Fifth-Generation Farmer Transforms Dairy Farm into Biodiversity Hotspot
Fifth generation farmer Stu Muir believes dairy farming and conservation can go hand in glove.
"Every year I've got more and more involved not just in our own farming business but all these other passions too - the environment, DairyNZ and helping develop waste reduction projects, working with AgRecovery," says Ranking.
"As I've found more gaps where I can help solve a problem, I've been happily developing them all."
Rankin believes that part of looking after the land means striving towards a circular economy.
As part of this, she's developed a framework she calls the Porahita 20 (porahita meaning circular in te reo Māori) - involving 10 things farmers need to enact if a circular economy is to be viable. One of those Rankin refers to is 'regenerate', which includes questioning what businesses farmers can support that act as environmental stewards for New Zealand.
"For example, with 100% renewable energy generation, that's a reason why we use Meridian," she says.
"What does it look like to be a better farmer? It looks like making a decision to support a company generating 100% renewable energy, with the flow-on effect that it's good for other people and the planet as well."
And being a better farmer also includes having the best possible team around you.
"It's pretty simple really, if you don't give me good service then we don't use you," she says. "I want you to buy in to helping me be a good farmer."
"I think that's genuinely what Meridian does, rather than just sending me a bill," says Trish.
"They've got a really good relationship with farmers through the Dairy Awards, and they're always at the end of the phone when we need them.
"It's the familiarity with someone who knows your business, your goals, and sits down and talks through what you want. It makes a difference."
Meridian is already powering over 11,000 farms, and farmers like Rankin. But they are always keen to be on more farmers' teams and help them work toward more sustainable practices.
The company is offering a $400 'moving credit' for anyone switching to them around moving day.
