The Cream Of The Crop

Jeremy and Rebecca Duckmanton scooped an $18,800 prize package along with their title of Canterbury/North Otago Sharemilkers of the Year - but the Polson Higgs clients say the intangible rewards were even more welcome. "If we didn’t get any prizes at all it would still have been worth it," Jeremy says. "It's reassuring to know we are on the right track; our four staff love knowing they are working on a top farm; we met people at the high end of the industry and a title like this will help with future jobs." Not that the Duckmantons are contemplating a move from Rakaia in mid-Canterbury in the short-term. The couple is 19 per cent sharemilking 1200 cows for the Stewart Partnership.

Regional winners Rebecca and Jeremy Duckmanton will be pitting their knowledge of the dairy industry against other finalists at a national competition shortly.

It is just their second season but Jeremy says they were keen to ensure they were doing things "the right way". Their way has earned them the chance to compete for the right to be named New Zealand's best sharemilker later this month in the country's longest running dairy competition. "We have to make a presentation on site to the judges. It will be our third time so we have a handle on that but you're always looking for the extra edge that will set you apart. Then it's three or four days with the other finalists in Rotorua." While Rebecca is supportive of the business, she works fulltime as a social worker. Jeremy says their success should encourage other dairying couples who are often deterred if both partners aren't active farmers. The couple's long-term goal is to make the best use of their equity by way of an equity partnership, farm ownership or a different sharemilking role. "I set equity targets and then run them past Frazer Weir of Polson Higgs Business Services and my bank manager. I like to use experts and then you know you're not setting unrealistic goals. I also like to throw some really good challenges Frazer's way at times." Frazer says the Duckmantons' success reflects the wisdom of people starting out in business seeking sound advice so they have the systems around them to help them manage effectively. He has advised on ownership structures, cashflow management and budgeting, business plans and tax advice. "If you don't plan well you can have cash flowing in for your first year, spend it and then find you are facing a major tax bill in your second year." Frazer's expertise covers all aspects of the rural sector including sheep, beef, dairying and aquaculture.

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Last updated: 5th May 2010 | 5:09 pm