6 | nzdairy Dalgety Farming merger was opportune Richard Loader The July 2024 merger between PinnacleAg and Braddock Farming has seen Dalgety Farming arise as the new name in dairy heifer management. Dalgety Farming General Manager Andy Carlson says the merger was opportune. “Braddock Farming had 1000 hectares in Taupo that they wanted us to put cattle on to graze. “Through that general discussion it was decided the best option was to merge the businesses and that I would take over as General Manager here in Taupo.” Born and bred into New Zealand agriculture, Andy grew up on a dairy farm in Hawera. His career spans the breadth of the farming industry from dairy farming, freezing works, and sharemilking to leasing a farm and working with Elders New Zealand. As Elders’ regional Business Manager and, latterly, as its North Island Farm Supplies Manager, Andy moved into farm consulting. Working with farmers to achieve the best possible results with a focus on animal grazing, he initiated nutrition into the farm supplies business. When Elders was sold, Andy went on to establish PinnacleAg, a managed live export and heifer grazing business. Andy’s fellow directors are Stuart Chapman and Des van der Wal, who were also directors of PinnacleAg. Both have an equally strong farming and management pedigree. Involved in the agricultural sector for more than 45 years, Stu also owned and managed Elders NZ for over 21 years, working with livestock agents nationwide and successfully launching Elders Live Export internationally. Des began his career with Wrightson NMA and Wrightson Farmers Finance. In 1990, he moved into the livestock export industry as Commercial Manager under Challenge Livestock. Des oversaw the live export of sheep to the Middle East, then moved into dairy cattle exports to Mexico, South America, Vietnam, Philippines and then China. As Wrightson’s Export Operations Manager, Des was instrumental in establishing a pre-export isolation facility on Taupo’s internationally renowned Lochinver Station. The trio’s experience and expertise are complemented by those of Rick Braddock. A farmer and professional director, Rick’s past and current directorships cover over 300,000 hectares of agricultural, horticultural and forestry lands. DAIRY PEOPLE » Dalgety Farming Involved in the agricultural sector for more than 45 years, Stu also owned and managed Elders NZ for over 21 years. The new dairy heifer and beef grazing entity offers considerable benefits. Among them are operational scale and a more targeted approach to grazing management that delivers consistently excellent results. Aside from the 1000 hectares in Taupo, Dalgety Farming leases 350 hectares at Te Miro, north of Cambridge, and a further 165 hectares at Whitehall. Currently, the company grazes some 4000 head. “We undertake dairy heifer grazing from 100 kg weaners in December through to in-calf R2s 18 months later. We also graze a lot of wagyu for SFJ Holdings Limited,” Andy explains. Having three properties also provides greater control over where stock is grazed, resulting in the premium weight gains clients expect. For example, a “longer than anticipated” Taupo winter saw stock moved to Cambridge, where grass growth was “humming”. “They are grown how we want,” says Andy. “We run our team as a management unit and are able to make decisions within hours between the four of us.” • Chopper Silage • Loader Wagon Silage • Bales – 13 bale equivalent rounds, Hay, Silage, Film on Film or Net, 3D • Direct Drilling • Cultivation • Earthworks – scooping, digger, trailers • Vermicast/Lime – supply & spread • Mobile Chipping – whole tree + removal • Animal Bedding – supply & deliver • Truck & Trailer cartage • 20 + Years Experience + all local friendly drivers MORE THAN JUST BALES!
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