84 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Rylib Group The preferred milking systems partner for Dairy Farmers Ph 0800 577 583 | www.morrisonagri.co.nz Proud to support Rylib Group Milking Machines Rotary Platforms Engineering Pumping & Plumbing Chemical ROBERT WILSON - 027 249 1767 | 03 303 7999 Main South Rd, Hinds 7747 | service@allfarmengineering.co.nz | www.allfarmengineering.co.nz AGENTS FOR: PROUDLY SUPPORTING RYLIB GROUP FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRCAL NEEDS PROUD TO SUPPORT RYLIB GROUP www.youngelectricalltd.co.nz Experienced Dairy Vets Focused on whole farm performance Rakaia and Dedicated to dairying - we provide a dairy only veterinary service Excellent personalised service tailored to your farm system Competitively priced products and services Ashburton (03) 308 0493 Rakaia (03) 302 7818 418West Street, Ashburton 7700 9 Railway Terrace East, Rakaia 7710 Email: info@dairyvets.co.nz Web: www.dairyvets.co.nz ADVISORY | TAX | AUDIT | ACCOUNTING SERVICES Proudly supporting Rylib Group Talk to us today for help in reaching your farm business goals. FRAZER WEIR 027 453 5831 ROD HANSEN 021 823 875 bdo.nz/ChristchurchAgriBusiness • from page 82 “When we started the scholarship journey we did not have a set view of what it would look like or focus on getting anything back for Rylib,” explains Libby. “It is about finding people who are committed and passionate and want to grow and be the best farmer they can be. It is purely about supporting them on their journey.” The first external recipient, Sam O’Neil, completed two years under the programme before progressing into farm management and winning the Dairy Trainee of the Year title at the 2026 Canterbury regional Dairy Industry Awards. “He was amazing,” says Libby. “It was great to give back to the industry because we want really highly skilled individuals progressing in the industry. Sam is a good example of this and someone who will go really far. He is goal-driven and knows what he needs to achieve to get to farm ownership.” Current scholarship recipient Jonty King is completing an Honours degree in Agriculture, focusing on sustainability and wintering practices that can improve farming performance across New Zealand. Applications for this year’s scholarship close on December 1 and are open to students who have successfully completed the first year of a Bachelor of Agriculture or Agricultural Science with an interest in dairy farming. “We want to raise the standard and demonstrate our commitment to farming for the future,” says Libby. “Farming is changing and we need highly skilled people who are great leaders, understand the changing industry and will continue to grow and develop.” Supporting young people also extends to Rylib’s involvement in Dairy Training New Zealand’s NextGen Dairy Farmers programme, helping 16 to 20-yearolds begin careers in the dairy sector. “Being family-focused and family-operated that next generation is always on our minds,” says Libby. “This is our first year participating in this programme and we are excited to see how that develops.” Developing people already within the business is equally important. Assistant managers take part in a structured leadership programme, while employees are encouraged to pursue both industry qualifications and personal development, with the company supporting further study. “Creating a people-first business means understanding every individual, supporting personal ambitions and creating an environment where people feel empowered to succeed. Everything centres on creating an environment where individuals feel valued and trusted to make good decisions. Managers are encouraged to take ownership, innovate and, where appropriate, become shareholders and business owners themselves. If we know our people’s goals we know how to help them achieve them.” Recognition also plays a key role in reinforcing the culture. Each year the entire team comes together for an awards programme celebrating achievements across farm performance, safety, financial management, company values and leadership. This year’s Farm of the Year award went to Jonathan and Stacey Hoets for their work at Rylib’s Kairoa Dairies before progressing into greater equity through their move to another Rylib farm, Akitu Dairies. “We believe recognition goes a long way and builds confidence, motivation and a real sense of belonging in our team. We are fortunate to have fabulous sponsors for the awards,” says Libby. Community involvement also grows naturally from the business’s people-first philosophy. “A lot of our community giving stems from our people,” explains Libby. “It is our people’s community connections that drive where our community giving heads.” Ultimately Libby believes putting people first is what creates lasting success. “Strong culture creates engaged teams. Engaged teams create outstanding leaders. Those leaders build resilient businesses capable of adapting to an evolving industry. We attribute our success to quality people. Everything we do revolves around our team and our culture.”
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