Shiann Read-Mills with some of the cows she has managed.
Shiann Read-Mills with some of the cows she has managed.
In what she describes as a “big learning curve”, one young Eastern Bay of Plenty dairy farmer is embracing the benefits of organic practices.
Shiann Read-Mills is a 25-year-old contract milker who works alongside her aunt and business partner, Laura Read-Mills.
Shiann’s dairy farmingbegan in Pahīatua in the lower North Island, where she moved at the age of 10.
By 14, she was helping out and was made a farming assistant when she was 21.
“My aunt wanted me to step up my farming career after I competed at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and was runner-up in the Trainee category for the Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa region, so we went into business together,” she said.
After working on conventional farms with up to 600 cows, her last contract working with a smaller herd of 185 gave Read-Mills a chance to know each animal.
“The milking shed was 16-a-side, which enabled us to monitor closely and make sure the cows were healthy,” she said.
“We used homeopathic treatments from when they were young to help build immunity.
Paddocks can be planted with a “mixed salad” that offers natural health benefits.
“Dandelions are often considered weeds but they help with liver and kidney function.
“Chicory and plantain improve cows’ digestive health, provide essential nutrients, and help reduce parasite load, while kelp and salt help with milk production and apple cider lowers the cell count to reduce the risk of mastitis.”
Shiann Read-Mills says she had a successful calving this year.
Fertilisers, supplements and drugs can be replaced with natural alternatives and Read-Mills has deeply immersed herself in understanding them.
“I’ve done seminars and learned so much,” she said.
“It’s surprising how much you can remember when you’re passionate about it.
“It’s a big learning curve. You have to think ahead for future problems.”
Swallows in the air over eastern Bay of Plenty farmland.
However, the rewards are worth the effort.
“We didn’t have a down cow during calving this year,” Read-Mills said.
“We would normally have two or three on the past conventional farms I’ve worked on.
“We had two sets of twins this season and five sets last season.”
Holistic approach
Shiann Read-Mills enjoys views to Mt Edgecumbe.
Out on the paddocks, the deeper grass roots and healthier soil from organic practices have seen tangible benefits, particularly in drought resilience.
Holistic soil management like aerating the soil using tractors, leaving a higher grass residual foliage spray, and distributing effluent to the paddock enriches the soil naturally, promoting long-term sustainability.
“I enjoy the connection with the land and animals,” Read-Mills said.
“There’s something rewarding about working with nature.”
