs, call: 027 227 2324 or Proud to be associated with Westholm Dairies Ant Wallace Building is pleased to Support Westholm Dairies
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