Tell us about your farm – where are you based and how long have you been grazing stock?
Born and bred in Bunnythorpe, Manawatu, halfway between Palmerston North and Feilding. I manage the family farm which has been in the family for 89 years, I am the third generation to farm this land. 400 acres of flat to undulating country. We are into our 7th year of grazing stock after dairy farming for 10 years.
What advice would you give to someone new to grazing stock for others?
The big key is that you need to treat the animals as if they were your own, spend time with them, get to know them, feed and water them well. If you look after the ladies, they’ll look after you.
What’s your favourite time of year on the farm?
Each time of the year poses individual challenges. I find different positives in each season – summer – haymaking, autumn – really nice sunrises and sunsets, winter – sitting in front of the fire after a hard days work outside in the cold, spring – when new life arrives on the farm and the mother nature comes back to life after a winter.
How long have you been working with NZ Grazing?
Since December 2019 – working with Richard Hammond as our service manager, Robbie McDougall our weigh tech.
What kind of information or tools from NZ Grazing help you the most in managing stock?
The monthly weight information for each individual heifer is beneficial to see how she is actually growing, it helps me identify any who may need extra TLC. It is always good to have chats with Richard and Robbie and get their opinions and advice to help grow our heifers.
How do you manage seasonal challenges like summer dry or winter wet conditions?
I stock the pantry – I always have supplementary feed – baleage and hay in the sheds ready to go for when we need it. I’m a big believer that mother nature provides so you can be ready for when she is a cruel mistress. It’s better to have it on hand then to need it and have to go and buy it when everyone else is also looking for it.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that’s made a big difference in your grazing success?
No two heifers are the same, every season is different and you need to adapt, change and be flexible to make those decisions quickly. Trust your gut and make the decision before it’s too late.