| 137 nzdairy ON FARM » Cory and Karen Helms Preparing farmers for the next season Aimee Wilson Taranaki dairy farmers Cory and Karen Helms have integrated dairy beef into their operation, and a recent field day hosted on their Rahotu property shared insights about the industry. Beef+Lamb NZ Western North Island and DairyNZ held the workshop in early April, and guest speakers Karen Fraser - a calf expert, and nutrition specialist Roger Dettling shared their knowledge on calf rearing. Cory said the workshop was helpful in preparing farmers for the next season of calf rearing in the Spring, and the importance of cleanliness in the sheds. The 120ha coastal property, next to where he grew up, backs onto his family farm, which is now owned by his brother. They were fortunate to buy the neighbouring block back in 2007 in partnership with him. Share milking for the company and then eventually buying his brother out, they have since integrated dairy beef into the farming operation. “It has just evolved for us, and we just kept a few (calves) back, because we could rear them on the other land, and complete them.” When they first purchased the land they were still building up stock numbers, and genetic merit in their herd. Using beef semen was a way to avoid breeding from low BW cows. It’s a different story now almost 20 years on, and they are also establishing a better farming system that allows his family more time for other things. The flexible milking arrangement changes throughout the season from once a day at the beginning when calving starts, and then shifts to a 16-hour milking pattern (three times over two days). Eventually the milking moves to twice a day in the peak of the season and then they start mating - before the operation moves back to the 3-2 scenario before Christmas and concludes with once a day again. Beef calves. Employing a permanent part-time worker 25 hours a week in peak season, Karen also helps when needed as well as administration, and works three days a week in early childhood. Cory went to Massey University and completed an Agricultural Degree, working in fertiliser and rural banking before purchasing the coastal block. Karen grew up in New Plymouth and had never spent much time on a farm before, but the rural life was perfect for bringing up their children. Their son is now 18 and studying at Lincoln University - also following in his father’s footsteps in the agricultural industry. Having invested in Halter technology since September 2025, Cory said the new way of farming was great for keeping the next generation interested. Always at the mercy of weather, the past season has been one of the driest they have seen, compared to the flooding they experienced several years ago. One Waitangi Day they had 400mm in just one day, and Spring time is often the wettest - averaging 1500mm a year. Fortunately, the water drains well because of the topography of the land, and ends up flowing out into the sea. With views of both the ocean and Mount Taranaki, the property is in a unique volcanic landscape comprising rocky, bony hillocks - otherwise known as lahars. Proudly Supporting Cory & Karen Helms Maize and Grass Silage • Hay and Haylage Bulk Cartage and Quarry Metal Groundwork and Cropping On Farm Jobs • 3 ton and 16 ton Diggers Proud to support Cory & Karen Helms Troy - 027 857 5747 Engineering & Machinery
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