10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cottesbrook Dairy Role with total responsibility for calving Ann-Kristin Loferski (middle) winning the Dairy Industry Trainee award. Sue Russell As it turns out, making the decision to have a gap year in New Zealand, changed the course of German-born Ann-Kristin Loferski’s life, when she discovered a passion for dairy farming and love of rearing stock. We spoke with Ann-Kristen 2 years ago, her third season working at Cottesbrook Dairy, Tapanui, then as Herd Manager. Now, she is still on the farm, carrying 1300 cows and has advanced to co- Manager, with total responsibility for calving, an activity she is often engaged in, given the farm operates a split milking system. Cottesbrook Dairy is owned by Matt Haugh. The dairy business operates over two farms some 10 minutes apart from each other. Ann-Kristin is based on the main farm where five staff work with her. The smaller property has two farm workers and along with this, a run-off block and two leased blocks complete the land footprint. A wintering barn plays a pivotal role in the farm’s management system and Ann-Kristin says, given this and the area the farms are located in, having a substantial covered area for the herd to spend time in during the really wet patches and stay fully feed is a huge positive. “The herd is happy to be out of the weather when it gets very wet and it saves our valuable pasture from damage. They are very well looked after and very well fed while spending time under shelter.” Two years ago Ann-Kristin won the Otago / Southland Dairy Farm Trainee of the Year award and since that time, she’s given back to the event by being involved in running subsequent awards. She believes the awards offer anyone keen to progress their farming journey with ample opportunity to gain valuable experiences. “I would encourage anyone who wants to grow their farming career to get involved. It’s a very supportive, engaging experience and, if you’re open to seeing and learning from other perspectives, as a farmer you really grow.” Since this time she has also attended a Contract Milking course, where valuable learnings took place, particularly with on how to create operating budgets. The course brought in Bank Managers and other rural professionals. “That’s the great thing about dairy farming. You have lots of levels you can work toward attaining and there’s so much information you can harness to help drive decisions as to what direction you go in.” The herd at Cottesbrook Dairy is predominantly Friesian with a smattering of Jersey. The introduction of CRV Genetics has helped broaden the genetic diversity in the herd Ann-Kristin says. “We’ve been buying larger framed cows, understanding as we do that they have to have the capacity and stamina to suit our farming operation.” Ann-Kristin is also involved in the local Young Farmers Group, adding that the group acts as another support pillar toward her realising her own farming aspirations over time. CONTACT: MURRAY YOUNG (0274) 324 298 BLAIR YOUNG (0274) 334 822 OR A.H. (03) 204 2192 • Excavators • Grader • Roller • Rock Supplies • Root Raking • Post driver with auger • Gravel Supplies • Dairy Conversions & General Contracting Beet Harvesting Strip Till Precision Drilling Full Cultivation Direct Drilling Full Silage Service Bailage and Hay Much Spreading Fertilizer Spreading Aerating / Ripping Contact Erik | 027 204 8019 “I think it’s very important to mix with like- minded people and to listen to why they are making the decisions they are, not only in their farming practices but also progressing their farming businesses and making decisions along the way.” Ann-Kristin has been engaged in farming long enough now to know that this is what she wants to put her time and energy into. “The thing about farming is that it isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. I know that times can get tough but my advice to anyone in the sector is to hang in there because things will get better. This is where surrounding yourself with good people really helps.” PICK-UP & DELIVERY SERVICE - OPEN SATURDAYS UNTIL 12 NOON LOAN BIKES AVAILABLE PLUS WE SERVICE OTHER BRANDS FOR AFTER HOURS ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT DWAIN DEVEREUX SALES - BOOKINGS - OFFICE - 03 204 8455 DWAIN - 027 220 6844
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