94 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » John Conen / Kevin and Kyla Freeman No traditional path Alexia Johnston For many young Kiwis who are dreaming of farm ownership, the road ahead can seem long and uncertain. But John Conen, a dairy farmer in the Waikino Gorge near Waihi, is proof that even an unconventional path - with enough grit, planning, and support - can lead to owning the land you work. “While it has taken me 25 years to get here, I have always had an ambition to own a production farm,” he says. “I just wish I had done it sooner.” Today, John and his partner Rebecca own a 100-hectare dairy farm, complete with a run-off block and a newly established Kiwiberry orchard. But his path to ownership didn’t follow the traditional progression through sharemilking. “Some might suggest I haven’t had to work my way into farm ownership, but I would argue I had to work very hard to get where I am, just a different path.” John’s advice to aspiring farm owners is clear - “work hard, stay committed and the rewards will come.” He is a strong believer in the value of determination, community involvement, and surrounding yourself with the right people. “If you have the right attitude, the farming community are happy to help.” He says support has played a massive role in his journey. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of the local farming community and some of our suppliers,” he says, naming Farm Source, PGG, Coro Vets, OSP, and Paeroa Farm Services as just a few who have been generous with their time and knowledge. But, John also acknowledges the broader barriers facing would-be owners. “Cost is possibly the most significant factor.” He says quality farming areas are asking good money, particularly at the moment with the payout at record levels. He believes there’s room for government support to play a role. “I personally would like to see some sort of subsidy scheme to get younger people owning their own herd and then farm ownership as an additional incentive.” John Conen on farm. Atapo’s rapid growth Karen Phelps Kevin and Kyla Freeman’s business Atapo Farming has seen rapid growth in the past two years as the young Nelson couple have transitioned from managing a single dairy operation to purchase a farm and support block. They are in the process of buying their second farm and they have also welcomed their fourth child. “It’s been a lot of change and exciting times. The best time to do these things is now and you jump when you can then paddle like crazy. We’re young and it means we have a lot of time to pay down debt,” explains Kevin. The farm the couple is currently lease to owning is Kevin’s home farm, Atapo. The 140-hectare property milks 390 cows, previously owned by Kevin’s parents. It is where Kevin grew up and he previously worked as second-in-charge on the unit. The farm they have bought is Longacre, a 110- hectare dairy farm located 3km up the road that milks 300 cows through a 24-aside herringbone shed run by contract milkers. The growth of their business has allowed the Freemans to continue their commitment to staff development and industry growth. “We want to help bring new people into the industry who will go on to be tomorrow’s industry leaders and maybe have their own farm one day,” says Kevin. The 150-hectare effective support block adjacent to Longacre they have purchased is 200 hectares total including native bush areas. The 140ha property has 390 cows. Kevin says the block requires significant development work due to extensive gorse coverage. Favourable dairy payouts will allow them to fast track the development of the land through paddock division and weed management. The purchase of the support block and the fact it needs extensive development has resulted in changes to breeding policy. “We now breed our dairy cows all to beef and use the money we get from selling them to buy in empty dairy cows we carry through and that’s our replacement policy. We believe they are hardier than rearing our own heifers on lower fertile country,” says Kevin. The rapid expansion to Atapo Farming has also necessitated a fundamental shift in management approach. Kevin now oversees three full-time staff across the home farm and support block, requiring him to develop delegation skills he hadn’t previously needed to the same extent. “I can’t do everything so I have had to get better at delegating. I have to have trust in our team,” says Kevin. Central to the success of the expanding business has been the implementation of comprehensive systems and procedures, with documentation detailed enough that anyone could step onto the farms and operate them effectively. The couple is currently looking at transitioning these systems onto a mobile application platform for increased efficiency. The couple also has a passion for bridging the rural divide, previously conducting weekly video calls with Auckland primary school students to showcase positive aspects of dairy farming. However Kevin says the expansion of their business has temporarily limited community outreach such as this. On the personal front, their business growth has also coincided with the arrival of their fourth child, 18-month-old Emery, joining siblings Mylan (7), Levi (6) and Cole (4). Kyla manages the demanding dual role of full-time mother and business administrator, handling bookwork, health and safety compliance etc. “Kyla does the behind-the-scenes stuff that is some of the most important parts of the business but not often given enough credit as well as being a full-time mum. The business couldn’t operate successfully without her.” WE ARE PROUD TO WORK WI TH JOHN CONEN AND HI S TEAM. 118 Normandy Road, Paeroa | 07 862 8263 paeroafarmservices.co.nz | MacGyver Transport Proudly Supporting John Conen Phone David 027 446 0385 macgyvertransport@outlook.com General Cartage Balage and Wrapping Combo Wrapping Conventional Bales Mowing OUR SERVICES: Key services • Accounting & Taxation Services • Accounting Systems & Software • Rural Business • New Business Setup & Advice • Payroll Phone: 03 528 8760 Email: enquiries@mba.net.nz Web: www.mba.net.nz Motueka and Takaka Proudly supporting Kevin and Kyla Freeman John’s own strategy for long-term success includes diversification and scale. “One thing I have realised is scale matters,” he says. “This is why diversification into rearing 80% of our calves for resale as R1s and R2s and the construction of a kiwiberry orchard was an important part of our strategy and risk mitigation.” For those wanting to get into farm ownership, John encourages big-picture thinking, simplicity in decision-making and to make wise choices. He says if it does not improve your bottom line then ask yourself ‘do I need to make that investment’? John also advises people to keep an open mind and keep it simple - “often the simplest answer is the best option”. Ultimately, for John, owning a farm is about more than business success - it’s about legacy, contribution, and a deep love of the land. For John, farm ownership isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a meaningful way to contribute to something bigger. He says farm ownership provides an opportunity to stamp a mark on the land; to make a big contribution to the country. “What’s not to love about being a farm owner and to feel that sense of pride and achievement?”
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