Page 14 - 2020 NZ Hereford Magazine

FULL CIRCLE

The dairy farming diversification in 2010 is a full circle evolution for Robert’s focus is the sheep side of the farming business,
the Kane family, whose connections with the land started in 1929. and both he and Mary-Anne help Peter as required. Mary-Anne
Robert’s grandparents David and Nellie bought what is now is also responsible for farm administration and has her own
the home farm, running alongside the Pomahaka River, for Angus stud herd.
sheep and cattle. However, the Depression stalled plans and
to keep financially afloat the family took on a herd of 50 dairy THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Nicole and Luke led the charge to
cows, selling the milk and cream locally to make ends meet. A convert part of the farm to dairy; Kane Farms dairy beef steers.
small dairy herd was kept until Robert’s uncle moved from the NEXT PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Two-year-old steers; The Kanes turn
farm in the early 1960s, taking the cows with him. out low birth weight, high growth rate bulls suited to dairy systems.
Robert and Mary-Anne have bought neighbouring land over
the years, building and supporting development of what they
hope will be an enduring farming business.
The dairying connection was rekindled in 2010 with the
return of Luke and Nicole.
Luke had contracting and dairy farm conversion experience
and sounded out his parents about converting some of the family
farm for dairying. Mary-Anne says it came as an unexpected
bolt from the blue.
“At first we said nothing, then we asked him if he was really
sure it was what he wanted to do, pointing out that it was a
lifetime decision.”
However, assurance that he was in for the long haul led
to some swift family action, with the conversion of 234ha and
construction of a 54-bale rotary shed within six months.
The diversification led to part-dispersal of the Hereford
stud, and downsizing of the ewe flock from 8000 to 2000.
The restructure of stock classes has led to a turnaround
in contributing income streams; milk, beef production and
breeding are now the main money earners, whereas 15 years
ago it was a sheep-dependent system.
Luke and Nicole run the dairy farm, and Peter the calf-
rearing and beef finishing. A calf rearer is employed during the
season, although Peter plans to take on that role this year.
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