Dairying deeply rooted in family
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
"Everyone brings different ideas, knowledge and perspective to set us up for success, and are a key part of the story we are generating. That's why it's important to us that we support our staff, making sure the farm is a happy place to be, and they come to work because they want to."
August 6 was Farm Worker Appreciation Day, which is a chance to showcase the great work of our dairy farmers, both employers and employees. Jayson and Stacey share how they care for their team, and how they are supported themselves on farm.
"We have a budget for personal development for every team member to progress their growth - whether that be attending a work-related course, getting a licence, or signing up to a gym.
"This is important because we know that if they care for their wellbeing, that brings better outcomes for the farm and animals," explains Jayson.
Outside of this, everyone is encouraged to have hobbies and interests off the farm, including joining the local Young Farmers club and getting involved in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in the next year.
"Getting off the farm gives you a break, takes your mind off work, and provides something to work towards. I have an interest in motorbikes, which helps put me in a different mindset as it must have my whole attention and focus," says Jayson.
"But it also includes catching up with friends and family, going to the zoo with our boy, and just enjoying life."
They do regular one-on-one catch ups with the team, celebrate birthdays, and have nights off the farm as a whole team, including with the farm owners, to help build team morale. Different roster options were also available depending on what suited the team, with some prioritising extra income, and others wanting more work/life balance.
"While we are trying to be the best managers we can, we couldn't achieve that without the support of our farm owners, Sarah and Andy Storey. They are a big part of the farm, always available to bounce ideas off, and are willing to share their expertise, to support our success, and the success of our team," says Jayson.
"At the end of the day, they acknowledge that we are part of the same community, and they want both us and our team to have the opportunity to achieve our goals."
Jayson and Stacey have a team of six fulltime staff, along with casual staff, and are contract milkers on 500ha of land across three blocks, with around 1200 cows.
