Jayson and Stacey Thompson could not run the farm without their staff.
The Te Awamutu dairy farmers are contract milkers on 500 hectares of land across three blocks, with about 1200 cows.
They have six full-time staff along with casual staff.
“They are integral to everything,” said Jayson.
“Everyone brings different ideas, knowledge and perspective to set us up for success, and are a key part of the story we are generating. That’s why it’s important to us that we support our staff, making sure the farm is a happy place to be, and they come to work because they want to.”
The Thompsons have a budget for personal development for every team member to progress their growth. That could be attending a work-related course, getting a licence, or signing up to a gym.
“This is important because we know that if they care for their wellbeing, that brings better outcomes for the farm and animals,” he said.
Outside of this, everyone is encouraged to have hobbies and interests off the farm, including joining the local Young Farmers club and getting involved in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
“Getting off the farm gives you a break, takes your mind off work, and provides something to work towards. For me, I have an interest in motorbikes, which helps put me in a different mindset as it must have my whole attention and focus.
“But it also includes catching up with friends and family, going to the zoo with our boy, and just enjoying life.”
They do regular one-on-one catch-ups with the team, celebrate birthdays, and have nights off the farm as a whole team, including with the farm owners, to help build team morale.
Different roster options were also available depending on what suits the team, with some prioritising extra income, and others wanting more work/life balance.
Farm owners Sarah and Andy Storey also play a key role. They are a big part of the farm, always available to bounce ideas off, and are willing to share their expertise and support, he said.
“At the end of the day, they acknowledge that we are part of the same community, and they want both us and our team to have the opportunity to achieve our goals.”
Their staff are also ready to sing their praises, with team members Jordan Crosby and Kharn Matthews appreciative of having great managers, farm owners, and working in a supportive team.
“Jayson and Stacey really show that they care for us as people, not just employees, and go out of their way to support us, with both work goals and personal growth, or dropping off meals if someone is really unwell,” Crosby said.
“They listen to different ways of doing things, take on feedback, all while staying focused on caring for their team, land and animals.”
August 6 is Farm Worker Appreciation Day and with it, the chance to showcase the work dairy farmers do as employers and employees.
DairyNZ people lead Jane Muir said that Farm Worker Appreciation Day gives the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of farmers and their teams.
“On this day, I take time to reflect on the hard mahi of every person working on a dairy farm. Every year brings new challenges, and across the country, farm teams step up and face these, getting on with it – like they always do.
“It is not an easy job, but it is a critical and rewarding role nurturing cows and land to produce quality food. Working together as a team is what makes it happen and why it is important to recognise our people and the good work they are doing.”
