Team effort brings results
For the team at Westmorland Estate Limited in Waikato, it has been another year of everyone working together to achieve impressive results.
The team gathered for their annual awards luncheon last month to honour each member for another year of achievements, dedication and teamwork.
Westmorland Estate Ltd, owned by David and Sue Fish, run three dairy farms and has a mission statement: 'We produce quality milk by nurturing people, livestock, and land'.
They noted this year that mission has come together in meaningful ways. With record milk production, high quality milk and a cohesive team that nurture each other and recognise the power of teamwork.
Sue Fish says they were delighted to see the team come together and to acknowledge another year when all targets have been surpassed.
Thanking staff for their efforts, Sue noted that teamwork and nurturing people was a hallmark of Westmoreland Estate.
Sue notes that the continued success of Westmorland Estate Ltd would not be possible without its committed multicultural team.
"Our farms are managed by great people with varying backgrounds from all over the world. Westmorland Estate Ltd is a proud accredited employer, allowing us to attract a skilled, respectful and devoted workforce."
The annual awards, organised by Westmorland human resource manager Paola Verrycken was backed by a suite of sponsors - FIL, GEA, Vet Clinic Morrinsville, Rabobank, Fonterra, LIC, PGG Wrightson, DairyNZ, Donaghys, Bridges Insurance and Baker Tilly.
Westmoreland business production manager Dries Verrycken thanked the farm owners for their belief and inspiration that transform workplaces into thriving communities.
"Working with Sue and David is a testament to their commitment to their team's growth and success.
"Their leadership goes beyond managing a farm - it's about nurturing relationships, fostering motivation, and empowering others. They devote their time, knowledge, and energy to help us excel in our roles and develop as individuals. With such care and guidance, extraordinary things are achieved, and results flourish."
Verrycken says their kindness and leadership inspire a culture where work-life balance is valued.
"With a roster of five days on and two days off, we enjoy a level of harmony that many wouldn't expect in the dairy industry.
"Additionally, initiatives like the 'Employee of the Month' award makes us feel appreciated and motivate us further.
"The annual award event encourages healthy competition, pushing us to be our best. We work between 9 to 10 hours per day, enjoy our holidays, and cherish the extra activities like multicultural dinners together.
"Respect for one another is paramount, creating an environment where we feel heard, safe, and empowered. All the processes in place make this workplace exceptional for every individual."
He notes that Sue and David ensure that the team feels capable and valued.
"Their actions serve as a benchmark for other employers to follow, proving that kindness and dedication can make the dairy industry an amazing place to work.
"Our achievements as a team are incredible, and each year at Westmorland Estate Ltd, we surpass our own expectations."
This year's best cows award and best calves award went to the Sandhurst Team: Dries Verrycken, Paola Verryicken, Ievgenii Dushkevych, Samukelo Sosibo, Barbara Hinton, Indrajit Niroula.
The empty rate award and somatic cell count award went to the Somerset team: Aubrey Fish, Sunil and David Fish. The farm pride award was won by the Westmorland team: Dries Verrycken, Paola Verrycken, Daniel Bautista, Emilio Ayerdi, Jezer Ragasajo and Barbara Hinton.
