Read the stories of farmers who have come along to SMASH events. Find out about their farming businesses and how SMASH has helped them.
Our Farmers / It is worthwhile coming to SMASH events!
Keith and Tracey
Smaller herd works for couple
Keith and Tracey are happy with their choice to stay smaller herd farming. “With a small farm we have still been able to support our children,” says Tracey. “Maybe through lending them a bit of money to buy their first house, that’s been awesome. Bigger farms have their place in the community too, but I still think a small farm has a lot to offer.”
Michael
One way flight from Ireland
Michael is a believer in the value of attending industry events, where he learns new techniques, tips and tricks to try out on farm. He also values the opportunity to network with other farmers, which can be especially beneficial if conditions on farm are challenging. “It’s good to realise that you’re not the only one that’s got no grass, and it is good to hear other people and get their opinions too. Nobody has the same system. You’ll pick up ideas, take them back home, and try something new. It could be something really simple but really useful.”
Peter
SMASH supporter from the start
Peter hasn’t always been farming, after growing up on a farm, he went to university, taught for 13 years, and worked in Auckland, before he had an epiphany and returned to the family farm. “It took two hours to commute, I said to Debbie, ‘I reckon I could milk the cows and be home for breakfast, before I get through a traffic jam here’.”
Cam
Always learning something new
Matamata farmer, Cam Houghton, is an enthusiastic once a day milking advocate, and is always keen to add to his farming knowledge. He has been farming at the base of the Kaimais for his whole career.
Paul and Abby
Winning shift to the West Coast
Paul Clement admits to being a “one-eyed Cantabrian”, but he has no regrets about buying his Awatuna farm on the West Coast. It has turned out to be a successful shift for him, his wife Abby, who is a GP, and young family.
Glenn and Georgie
Working towards smaller herd farm purchase
Glenn van Heuven has always wanted to go dairy farming. “Growing up on the farm it is probably ingrained in you. I’ve always enjoyed farm life, driving tractors, the cows. I enjoy milking, it is quite therapeutic.” His end goal is farm ownership, and he and his wife Georgie are working hard to meet this aim.
Gavin and Jody
Back to the future
Six years ago Gavin, and his partner Jody Hansen, shifted from Waikato to Northland to take up a job offer. They are now in their fifth season 50:50 sharemilking in the Bay of Islands. They milk 180 Jersey cows through a 20 aside herringbone shed on the 60 ha (eff) farm.
Markus
Living the dairy dream
Markus Woutersen is just starting out on his dairy farming career: he’s in his fourth season sharemilking on the family farm near Cambridge. Although he is at the beginning of his farming journey his passion for farming dates back to his early childhood.
Nathan and Rosie
Career switch to smaller herd pays off
A midlife crisis, and the desire for a new challenge, were the catalysts for Nathan and Rosie Hughes’ switch to smaller herd dairying three years ago. The Hughes owned a lifestyle block, and they had built up a successful arboriculture business. They sold up to pursue a new career as the owners of a 80 ha, 240 cow farm, situated on peat soil between Cambridge and Te Awamutu in the Waikato.