10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Benio Dairy Limited Regan Smith has spent the past six seasons working on a 200ha effective dairy unit at Pukerau. Karen Phelps It’s been a mighty big year for Regan Smith, proud farmer, adventurer – a man not afraid to change his own course in life. Benio Dairy Ltd, has been the vehicle through which he’s embraced the opportunities the industry presents, driven by a strong focus to seize opportunities, learn and grow. The year started with being named Otago/ Southland Dairy Manager runner-up in the regions Dairy Industry Awards; the second time he had entered. He’s most proud of the three merit awards he received – The Fonterra Dairy Management Award, the VetSouth Environmental Sustainability Award and the Dairy Training Ltd People and Leadership Award; not a bad effort for someone who didn’t come from a farming background. Embracing the opportunities presented We’ve got the experience& equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. Maitland, No 5RD, Gore 0274 318 148 | 027 623 7440 petercorcorancontractingltd@outlook.com www.petercorcorancontracting.co.nz Sales: Hay: Paddock & Shed Stored, Standing Grass, Conventional & 4 x 4a Rounds He’s spent the past six seasons working on a 200ha effective dairy unit at Pukerau, 78 km north-east of Invercargill, owned in an equity partnership by Kayne Smith and Bruce and Sue Cunningham. “They have been great people to work for and I’ve learnt so much during my time here. Farm management opens up all sorts of challenges, including understanding how to get the best out of the team and how to grow the stamina to cope with all the ups and downs.” The last time NZ Dairy spoke with Regan, in March, he was very much looking forward to experiencing a well-earned break, taking the winter months off to experience a Contiki Adventure through Europe. “We had 24 nights in total on the contiki and then 5 weeks of solo travel with one of my friends. We saw so many amazing places and the group I was with were a lot of fun. I’d recommend a Contiki tour to anyone.” That time away, however, gave Regan the opportunity to draw breath and really reflect on what he wanted to do on his return. “The plan had been to move into a contract milking role to further my aspiration toward farm ownership, however I started to realise that what I most enjoyed was being around people and the technology side to dairying.” Returning from his adventures, Regan is still on the Pukerau Farm and when NZ Dairy spoke with him in September, calving was 80% through. “It’s gone well and the weather has been pretty kind to us.” Cow numbers have grown to 750, with the addition of a new feed pad, with the focus on reducing feed waste compared fed out on the paddock. “The feed pad also provides the herd with a large area to stand off in wet conditions.” So, with a new direction in mind, Regan’s in the process of training up a new team member to take over. Asked what lies ahead, Regan is philosophical but one thing he knows is that there are a heap of opportunities ahead. “I am a social person and thrive on interacting with people. I’m still so passionate about the dairy industry but will put myself in a place where I can engage with farmers and support them to develop their business’s well.” It’s a case of ‘watch this space’ with the hope of another opportunity in the future to see where Regan’s farming pathway leads. “For sure it will be connected with this industry I love.”
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