132 | nzdairy ON FARM » Grassmere Dairy Jana and Mat Hocken have continued to expand their Manawatu operation after adding another farm to their portfolio last year. Alexia Johnston Confidence is returning to New Zealand’s dairy industry prompting opportunities for growth, investment and long-term planning at Grassmere Dairy. Jana and Mat Hocken have continued to expand their Manawatu operation after adding another farm to their portfolio last year. Their business now includes three dairy farms and a young stock unit, with one of the dairy properties currently undergoing infrastructure upgrades ahead of future use. While many farmers are feeling encouraged by strong milk prices and favourable market conditions, Jana says Grassmere Dairy remains focused on building a business that can perform through both good times and challenging ones. “We have a business model that focuses on continuous improvement and cost control and we ensure that we risk-mitigate so that we can be profitable and resilient regardless of external factors such as pricing/global issues.” She says there is a noticeable sense of optimism across the sector compared to a few years ago. “This is largely due to the strong milk pricing and demand. Interest rates are also holding, which has stimulated interest in dairy farm purchases.” The Hockens are keeping an eye on factors that could affect future performance, including the possibility of dry conditions associated with an El Niño weather pattern and certainty around global markets that could influence the cost of fuel, fertiliser and feed. Despite those challenges, Grassmere Dairy has enjoyed a successful season. Jana says the business exceeded production targets across its farms during the 2025/26 season, while making significant gains on the newly acquired property. “We have improved our results on our new farm substantially from where the farm was when we took it over, including 61 per cent increase in production, 70 per cent reduction in SCC and 70 per cent reduction in lameness.” The strong performance has enabled the business to pay down debt while also reinvesting in infrastructure, equipment and automation. Continue to expand their operation Looking to the future, Jana believes sustainability and productivity go hand in hand. “Sustainable farming practices for us are a good thing for business.” Grassmere Dairy is currently working towards a long-term 2090 strategy, with upcoming projects including solar energy, river quality monitoring, native riparian planting and soil health monitoring. “[It’s] absolutely critical,” she says, of long-term planning. “We have a 2030/2090 strategy and are always thinking well ahead.” The benefits of a strong dairy sector extend beyond the farm gate. DAIRYVET THE YOUR DAIRY VET PROFESSIONALS Offering service throughout Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua PROUDLY PROVIDING SERVICE TO GRASSMERE DAIRY 0800 MOOVET (666838) thedairyvet.co.nz Our experienced five vet and four technician team provide a full range of emergency and preventa�ve services, specialising in proac�ve herd health and we offer free on-farm deliveries. PEOPLE • PASSION • PROGRESSION ENVIRONMENT COWS EFFICIENCY FARM SYSTEMS www.dairypro.co.nz dps@dairypro.co.nz (07) 858 2224 MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION OF HIGH PRODUCING DAIRY COWS Bespoke cow management and nutrition consultancy nationwide Educational Workshops designed for owners, managers, industry reps and vets Upcoming workshops include: 1-Day Workshops on Single Topics Commencing 2026 4 Day Introductory Workshop, Waikato 2026 She says confidence within the industry supports contractors, suppliers and rural businesses throughout the wider region. “Obviously our industry is supported by a huge number of other businesses and if the industry is doing well, this in turn drives spending, which benefits a wide number of businesses in our region creating employment and growth in our region.” As the industry continues to evolve, Jana sees exciting opportunities ahead, particularly for younger farmers. “Farming will be completely different in the future to what it is now. There will be a need for very different skill sets, including analytical data, AI, technology and automation.” For Grassmere Dairy, that future is one that is built on resilience, innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement, helping ensure the business remains productive and sustainable for generations to come.
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