Working together a path to profit

Working together a path to profit

More than 1,600 farmers have attended the first round of the DairyNZ Tight Management campaign local on-farm events.

“We are seeing all sorts of farmers at these events, from those who are looking forward to making a profit this season through to those who are really struggling,” says the DairyNZ Tight Management campaign leader Rob Brazendale. “They are telling us that they are getting great value from the information and discussion, and that they will be back at the next event.”

The recent increase in Fonterra’s forecast payout to $5.10 is welcome news - for many farmers, the increase will mean the difference between a loss and break-even this season.

“At the previous Fonterra forecast of $4.55, approximately half of all dairy farmers were expected to incur a cash loss and this was before drawings and principal payments. The increase in payout will now mean only one in five farmers will incur a cash loss,” says Rob.

“The additional payout doesn’t mean farmers can take their eye off the ball. To ensure they make it through with all possible profit intact they still need to ensure they’re running a tight financial ship. Attending their local Tight Management event should be part of that commitment.”

Tight Management farms are providing a forum for dairy farmers to discuss tactical decisions at a local level, with host farmers describing the monitoring systems in place which ensure their businesses remain profitable.

Host farmers are quick to point out that they don’t have all the solutions. “I certainly don’t feel like we’ve got all the answers,” says Te Puke Tight Management farmer Gene Roberts. “But if we can work together on ways to survive the challenges we’re facing at the moment, in most cases we’ll come out the other side stronger and more profitable.”

Get involved:

•Attend each of your regular local Tight Management Farm events

•Register to receive the regular email update from your local Tight Management Farm at www.dairynz.co.nz/tightmanagement

•Use the information to make the best possible decisions on-farm this season.

To find out more about a Tight Management Farm event near you visit the Tight Management page on the DairyNZ website: www.dairynz.co.nz/tightmanagement

DairyNZ Tight Management field days:

October 28
Far North : Dave & Heather Gray, Awanui

October 22 and December 3
Whangarei: Kerry & Megan Chestnut, Kokopu

October 29 and December 1
Lower Northland: Paddy & Debbie Thornton, Maungaturoto

October 28 and December 3
South Auckland:Steve & Andrea Mills, Pukekohe

October 20
Hauraki Plains: Haurakian Charitable Trust, Ngatea

October 21
Te Puke: Gene & Jo Roberts, Te Puke

November 18
Whakatane: Peter Overdevest & Tania Akehurst, Galatea

November 25
Hamilton North: David & Jenny Macdonald, Gordonton

November 11
Te Awamutu: Peter Morgan & Ann Bouma, Te Awamutu

November 5
Otorohanga: Garry & Joyce Voogt – Otorohanga

October 29 and December 3
Paeroa/Te Aroha: Terry & Grace Slattery, Elstow

November 17
South Waikato: Philip & Maree White, Putaruru

October 20 and December 2
Matamata: Grant & Karen Wills, Walton

November 27
Central Plateau: Tony & Nerene Lynskey, Central Plateau

October 27 and December 1
Lower North Island: Kim and Keith Riley, Woodville

October 30 and November 27
North Central Taranaki: Peter Ayles, Inglewood

October 19 and November 18
South Central Taranaki: David & Lois Werder, Kakaramea

October 20 and December 1
Coastal Taranaki: Donna & Philip Cram, Awatuna

October 20 and November 20
Southern Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa: James & Jane Smallwood, Greytown

October 20 and November 19
Manawatu/Northern Hawkes Bay: Nick & Keri Lourie, Norsewood

October 27 and December 1
Horowhenua: Kevin & Joanne Argyle, Kairanga

October 30 and December 2
West Coast: Michael & Christine Hart, Totara Flat

November 6 and December 9
Canterbury: Leo Donkers, Rakaia

October 28 and November 30
Canterbury: Alan & Sharron Davie Martin, Culverden

November 24
Canterbury: Lincoln University Dairy Farm, Lincoln

November 11 and December 10
South Canterbury/North Otago: David & Bronwyn Lister, Temuka

October 27 and December 1
South Otago: Dave & Mel Goble, Tapanui

October 22 and November 24
South Otago: Telford Farm Training Institute, Belclutha

October 28 and November 25
Southland: Alan & Julie Maxwell, Edendale

November 29
Southland: Southland Demonstration Farm, Wallacetown

ENDS

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