Waikato's top share farmer regrets historic 'poor decision'
The major winners in the 2024 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards are proof that poor decisions of the past can be overcome to carve out a successful career in milking cows.
Katrina Pearson, 32, is now a contract milker and in an equity partnership, milking 460 cows on Puketitoi Farm Limited’s 186ha property at Purua, northwest of Whangarei.
Pearson grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Titoki and graduated from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Agriculture in 2008, before spending 10 years working as a New Zealand Police constable. She won $7,250 in prizes and seven merit awards at the regional presentation night last week.
Growing up on a dairy farm has been special for her.
“There’s always been a pull for me towards the dairy industry,” she says.
“I value my roots and admire what my parents have built for themselves and would love to provide the same upbringing for my kids.
“Coming into the industry with basic farming knowledge and experience three years ago was a steep learning curve, but strong family support has made the transition easier.”
Pearson believes New Zealand should be proud their dairy farmers produce high-quality product that the world pays a premium for. “We hold a good reputation world-wide and I hope this can be maintained for many years to come.
“I’d love to see more positive stories in the mainstream media about the dairy industry. If people listened to science, they might discover their opinions are not as accurate as they believe.”
Establishing KDP Farming with her husband David was a big step for the couple, who then added David Pearson Electrical to the mix in 2020.
They run the businesses as a team while raising two children Emily (5) and Charlotte (4).
“Being able to juggle everything and still have both businesses operating efficiently is definitely a sign of success to us.”
Katrina believes KDP Farming’s ability to rapidly increase shareholding in Puketitoi Farm Limited stands them in good stead.
“We are all in this together – working with family has been a blessing which has made the transition into the dairy industry enjoyable.”
The 2021 Northland Dairy Manager of the Year is Ravindra Maddage Don, 35, who is farm manager on Charlie and Emma Adair’s 130ha Whangarei property, milking 354 cows. Bella Wati is the 2021 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year.
The three regional winners will represent Northland in the national finals, to be held in Hamilton on May 15.
Pearson will host the regional awards field day on her farm on April 14th.
