28 | nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Suffolk Farm Big win puts the wind in Martin’s sails Aimee Wilson Taranaki dairy farmer Martin Keegan cleaned up at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, by taking out the Dairy Manager of the Year title in his first season on the job. Held in early May, Martin said he still found it “unbelievable” that he was the favourite with the judges, competing against 10 other regional winners around New Zealand. “It means a lot in the context of, that it puts a lot of wind in your sails,” he said. Going into the competition with an open mind, he entered the Taranaki awards on behalf of Suffolk Farm, where he looks after his future inlaws property - Stephen and Linda Carter. Recently becoming engaged to their daughter Sophie, Martin grew up just a few kilometres away on a dairy farm at Inglewood - now run by his step father. Losing his dad when he was just a baby and then his mother eight years ago - both who were dairy farmers, the award felt even more special that he was doing his family proud. Martin initially trained as a diesel mechanic and spent 10 years in New Zealand, followed by a stint in Canada working as a field service technician on tractors and harvesting equipment. But he always enjoyed the farm life ever since he reared and sold calves in his teens and went on to become a relief share milker on both his parent’s 68ha farm, and others around the district. “I always knew watching mum and dad I wanted to have my own dairy farm one day and carry that on.” With his earlier experience working on dairy farms and then a diesel mechanic apprenticeship under his belt, Martin was able to use both skillsets, and he currently operates a side hustle fixing up and on-selling farm machinery, alongside managing Suffolk farm. “I can still get my fix but the farm is always first.” On the 94ha property, he is responsible for the Martin and Sophie have goals of owning their own herd within the next 12 months. health and welfare of 250 cows, and at just 29, Martin and Sophie also have goals of owning their own herd within the next 12 months. Martin always had plenty of ideas running around in his head and liked to do things differently to the mainstream, “and to try and get some positive feedback on that.” Winning the national title was the proof that he needed to reassure him he was on the right track. New Zealand Dairy Industry judges said Martin excelled across all aspects of the farm with high-level knowledge and excellent practical farming skills. 20 ton, 13 ton & 5 ton machines For more info, give us a call! Phone Buzz 027 447 0472 Email: wbusbycontracting@gmail.com · Site & section clearing · Access Roads · Digger mounted Tree Shears · Farm Drainage & Maintenance · Effluent systems · Digger mounted chain trencher · Digger mounted mulcher 1914 Mountain Rd, Inglewood, Taranaki | 0274 479 232 | maketawa.co.nz Saturday - Sunday: 10am to 5pm or by appointment. Maketawa Museum Take a step back into the world of John Deere at the Maketawa John Deere Museum. ELTHAM 11 Stanners Street 06 764 8305 NEW PLYMOUTH 36 Eliot Street 06 759 0105 www.schurrireland.co.nz Empowering your ideal future. Schurr & Ireland are proud to support Su olk Farm. 39 Cutfield St, Inglewood 94 Broadway, Stratford 0800 662 6455 www.moamilking.co.nz Proud to support Suffolk Farm SEE US FOR: • Effluent • Cooling • In Shed Feed • Milking Systems • Water Reticulation They said he was conscientious, with great attention to detail and a thirst for learning. “We think he loves his cows as much as his tractors.” Always a great problem solver, Martin knew where the gaps were in his knowledge, but also his strengths as well. Animal health was important and he was enjoying building relationships with his stock, and learning about their breeding backgrounds. “They are such awesome animals with huge personalities.”
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