MICHAEL Prankerd and Ruth Churchman have returned to New Zealand after spending nine months dairy farming in Ireland, an experience they said has given them the confidence to move forward with their careers.
Michael and Ruth met at Massey University in Palmerston North. Michael was completing a business degree and Ruth,
a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agri Business.
The couple ventured into farming for six months at Manaia before heading overseas. After seeing the sights in Rarotonga, Thailand and Spain, they tackled the United Kingdom.
The pair were both working in generic jobs, but decided it wasn't for them, and when the opportunity arose to gain experience in the dairy industry in Ireland, they jumped at the chance.
Michael was offered a job in a town called Oldcastle, about one-and-a-half hours north of Dublin.
Ruth was offered a position at a nearby farm.
The next nine months were to prove to be a challenge, but one that has given the couple invaluable work experience.
"I was working a 280-cow grass-based dairy farm which was modelled on the Kiwi style, but the differences in farming practice are significant," said Michael.
"A large farm in Ireland is an 80-cow herd and because of the weather, things are run differently. The cows have to be housed in winter and grass is grown throughout the summer because the climate is more temperate and the days are longer. We had to milk of the paddocks and put the grass into silage stacks as quickly as possible," he said.
Ruth was working a 450-cow grass-based farm, one of the largest in Ireland.
"Dealing with the weather was definitely a challenge. When you are hosing down a shed in winter, the water freezes as soon as it comes out of the hose," she said.
Despite the weather conditions, and living in a caravan for nine months, the couple agree that the time they spent in Ireland has boosted their dairying knowledge.
"It was a very worthwhile experience and we learnt a lot. It gave us the confidence to come home and pursue jobs in New Zealand," said Ruth.
The pair are currently managing a 280-cow herd at Finnerty Road in Ngaere and are enjoying being back on a Kiwi farm.
"We are really happy in our new job and are looking forward to a busy season," said Michael.
