Levin Sharemilkers Triumph With Positive Outlook

Levin Sharemilkers Triumph With Positive Outlook

A positive outlook along with knowledge and experience in the dairy industry are among strengths demonstrated by Levin sharemilkers John (36) and Wendy (35) Allen in winning the title 2005 Manawatu/Rangitikei Sharemilker of the Year.

The Allens are 50:50 sharemilkers with a herd of 540 cows on a 275ha farm at Ohau, Levin owned by the Tahamata Incorporation. They have anticipated production of 190,000kg/ms for the 2004/2005 season (174,286kg/ms for 2003/04).

Their win was announced at a function in the Palmerston North Convention Centre tonight.

“It’s a valuable addition to the CV, assisting with job applications and impressing the bank,” say the Allens, who have two children, Daniel (7) and Sam (5).

It was fourth time lucky for the couple, who said they had benefited from past competitions through feedback from judges and improved financial and business management.

John Allen has a Bachelor of Agriculture from Massey University and has been farming for 20 years. He worked through from farm worker, to manager, to lower order sharemilker before becoming a 50:50 sharemilker. Wendy Allen has a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University.

Their goal is to own a 350 cow farm.

The Allens also won the Naylor Lawrence and Associates Best Financial and Farm Records Award; the Livestock Improvement Livestock Management Award and the ACC Thinksafe Sharemilker Award.

The couple go forward to represent the region at the New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year Awards in Hamilton on May 7 competing for a national prize pool of $63,000.

Runners up in the event were Hamish and Natalie Davidson from Marton, with Nick and Annaliese Berry from Foxton in third place.

The 2005 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.

Other results were:

Massey Agriculture Best Stock Management: Sam and Debbie Crowther (Marton)

Dairy Insight Best First Time Entrant: Hamish and Natalie Davidson (Marton)

Bank of New Zealand Financial Management Award: Hamish and Natalie Davidson (Marton)

Ravensdown Pasture Management Award: Nick and Annaliese Berry (Foxton)

Ecolab Farm Dairy Environment Award: Gray and Andrea Beagley (Palmerston North)

Blue Wing Honda ATV Safety Award: Brendon and Davina Harrop

Federated Farmers Leadership Award: Hamish and Natalie Davidson (Marton)

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