56 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Waitapu Farms Waitapu on track to produce 300,000 kg Richard Loader A deliberate decision to reduce cow numbers and focus on fundamentals is paying dividends for North Auckland dairy operation Waitapu Farms. General manager Nicola Murray oversees the 600-hectare property, which her husband Greg Partington owns. Situated northeast of Wellsford, the 345-hectare dairy platform supplies Fonterra and is on track to produce 300,000 kilograms of milk solids this season from 700 Friesian-cross cows milked out of two herringbone sheds. “We have reduced cow numbers from around 900 to about 700. I could point to years in the past where we’ve had a really strong payout and the farm has not done anything like what we’ve achieved in terms of bottom-line profitability last season and on track for this season,” says Nicola. The change began when Colin Beazley was brought on board as operations manager three seasons ago. He is supported by a team of five full time and two part time staff. “We wanted someone who had the business brain as well as the farming knowledge,” says Nicola. “It’s a decision that has paid dividends through better organisation, more consistency and improved systems across the operation.” Other key members of the team are Colin’s partner Courtney, who took out regional runner up in the 2024 Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager category, and farm consultant Paul Martin, who has an almost 20-year relationship with the farm. “We’re trying to get to a business structure that is appropriate to our operation,” says Nicola. “This has meant real scrutiny of costs, bringing that number 8 fencing wire mentality back into the business and instilling a culture where staff take genuine pride in their work.” The farm is also experimenting with changes to reduce pressure on resources. All spring-calving cows are now mated to beef with only autumn calvers providing replacements. “We’re seeing if we can get adequate replacements this way or if we’ll have to buy in-calf heifers and how that would impact financially,” says Nicola. “The decision stems from wanting to reduce demand on the farm’s 78-hectare attached runoff, which isn’t particularly productive, and to ease pressure on staff managing back-to-back calving seasons.” Recent investments, such as a cow crush, reflect the farm’s focus on animal and people welfare and efficiency. “For the cows and for Colin’s back it’s probably the best few thousand dollars we’ve spent,” says Nicola. “The equipment allows staff to identify and treat lame cows earlier, safer and more effectively. It will also help with our work to reduce the lame percentage in our mob.” She says communication underpins everything at Waitapu Farms. The farm is experimenting with changes to reduce pressure on resources. A farm chat group keeps the team connected across the large property and two sheds. “Every single treatment, every water leak, everything goes in there,” says Nicola. “It’s a really good way of just having open, ongoing communication and easing the isolation that can go with dairy farming. You know where people are, you know what they’re doing, you know who needs help.” The operation also demonstrates strong environmental commitment through its partnership with The Forest Bridge Trust, a local conservation organisation working to create a Kiwi-safe corridor of forest from the Kaipara Harbour to the Tawharanui Peninsula. The trust maintains approximately 60 traps on the property targeting possums, stoats, weasels, ferrets, rats and hedgehogs. When government funding ceased, Waitapu Farms committed to paying nearly $1,000 monthly to continue the programme. “We see that as a really valuable contribution to pest control in the area, and we certainly see the benefit on the farm in terms of the return of birdlife Where Your Four-legged Family Members Are Treated Like Our Own. From routine wellness to emergency care, our dedicated team is here 24/7 for both pets and farm animals. Call 09 423 8008 or visit us at 116 Rodney St, Wellsford www.wellsfordvet.com Leaders in Commercial and Agricultural helicopter operations throughout New Zealand. Preferred supplier for infrastructure, civil construction, exploration projects, and council compliant agricultural services. 06 755 1685 | 09 422 7018 skyworkhelicopters.com H E L I C O P T E R S E R V I C E S and native bush regeneration,” says Nicola. She says it’s a compelling example of how focusing on fundamentals - people, systems, animal welfare and environmental stewardship - can deliver results that matter most: a sustainable, profitable farming business.
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