| 51 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Rylib Group Family dedicated to continuing legacy Karen Phelps The Rylib group comprises six dairy farms and a support block located in and around Ashburton and the Hinds region. • to page 53 www.ruraltransport.co.nz • Stock Cartage • General Freight • Fertiliser Spreading • Bulk Cartage • Hiab Hire • Cool Storage Ashburton (03) 308 4079 Waimate (03) 689 6100 Kurow (03) 436 0849 Fairlie (03) 685 8911 T R A N S P O R T L T D THE FUTURE OF FARMING With 4WD spreaders utilising the latest TracMap GPS and job management technology, we are experts in the application of lime, nitrogen and fertiliser in both worked ground and pasture, using renowned Bredal bin spreaders. TALK TO US TODAY… WE TAKE PRECISION SPREADING SERIOUSLY! Fertiliser Spreading (Spreadmark Certified) Bulk, General & Container Cartage Grain Testing, Drying & Storage Storage & Warehousing Container Hire & Sales Phone 24hr 308 7772 162 Melcombe Street , Tinwald, Ashburton www.wilsonbulktransport.co.nz Canterbury family farming operation RylibGroup has created a huge impact in the community over many years. It’s been an integral part of the business model, driven by owners Kelly and John Nicholls. So when Kelly sadly passed away earlier this year the family has been more determined than ever to carry on the legacy. “Kelly was the driver of our culture and brand so I’ve got very big boots to fill,” says Kelly’s daughter Libby, in charge of Rylib’s people, culture and brand. “Our goal is to honour that and keep evolving.” Kelly and John’s story of growing the Rylib Group from the ground up is one that showcases the value of hard work, determination and having a clear vision to be industry leaders. The group today comprises six dairy farms and a support block located in and around Ashburton and the Hinds region: Akitu Dairies, Delarbe Farm, Ma Taua Dairies, Fairmont Farm, Kairoa Dairies, Mahanga Dairies and support block Taepu Land. Libby says that Rylib recognises its success is based on its people and a unique company culture has been created of sharing and celebrating the company’s success with those involved and the community at large. Part of recent improvement is ensuring the younger generation are more involved in higher- level decision making and the everyday running of the farm, understanding their purpose within the group. As a qualified teacher, Libby is excited to navigate that inclusiveness in the business. Rylib already has a Welcome Day once a year at the change of the season to bring new people into the team – mainly farm assistants as the group has a low turnover in management, says Libby. Rylib has a successful Assistant Manager Programme where assistant managers meet together monthly to learn the ropes of being a farm manager as well as undertakingfarm visits in the community. It now plans to roll out a similar programme targeted at farm assistants to allow them to understand more about the business, have community presence and really grow and navigate their growth in the industry. Other upcoming initiatives include offering meetings for staff with the Rylib in-house finance manager: “This will involved discussing their goals and formulating a plan of how to get there. It also means we get a good understanding of who our people are, where they want to be and how we can help them to get there.”
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