| 29 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Oraka Farms Oraka Farms has recently completed its first 400-cow Red Path wintering shed. The Southern Cross package also includes access to counselling services, focusing on mental health support,” explains Brad. Staff rosters have been carefully structured to promote work-life balance, with a six-days-on, one-day-off schedule during spring, shifting to a five-and-two roster during other seasons. “We believe giving staff consistent and functional rostered days off is a great way to get the best out of them,” says Brad. In addition to its progressive staff policies, Oraka Farms has recently completed its first 400-cow Red Path wintering shed, marking a significant advancement in its farming operations. The new facility, situated on one of the three dairy platforms at the main home farm, has already proved its worth in its first season. “It’s been an absolute godsend, especially in a season we’ve just experienced. It’s opened our eyes as to how useful they are during winter but also how to use them on the shoulders of the season as well to reduce pasture damage, increase cow condition and as a calving barn as well,” says Brad. The decision to invest in wintering barns was driven by multiple factors, including environmental considerations and improved feed management. The facility allows for better silage utilisation, reduced wastage, and the ability to draft cows into body condition mobs for targeted feeding strategies. The success of the initial barn has prompted plans for expansion, with the company aiming to construct similar facilities on each block before winter 2026. The McKenzie family, including Blair, Brad, brother Graeme, and father Gordon, are all shareholders in the family farming company, carrying forward a multi-generational legacy of dairy farming. The family-owned and operated business is run on a day to day basis by the brothers with Blair and wife Brooke managing the dairy operations, while Brad and wife Laura oversee the support blocks in Colac Bay and Tuatapere and business management aspects. The operation has recently expanded to include Luceo Dairies, a 142-hectare property milking 500 cows, purchased from Blair and Brad’s Uncle Grant and Aunt Phillippa McKenzie and owned by the brothers and their wives. Brad says this acquisition maintains the farm’s family heritage while extending the operational footprint. “It’s been an absolute godsend. It’s opened our eyes as to how useful they are during winter but also how to use them on the shoulders of the season.” Stepping beyond the numbers MORE THAN ACCOUNTANTS BDO New Zealand Limited, a New Zealand limited liability company, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO New Zealand is a national association of independent member firms which operate as separate legal entities. BDOAgribusiness. Your boots’n all partner for accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services. As farmers, you face change and challenges aplenty. At BDONew Zealand, we can help you navigate these and ensure your business is operating efficiently, sustainably and profitably. With the largest agribusiness accounting network in the country and extensive knowledge of farm systems, we’ll work with you to help reach your goals. BDO.NZ/AGRIBUSINESS Talk to us about how we can help you do more with the Westpac Sustainable Farm Loan. WESTPAC SUSTAINABLE FARM LOAN Terms and conditions, fees and eligibility and lending criteria apply. For further details, visit westpac.co.nz/agribusiness/sustainable-farm-loan. Westpac New Zealand Limited.
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