| 55 nzdairy Storm reinforces Raubers’ drive for resilience Karen Phelps When a powerful storm swept through Southland recently knocking out power it was a stark reminder of how vulnerable even the most prepared farms can be. For Kass and Emily Rauber of Hedgehope the experience has reinforced the importance of resilience and forward planning, something that will define both their farming future and their new equity partnership. The storm left much of Southland, and parts of Otago and Canterbury, without electricity. Trees and power lines came down, roads were blocked, and even cell phone coverage disappeared when towers lost power. “This shed was built in 2000 and has never missed a milking due to a power outage,” explains Kass. “We had access to a generator for some hours but it limited us when it came to milk cooling, so that milk all went to calf milk.” Although the farm’s main bore couldn’t operate during the outage without electricity, a shallower one powered by a petrol generator kept some water available. “We’re used to extreme weather events in Southland - flooding, snow and the like - but usually our power grid is really reliable. This was a good reminder to always have a backup and we’ve since purchased a generator for the farm.” The family’s 170-hectare effective property was owned by Kass’s parents, the late Janine and Guido, since they purchased it in 2000 and converted it to dairy. Kass and Emily were leasing the farm from the family trust but as of 1 June 2025 have entered a new equity partnership with an outside investor. The new partnership has enabled an increase in production and cow numbers. The herd, now 500 predominantly Jerseys, started the season with 430 cows and a target of 220,000kgMS. Ninety in-milk cows have since been purchased with the worst ones culled, and another 100 will be added next season as longer term the goal is to lift DAIRY PEOPLE » Kass and Emily Rauber numbers to around 600. Feed is primarily bought in with silage and palm kernel forming the base. A mixer wagon is used to create the right blends and maximise feed conversion, while a woodchip pad helps to protect pastures and reduce the farm’s environmental footprint. Young stock is grazed locally through a grazier. After last spring’s challenges - when persistent rain from April to December reduced grass growth by 40 per cent and caused the lowest production the farm has ever seen - Kass and Emily are focused on recovery. “We were still getting tractors stuck pulling PK trailers in November,” says Kass. “This year, we’ll be re-grassing the damaged areas and making sure our calves go off-farm by early December to keep the platform in better condition.” They’ve also been applying custom fertiliser blends over the past four years, ensuring paddocks now sit at consistent nutrient levels and can be managed under a more streamlined system. “It gives us a good baseline to work from,” says Kass. With two full-time staff, Kass is hands-on through calving and mating while Emily assists as needed around the farm. Their four children - Rosemary (12), Charlotte (9), Isabelle (7) and Mateo (18 months) - are growing up immersed in farm life. Kass, a long-time supporter of Federated Farmers, says the organisation plays a vital role in helping farmers navigate industry challenges. “It’s a great network,” he says. “Farming throws up a lot of tests - weather, markets, regulations - but with the right people around you and a strong plan, you can keep moving forward.” 21 Springford Street 77 CLYDE STREET, INVERCARGILL, PH (03) 214 4254 www.southlandhonda.co.nz SOUTHLAND HONDA For the best Parts, Sales & Service in the south FERTILISER liquid & solid SPRAYING boom & spot & forestry MUSTERING deer, sheep & cattle BUCKET seeding & fertiliser www.heliops.co.nz Ph: 0800 HELIOPS or 03 225 8275 - anytime 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 “We’re used to extreme weather events in Southland - flooding, snow and the like - but usually our power grid is really reliable.” Kass and Emily’s four children - Rosemary (12), Charlotte (9), Isabelle (7) and Mateo (18 months) - are growing up immersed in farm life.
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