Huntly Sharemilkers Take Out Supreme Title

25 March 2006

Huntly Sharemilkers Take Out Supreme Auckland/Hauraki Title

Huntly sharemilkers Richard (43) and Amanda Jones (34) were named 2006 Auckland/Hauraki Sharemilker of the Year at a function in Auckland tonight.

The couple are 50:50 sharemilkers, milking 350 cows on a 100 effective hectare property owned by Peter and Gayle Scott. They are on target for production of 127,000kg/ms.

It was fourth time lucky for the Joneses who have continued to enter the event, benefiting from learning to analyse their business and using the judges’ feedback to make improvements.

“We’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to meet positive people and make new friends,” they say.

Richard and Amanda emigrated to New Zealand from Wales in 1997 where they spent one year as herd manager for 1200 cows in Ashburton. Their first sharemilking job was a lower order position in Huntly with 180 cows for two years, followed by a further two years with 500 cows, also in Huntly.

They are now in their fourth year as 50:50 sharemilkers and have steadily increased their herd numbers.

Amanda says Richard’s depth of knowledge in the area of pasture management is one of their business strengths.

“We also have a willingness to learn and improve our business and are aware that there are always changes that can be made to improve the profitability of the farm.”

The couple has three children: Robert (9), Gareth (7) and Deiniol (4) and enjoy reading, puzzles, fishing and rugby.

Their future farming goals are large-scale sharemilking and farm ownership.

Amanda and Richard will now go forward to represent Auckland/Hauraki in the New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year national final to be held in Christchuch on May 13, competing for a national prize pool of nearly $60,000.

The 2006 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year Competition is run in association with Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) and is sponsored by Dairy InSight, ACC, Bank of New Zealand, Blue Wing Honda, Dexcel, Ecolab, Fonterra, Livestock Improvement and Ravensdown.

Runner up in the Auckland/Hauraki competition was Stefan and Annalize du Plessis from Ngatea. Third place went to Allen and Karen Hurst from Huntly West.

Other results:

FVC Veterinary Services – Attitude and Aims Award Chris and Eva Simmonds
Takanini Racing and Stock Feeds – Best Stock Condition Mike Howe and Sherryl Newton
Pak-N-Save – Presentation Award Allen and Karen Hurst
Dairy InSight first time entrant award Allen and Karen Hurst
Federated Farmers Leadership Award Chris and Eva Simmonds
ACC Thinksafe Farm Safety Award Chris and Eva Simmonds
Bank of New Zealand Financial Management Award Chris and Eva Simmonds
Blue Wing Honda ATV Safety Award Richard & Amanda Jones
Ecolab Farm Dairy Environment Award Chris and Eva Simmonds
LIC Best Herd Records Award Mike Howe and Sherryl Newton
Ravensdown Pasture Management Award Richard and Amanda Jones

ENDS

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