138 | nzdairy ON FARM » Emerald Hills Ltd Long-term thinking key on Emerald Hills Russell Fredric Focusing on efficiency and environmental improvements has been a hallmark of Emerald Hills, where long-term thinking continues to guide the farm’s present and future. The 80-hectare, 55-hectare effective property in Aranga, Northland, has been owned by Greg and Claire Collins for 12 years. The farm system includes milking its 140 cows once-a-day and has been developed to suit both the land and their way of working, rather than chasing scale or added complexity. The early years, however, were far from straightforward. After purchasing the property with high borrowing, a downturn in the dairy sector put significant pressure on the business. That period tested both their resilience and their approach to farming, forcing some hard decisions early on, Greg says. “We’d geared up expecting one pathway, and when that didn’t happen, we had to make a call to take control of our own direction. It was a tough start, but it shaped how we farm today.” “We’ve built a system that works for us. It’s about making the farm fit what we want to do, not the other way around.” Annual production sits at around 42,000 kilograms of milk solids on a three-year average, with the farm consistently performing in the top quartile for profitability in Northland. Tight spring calving, a short mating period and careful feed use all play a part. “We’re not chasing production for the sake of it. Profitability comes from being efficient, not from pushing for the highest output.” That thinking came through this past season, where supplement use was scaled back and costs trimmed, while margins improved. Alongside production, environmental management has become a significant part of decisionmaking across the farm. Around 15 hectares has been retired into regenerating native bush, with fencing, planting and pest control programmes in place. Work around waterways and erosion-prone areas has been guided in part by regional council LiDAR mapping, but also by what makes practical sense on the ground. Annual production sits at around 42,000 kilograms of milk solids on a three-year average. “We looked at those higher-risk areas and realised they’re not really contributing much anyway. Once you take them out and plant them, you actually end up with a better result.” That shift toward more appropriate land use has also supported profitability, with less fertiliser and effort going into lower-performing parts of the farm. Water quality monitoring and a move toward more resilient pasture species are also helping the farm handle increasingly variable conditions, particularly drier summers and wetter winters. Recognition for that work saw Greg and Claire named finalists in the 2024 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, reflecting how environmental responsibility has been integrated into the overall system. “We see ourselves as stewards of the land. It’s about leaving it better than we found it.” Fonterra’s $3.2 billion capital return payment to its farmer shareholders and unit holders in April from the sale of its global consumer and associProud to work with Greg & Claire from Emerald Hills Stem Rural Accountants We’re not your typical accounting practice - just straightforward advice, quick responses, and a team that’s refreshingly easy to engage with. We want to take away your pain when dealing with your books – that’s what makes working with us a breeze. Let’s grow together! PH 07 573 5569 www.stemrural.co.nz 123 Jellicoe Street Te Puke 3119 We’re specialist Rural Accountants • Xero and Figured experts • ated brands has been an added boost to what was already a good year. “It’s taken a bit of pressure off balance sheets and given people choices about what they do next.” For the Collins, those conversations are already underway, with a strong focus on what the next stage might look like. “We’re starting to think about the future now — whether that’s staying as we are or looking at something different. It’s about making sure the next move is the right one.” 89 Normanby Street, Dargaville 09 439 7335 farmas@xtra.co.nz Providing a total range of engineering, ship chandlery, hardware, hydraulic & agricultural equipment, chainsaw&mower service KevinMason —Managing Director Over 30 years in association with HAY • SILAGE • SPRAYING FENCING • CULTIVATION SEEDING • PLANTING MAIZE HARVESTING & PLANTING Eden: 021 0842 6587 Warren: 027 391 4777 Office: 09 433 1733 vcon.office@gmail.com
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