78 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Omega Milk Ltd Mike Omega’s farming journey has been based in Southland, a region he says has given him plenty of scope to grow the business. Sue Russell Dairy Farmer, Mike Omega has a clear vision to one day own a farm, however, he’s taking measured, well-considered steps, to achieve this, and doesn’t have a specific time frame in which he expects to achieve this goal. A somewhat pragmatic approach to seizing opportunities, learning as much as he can by building relationships within the dairy farming community, has proven to be the right one since arriving in this country from the Philippines nearly a decade ago. His farming journey has been based in Southland, a region he says has given him plenty of scope to grow the business, from first working in Otautau, Western Southland, advancing in 2019 to an assistant manager role at Balfour then moving on to Rosehill Farm to manage two years later. “By taking up equity partnerships with my brother-in-law in Year 2022-2025, meant managing four dairy farms in Riverton-Tuatapere area, eventually overseeing 2,600 cows, so I’ve certainly had many rich experiences since living in New Zealand.” Now, Mike’s journey has led him to be contract milking across two farms: Rosehill Farm owned by Kenny Baynes located at Northeast Chatton, Gore; and BMD Farm, owned by Matthew and Adam Haugh located at Tapanui, near the Southland border with Otago. This means a busy life, overseeing both properties. “At BMD Farm we enjoyed a great season last year. We managed to produce 510kgMS/cow. Last year we were milking 1300, now we’ve increased it by 350. We’re aiming to produce 525kgMS and the cows have been in very good condition,” Mike says. At Rosehill Farm last year, the herd comprised 1000 cows and this year has increased by 150 . The farm has grown in size also, with the addition of a further 200ha of adjacent land. “In the future, I’m confident we could get up to 2000 cows comfortably.” “My staff have been with me for a long time and this means when new staff join, they’ll become part of a strong team. This makes all the difference in the world because I want to see all my staff thrive.” And with such a busy few years behind him now, Mike says he still loves farming and wouldn’t be doing anything else. “It’s the most wonderful career, with so many opportunities to grow and find the level you are happy at. I’m comfortable with what I am doing now, though my long term vision still remains ownership of my own farm.” Halter Collars have made a significant difference, Mike says, especially at mating and calving time and also with overall management of herd movements. “Especially at busy times like now we’re underway with calving, which will extend for 11 weeks and so far, so good.” Mike is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of both farms and is committed to giving Plenty of scope to grow the business Peter CORCORAN & CAIRNSCONTRACTING LTD CONTRACTING LTD We’ve got the experience & the equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. Hokonui Suzuki, 136 Main Street, Gore | Phone (03) 208-5271 or (021) 736-221 | info@hokonuisuzuki.co.nz the same level of care, attention, and effort to each farming operation. He makes every effort to ensure that both farms receive an equal and consistently high standard of service. The proud father of two girls can’t see himself moving away from Southland, regardless of his situation. The youngest daughter is in Year 8 at St. Peter’s College Gore and doing well while the eldest is in her first year studying Law at Victoria University, in Wellington.
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