104 | nzdairy ON FARM » James and Rollyn Ganzan: Coldstream Farm Coldstream aiming for a Friesian cross herd Karen Phelps When James Ganzan decided to head to New Zealand to work on a dairy farm in 2007 he had no idea it would mark the start of a change in the lives of all his family. Wife Rollyn was the travel agent he purchased his ticket off and romance blossomed. He has also been able to bring his brother and his sister’s families and Rollyn’s brother out to work for him resulting in benefits for James and Rollyn, their families and the farm owners they have worked with. Back in the Philippines James completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science from one of the best agriculture colleges - Central Mindanao University in the heart of Bukidnon. He worked in the sales industry before coming to New Zealand and starting as a dairy farm assistant on 1200 cow farm in Otapiri. From there he moved to other farms in the Invercargill, Winton and Edendale area to further increase his skills then in 2020 the couple took on a contract milking position in Otautau, Southland milking 580 cows. Their next major step was to take on a variable order sharemilking position on Coldstream Downs Dairy at Nine Mile near Gore in 2023 where they are presently based. The Ganzans milk a herd of 720 predominantly Friesian cows on 320ha total/310ha effective. They are aiming for a Friesian cross herd as it is a more resilient breed and effective converters of grass to milk in the climate they farm in. The herd is milked through a 60-bail rotary shed with automatic cup removers, Protrack, in-shed feeding, automatic drafting and auto teat spraying. The farm is part of the Roger Dickie Farm Group and supplies to Fonterra James says he has learned a lot as he has climbed his way up the dairy ladder, particularly around managing people: “The biggest challenge for me is always staff management and I am improving my skills in this area every day. In the past I tended to sort of micro manage people. But I’ve learned you have to teach the skills but let people make their own decisions and mistakes. As long as they are learning and improving that’s the main thing.” James places great emphasis on pasture management with regular farm walks and harvesting as much supplement as possible. Around 540 bales has been harvested this year and 160 tonnes of silage as well. The farm also buys in palm kernel, DDG and rolled wheat for in-shed feeding. He is aiming to re-grass 10% of the farm each year. The couple also place a big focus on farm presentation: “It’s a matter of pride in our workplace. We’re in public view and we want the farm to be looking great.” The farm target is around 320,000kgsMS with 750 cows or around 426kgsMS per cow. This season they are on track to exceed this producing 335,000kgsMS or around 460kgsMS per cow. James and Rollyn have a daughter Allie, 10 and a son Bjorn, 6 who both enjoy the rural lifestyle. Rollyn is the main calf rearer and undertakes the administration side of the business as well as filling in as needed. James’ two brothers in law, Rojucal and Jame Beam, and his brother Martin round out the family team: “We all work in together but there are also boundaries,” says James. “We need to be clear of the difference between working as a family or professionals on the farm. We are all aware that when working on the farm we are workers. Outside the farm it’s about family. There are benefits as well as we can count on each other to all come • Silage & Maize Harvesting • Baling & Wrapping - Film on Film • Direct Drilling • Power Harrowing & Drill Combination • Precision Seeding • Ploughing & Cultivation • Grain Harvesting • Slurry application • Gravel Supplies 21 Springford Street together to get things done, there is loyalty and trust and we can be ourselves, talk in our language and understand each other better.” James and Rollyn have a daughter Allie, 10 and a son Bjorn, 6 who both enjoy the rural lifestyle. Their aim is to provide a better future for their children via an equity partnership and also encourage their own family to fulfil their dreams: “My goal is that my brother and brothers in law learn from me then venture out to do whatever they want to do. We are grateful to be in the position to help them have a brighter future as well.”
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