Top Bay farmers reach goals with age on their side

The 2018 winners are Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year, Bridie Virbickas, Share Farmers of the Year, Natasha and Reece Cox; and Dairy Trainee of the Year, Zoe Gleeson.

Major winners in the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards, Reece and Natasha Cox, believe they have age on their side when it comes to growing their business and achieving their goals.

The couple were announced winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year competition at the Bay Of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards annual awards dinner held at the Awakeri Events Centre last month.

Other big winners include Bridie Virbickas, who was named the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year; and Zoe Gleeson, who is 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Reece and Natasha Cox, are contract milking 700 cows for David and Lesley Jensen on their 240 hectares Tauranga farm and won $12,823 in prizes and five merit awards.

The couple both grew up in farming environments and enjoy the outdoors and farming lifestyle. “It’s a challenging but very rewarding career,” says Reece. “I’m proud that we’ve moved up through the industry through hard work.”

Reece, aged 25, joined the dairy industry in 2011 as a dairy assistant, progressing to manager by the age of 21. He and Natasha, aged 28, are in their first season contract milking.

“I’ve been teaching for the past seven years, and this is my first season working on the farm,” says Natasha. “I’m expecting our first child in April.”

The couple say the one of the strengths of their business lies with the farm owners. “David and Lesley are so supportive. They understand our future business goals and are prepared to help us reach them.”

Reece and Natasha’s goal is to build equity through a profitable and sustainable business, which will provide the foundation on which to purchase their own farm. “We’re at a good age to start a business, as we have the time to expand and reach our future goals.”

The Cox’s entered the awards to build their confidence, test their skills and knowledge and learn more about the dairy industry.

Runner-up wins this time

The winner of the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year competition loves animals and the outdoors, and has always wanted to be involved in the agricultural industry in some way.

Bridie Virbickas, who won $6975 in prizes plus five merit awards, is farm manager for Bernard and Linda Virbickas on their 58ha farm, milking 235 cows in Whakatane. She was runner-up in the 2017 dairy manager competition.

The 27-year-old holds a Bachelor in Agricultural Science from Massey University and worked as a fertiliser rep for Balance Agri-Nutrients for three years, before leading the North Island Farm Sustainability team.

Bridie believes family is a strength of her business. “It’s a family-orientated business, so we are all working towards the same goal. The close proximity of the four farms within the business means the farms can work together at different times of the year.”

First-time entrant Zoe Gleeson is the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year. Zoe heard about the awards and decided to enter and “give it a go”.

“This is my first year as a full-time farm assistant,” explains Zoe. “I followed my husband into the industry four years ago, and have always been the relief staff.”

Satisfying career

“I didn’t consider farming a career until this position where I’ve discovered a whole different side of the dairy industry and I’ve realised it can offer me a satisfying career and a lifestyle I’m happy to raise our child in.”

The 25-year-old is farm assistant for Margaret Wright on her 450-cow, 220ha property at Whakatane and won $6180 in prizes.

Taking responsibility of one of their herd’s pasture management is something Zoe is proud of achieving. “I knew nothing-to-very-little about pasture management at the start of the season, and now I can consistently maintain pasture quality and milk production.

“Farming challenges my character, intellect and ingenuity and is extremely fulfilling for me.”

The Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards winners field day is on April 5 at 504 Taumata Rd, Tauranga, where Share Farmers of the Year, Reece and Natasha Cox, contract milk.

Also presenting at the field day will be the region’s Dairy Manager of the Year, Bridie Virbickas and Dairy Trainee of the Year, Zoe Gleeson. Further details on the winners and the field day can be found at: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz


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