Federated Farmers: Keeping it loco

Federated Farmers' Hawke's Bay president Will Foley chooses to use the local processing plant as the advantages go beyond being close by.

Hawke's Bay sheep and beef farmer Will Foley is a great believer in keeping farming simple.

Mr Foley farms just south of Waipukurau on 1200 hectares and is literally on the doorstep of the local Takapau Silver Ferns Farm processing plant.

While that might be considered a token of good fortune or fate, Mr Foley believes this apparent symbiotic arrangement is what the meat industry lacks and as an entity, should aspire to.

"We are committed to Silver Fern Farms and it's not just because they are nearby. If more farmers were to commit to one company, this would be ideal for ensuring better alignment throughout the industry with processors."

Supplying a local processing plant was logical for business and animal welfare. It also instilled pride in the local community as it created jobs and people could identify with where their meat produce had come from.

While some might view Mr Foley's proximity to the processing plant as macabre and too close for comfort, the sheep farmer thinks otherwise.

"I don't believe in sending animals to the other side of the North Island or down to the Mainland for that matter. When the sheep are being transported this way it certainly adds more stress and trauma and can impact on product quality," he said.

Besides, farmers could make savings with freight costs and from that there was extra income to be made, while their reputation amongst processors would improve and be long lasting.

For Mr Foley, having a close relationship with meat processors was a vital aspect of his business and beneficial to both parties.

"We often stay in touch with the processors updating them on animal weights, health and what they can expect at our next point of delivery.

"They might for some reason be a few hundred animals short for an order and they'll contact us to see if we can top them up," he said.

Mr Foley has had challenges like other Hawke's Bay farmers with the recent spate of droughts, and having to move on premature lambs from his farm was a wrench.

It was always more satisfying to nurture your animals from the moment they arrive on farm.

"They are so tiny when they arrive. Jeepers, you actually sometimes wonder if they are sick. But from a farmer's point of view, it really brings great satisfaction to know you have achieved maximum growth with them. They generally go to works after eight weeks," he said.