Payout drop presented opportunity

The drop in Fonterra’s predicted payout didn’t deter Brett Steeghs from entering the dairy industry. Instead of a negative, he saw it as a positive opportunity.



Brett and his partner Ruth Hone have bought their own herd and next season will be 50/50 sharemilking on the farm at Whakamaru.

“Ruth is farming too, so this is a chance for us to work together and build our business.”

To increase his skills and knowledge Brett has almost completed Primary ITO Level 4 and keen to progress to Level 5, the diploma course.

He entered the awards to gain exposure in the industry and to push himself.

“It’s always good to challenge yourself and take yourself outside your comfort zone.

“The job market in the industry is getting competitive and anything you can do to get your CV to the top of the pile is great.

“The judging progress helps grow your confidence and the feedback is useful.”

Doing well in the awards not only gives an edge when it comes to applying for jobs.

Brett says it also helps when working with banks and rural professionals.

“Banks see it as a sign that you’re proactive about your business, and rural professionals like to be associated with people who are keen to progress in the industry,” says Brett, who also won the Dairy Production Systems Farming Knowledge title.


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