| 43 nzdairy Transitioned into the next generation Aimee Wilson Tomalin Farms in the South Waikato has transitioned into the next generation of family, who are continuing the family name another 100 years. The Putaruru-based farm celebrated 119 years in 2025, and recognised by the New Zealand Century Farm and Station awards - acknowledging the work of pioneering families in the regions. Craig and Jan Tomalin are now busy completing a heritage restoration onsite of the original house, while daughter Ashleigh takes care of the 600 Friesians on their 300ha home block - as a contract milker. Son Chris is in charge of Tomalin Engineering - the onsite workshop. On their 150ha Tapapa (Maori lease) land they have 40 purebred Herefords that produce bulls for dairy and beef production, managed by Chris. Halter technology has just been installed on the farm and the young ones are enjoying the new challenges. The comprehensive package of animal health, pasture management and virtual fencing will be a game changer this season, “and in New Zealand, the economics of farming at the moment makes this possible,” Craig said. He aid they are in a comfortable position right now where they can invest in a few new things and fine tune the farming model with the new technology. “We have some unique things happening right now, and they have a greater effect on what is happening in New Zealand.” Despite strong returns, dairy farmers are always mindful of cost production, “and we still have to be very careful in that we create a margin for ourselves.” Craig has been around long enough to understand it’s not what you earn but what you spend. Restoring a 100-year-old house was the best investment decision for them right now after a profitable few years on farm. “But you still need to have a budget.” Back in 2008, Craig and Jan suffered drought and had just bought a second farm. The interest rates went up and there was a financial crisis. Describing it as the perfect storm, they had to wait it out and not spend anything for a long time, and then in 2010 they restructured the farm and employed their first contract sharemilkers. Chris came back home to take over the engineering, and Ashleigh started working as an AI Halter technology has just been installed on the farm and the young ones are enjoying the new challenges. DAIRY PEOPLE » Tomalin Farms technician, handling administration and managing the calf block. Their son in law and daughter live off farm with their family, which is a different situation than the traditional working model of having staff stay onsite. Now Craig is involved week to week now rather than day to day, but he’s in safe hands knowing there are strong systems in place. And being located on some of the best dairy land in the country, farming for the Tomalin family is just what they do. “In the South Waikato, our country and climate allows us to have a very low footprint in terms of where dairying goes. We don’t irrigate or have drainage issues.” • All farm veterinary services • Lifestyle block services • Full after-hours service for clients, always speak to the vet directly! office@putvet.co.nz 07 883 7530 www.putvet.co.nz putaruruveterinaryservices
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