46 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » O&H Milking New contract milking position working well Karen Phelps Bay of Plenty farming couple Rebecca and Scott O’Brien have taken on a contract milking position while stepping back from day-to-day management of their established 50:50 sharemilking operation. The couple, who won Share Farmer of the Year at the 2022 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards, took on a Pamu/Landcorp Farm- Otago Dairy Unit near Taupo on 1st June this year, contract milking 1,000 predominantly Friesian cows. The new role came about through Pamu’s new approach to farm management. “This year they initiated a new hybrid system in four farms that went from management to either contract milking or sharemilking, and we are one of them,” explains Rebecca. The opportunity has enabled the O’Briens to take a calculated step forward in their farming career. “Currently our overall goal is to have comfortable cash flow to put our three children through private schooling, and that’s a big reason why we do what we do,” says Rebecca. “Farm ownership not off the cards but at the moment we are quite happy with our large-scale sharemilking operations.” Contracted to two farms located an hour apart has required significant restructuring of the O’Briens’ operation. The key has been empowering their farm manager Reno Moses at the 260-hectare Galatea property, where they 50/50 sharemilk 700 cows for farm owners Sue and Rory Gordon. “Being able to leave Reno as sole charge manager on the Galatea farm has been amazing for him and amazing for us.” Reno has previously worked alongside the couple building the experience and trust necessary to take on the new role. The opportunity has enabled the O’Briens (left) to take a calculated step forward in their farming career. The O’Briens maintain oversight through advanced technology including Allflex collars, Pasture.io farm management platform and Herd-i artificial intelligence systems. 3528'/< 6833257,1* 525< *25'21 2 + 0,/.,1* 021 364 264 orders@bayspreaders.co.nz Bulk Cartage • Stock Feed • Fertiliser • Lime • Pumice • Metal • Stock rock • Shavings Earthworks and Civil • Pumice • Sand • Metal • Top soil 027 489 0453 www.williamsontrucking.co.nz GET A QUOTE Proud to support O&H Milking
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=