Easier if problems are shared

Two farming couples from Stratford are sharing their "tactics for hard times" with other farmers facing the same struggles, in a new campaign launched by DairyNZ.

The campaign, "Tactics for Tight Times", is aimed to help dairy farmers survive a tough season brought on by a low milk price followed by drought conditions.

More than 70 farmers from about 30 farms nationwide have agreed to share their information, as well as host events as part of the campaign.

Bryce and Amanda Savage who own a farm on Bird Road, along with Josh Lyon and Kate Good who are variable order sharemilkers on it, will open the farm to the public on Tuesday, February 24, from 10.45am to 1pm.

The event will give farmers who attend cost-effective tactics tailored to the region, as well as looking at the economic outlook for dairy, says Tim Mackle, DairyNZ chief executive.

As well as the farm on Bird Road, farms and farmers from Opunake, Okaiawa and New Plymouth also feature in the campaign.

Ian and Natalie Butler who farm in Opunake say that by making smart changes to the way they run their herd they will be able to prepare for what they say is the toughest season they have faced in their time in the dairy industry.

The couple had been running two herds, but have combined these into one. This has reduced the time they spend milking, which in turn has reduced their electricity and labour costs.

Reduced time in the shed has meant they have more time to do other jobs on farm, and to take the opportunity to get off-farm.

"By monitoring our costs we know where our money is at, which gives us control," Natalie says.

"We have reviewed electricity to ensure that we have the correct billing setups to reduce our electricity costs as much as possible."

Over the next couple of months they will be focusing on keeping their costs low and milk production high and have put off any plans for expansion.

In the spring they will complete a bulk shop based on previous years' spending, and will use the RD1 deferred payment scheme to match their expenditure with their cash flow.

The couple also make sure they are on top of their budget and review it monthly.

They communicate regularly with support services, such as the bank, RD1, their farm advisor and DairyNZ, to get advice and notify them of where they think they will be at the end of the season.

"Monitor your cash flow regularly, keep talking to your support team/services around you," they advise.