| 41 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Lanseair Ltd Alexia Anderson Lanseair dairy farm is looking at a promising future, built on careful investment and longterm sustainability. Working hard behind the gates are Benjamin and Renee Howard, who are equity partners of the 240 cow farm made up of 89 effective hectares and a 40 hectare runoff. They agree their move into equity partnership within the family business was a practical pathway in their career, and an opportunity they have both valued and enjoyed. “Having the amazing opportunity of being able to join the family business was a great starting point for us to invest after selling our house and relocating back to Bay of Plenty.” The equity partnership also allowed them to continue to grow and progress without taking on debt. “We’ve progressed as we’ve gained experience and confidence in managing our family farm.” Their equity partnership status comes with additional responsibility and investment opportunities, which has shaped their day-to-day roles. Recent seasons have seen a number of changes on the farm which, in turn, has improved performance. They agree investing in haymaking equipment has been one of their key moves. Additional responsibility and investment opportunities Working hard behind the gates are Benjamin and Renee Howard. “This has allowed us to make our own hay and baleage, which has significantly improved our pasture management by being able to maintain pasture quality for improved cow intakes, which has resulted in increased milk production every season since purchasing the gear.” It has also provided them with an additional income stream through surplus baleage sales. They also purchased a neighbouring block, which has helped them double the size of their support land, while DNA testing is being used to increase genetic gain across the herd. Overall, their aim each day is to do their job well, right down to the basics. Among their key areas of focus are improved pasture management, a stronger mineral programme, animal efficiency and improved production, all while keeping costs under control. They agree that their growth has not been without its challenges. Maintaining low debt while supporting two households requires careful planning. “Every development on our farm needs to be financially worthwhile, while also being sustainable and productive long term.” Working within a family business dynamic also means balancing different viewpoints, which requires open discussion to ensure careful decision making. They agree that the same approach applies to change. “This is a very hard thing to navigate,” they say, in relation to introducing new ideas. They agree that respecting past experience while continuing to move forward was important. Benjamin and Renee say any new direction they take must align with the farm’s core values of sustainability, respect and guardianship for their animals, equipment and land, along with a low-cost, low-debt system with a strong focus on DIY. The couple have a clear set of goals for the next five years, which includes lifting genetic gain and production, completing succession by purchasing the remainder of the farm, and continuing to reduce debt. “We look forward to our hard work continuing to pay off as pieces of the puzzle fall into place and we continue to grow our business.” PH: 027 463 5916 | 7 Gateway West, Whakatane 3120 | office@absolutedairy.co.nz | www.absolutedairy.co.nz ABSOLUTE DAIRY & WATER LTD • MILKING MACHINES • EFFLUENT SYSTEMS • WATER TREATMENT • WATER PUMPS & RETICULATION • POOL & SPA • NZMPTA ISO REGISTERED MILKING MACHINE TESTERS • 24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE - Dairy Blends - Calf Feed - All Transport Options available - Crushed Grain - Dairy Pellets - Molasses Sales New Zealand wide NATIONWIDE Molasses
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