| 27 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Dr Ian Scott ( Oraka Deer Park ) Ian has a 45yr association with farming deer and remains involved in that sector at a governance level. As an aged, yet still practicing large-animal vet, Ian looks after 12,000+ cows for his dairying clients. This balance of operating an intensive and varied farming business and visiting farms when called to assist animals or discuss management, has provided Ian with the opportunity to learn from smart farmers (now my friends) I see every day. This helps when taking new risks or developing infrastructure changes. Ian believes that what sits at the heart of successful farming over many decades, is the ability and willingness to change and evolve, and the mental fortitude to survive really tough times! “Farming for me has been a continuous challenge. You have to look for new ways. It’s a case of how best to add value and there are so many ways this can be achieved.” Completing his veterinary degree from Massey University in the late 70’s Ian knew he wanted to work as a rural veterinarian. With parental encouragement and a natural affinity for biological systems, Ian took to his professional career with exceptional academic prowess, achieving the highest marks of his university intake year. “Having worked on farms during the semester breaks and being brought up on a farm, I understood the big picture nature of rural practice easily.” Ian has a 45yr association with farming deer and remains involved in that sector at a governance level, overseeing the auditing of the velveting programme in New Zealand. It’s an interest that takes him off-farm. 2ys ago Ian invested in a bridge spanning the Oraka River to a new farm purchase. It’s meant his cows and deer can easily cross that stretch of water and has enabled better feed utilisation and intensification of this land. It has an irrigation system consented, which is being rebuilt. “The bridge was another big investment and dealing with the consenting process had its moments.” Proudly supporting Oraka Deer Park SHANE’S MOBILE MAINTENANCE LTD Workshop site: 20 Patetere Street, Tirau Proud to support Oraka Deer Park Specialising in: Cowsheds: Rotary, Straight Rail, Herringbone, new, alterations or repairs, maintenance & servicing Truck Bodies: New Decks, Repairs to Decks, alterations or Repairs on wear & tear Shane & his team can be contacted at: 20 Patetere Street, TIRAU Phone 07 883 1560 Mobile 0274 935 350 Email shane@mobilemaintenance.co.nz A long-standing tree planting programme (15,000) around the edges of Lake Okoroire, part of the Lake Road property, is adding considerable environmental value to the area. Lake Okoroire is the only peat lake remaining in the South Waikato. “Some of the covering manuka have reached heights that require thinning before they impact the growth of other specimen podocarp trees planted. It’s very gratifying to see the lake environment develop so well, but the years have passed and the time is near to pass control to another farming family with vision and drive.” PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATEDWITH ORAKA DEER PARK • Wholesale chemical supply • Liquid N19 + Gibb • All crop spraying (Maize, Fodderbeet, Chicory, Brassicas, Lucerne) • General PastureWeed Spraying • Crop Management + Advice Give DaleWooller a call on 027 502 9999 to discuss your spraying requirement.
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