As the low milk price continues to sit painfully below the breakeven point, many in the industry are putting their hands up to support their fellow farmers.
DairyNZ's Dairy Connect service is designed to create short-term partnerships between farmers who can mentor each other, having experienced similar circumstances.
More than 420 dairy farmers have volunteered their time to the service, forging a strength in numbers in this difficult dairy period. DairyNZ Dairy Connect manager Janine Broekhuizen said that the number has double in the past year.
“The Dairy Connect service, which was initiated in 2012, has significantly grown. We’ve got farmers who are willing to provide support and advice on a range of subjects from animal management, staff, pasture and feed through to environment, business, adverse events and personal wellbeing," Ms Broekhuizen said.
She encourages farmers to use the service. If farmers are experiencing an issue for the first time, the amount of information available can be overwhelming but a few phone calls with someone who has experience can create a lot of confidence.
Sharemilkers Siobhan and Christopher O’Malley are new to the industry and didn't hesitate in taking part as support farmers. They say they wanted to give back to those who had supported them in the beginning.
“One of the things we absolutely love about dairying is how people are so willing to share information, which is awesome. In tougher times it is also really comforting to share ideas around how to make the most of what little money you have," Ms O'Malley.
Dairy Connect has expanded to better facilitate struggling farmers, this includes specialist events and one-on-one support and specialist events.
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