Meet the inspiring winners of the West Coast Top of the South Regional Dairy Awards. From enthusiastic first-time entrants to seasoned industry champions, these farmers share their journeys, triumphs, and what drives their love for dairying. Hear their stories of hard work, innovation, and dedication to shaping the future of New Zealand farming.

Michael and Cheryl – West Coast Top of the South Regional Share Farmers 2023-2024

What year and category did you win?

2012 WCTOS dairy trainee (Michael). 2014 Taranaki dairy manager (Michael). 2024 WCTOS Share farmer (Michael and Cheryl)

What inspired you to start a career in dairy farming?

I first went farming to earn money to get my pilots licence, but after 6 months I made the decision, I wanted to own my own farm

Can you tell us about your journey to win this award?

I have been involved in the awards nearly my whole career. It started as a farm assistant at Tapawera, and we have gone from there to Marlborough, managing at Taranaki, Sharmilking at Brightwater, Farm ownership and Sharemilking at Rai Valley, and now Sharemilking in Reefton.

Have you implemented any innovative practices or technologies in your dairy operation that you believe contributed to your success?

We are always looking to evolve our farming practices and find better ways of doing things, so it's hard to pinpoint a couple of things. Perhaps things like the fact we are involved in an equity partnership here, we milk once a day all season, and our focus on profit and efficiency.

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally? 

Well I really wanted to tick the box of winning all three categories! Success in the awards has definitely provided us with opportunities we otherwise would not have had. We also really enjoy the networking it provides, and it really does give you confidence both personally and in what you are doing on farm.

How do you see the dairy industry evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

Use of technology will play a big part over the next few years, helping to make things more efficient and provide more data. There will also continue to be gains made on farm in terms of environment through infrastructure and herd and farm systems and management.

If your cows could talk, what would they say about you?

It depends on what day. They would probably say we get on well most of the time and the boss is good at giving scratches in the paddock and on the yard at milking time. I'm sure there are times they would say boss can be a bit stingy and should just wind up the break or feed them the other bale of feed too!

If you could have any superpower to help you on the farm what would it be?

To be able to talk to the cows! It would be great if you could tell them what you are trying to do and let them know what you want them to do, though I'm sure sometimes they do know exactly what you are saying and choose to ignore you!

What’s the top three songs on your tractor playlist?

One headlight by the Wallflowers, Last Dance with Mary Jane by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Perfect Situation by Weezer.