The pull to dairy farming started young for Hayden who grew up spending every spare moment on his grandparents' farm, as well as starting to help out on neighbouring farms from just 11 years old. Negotiating with his mum to leave school at 16 with a promise to secure work on a farm, he has worked his way up since. Now, at 37 years old, the 50/50 sharefarmer is on track to his goal of owning his own farm within the next few years.
Entering awards has always been encouraged by those he worked with, however Hayden's busy work schedule meant he ended up entering this year's Dairy Industry Awards at the very last minute.
"I entered right on the last day you could enter as I wanted to see how our farm and our business was going compared to others. The awards are a great way to benchmark and compare your work with others, and also you get some really good feedback from the judges that you can apply to your work," he says. "I have gone through the feedback I received and it's really valuable - it is all pretty positive too. I had previously helped judge some of the awards a few years ago so to be on the other side was good and gave me a different perspective."
Hayden's haul of awards both regionally for Horowhenua/Manawatu and nationally included the Meridian Environmental Sustainability Award, LIC Farm Recording and Productivity Award, Ravensdown Sustainability Pasture Award, Farm Dairy Hygiene Award, Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award for Manawatu and LIC Animal Wellbeing, Recording and Productivity Award, as well as being named the Manawatu Sharefarmer of the Year.
Hayden says winning such a great selection of awards just backs his efforts he puts into the farm he operates near Palmerston North for Terry and Olive Curtis - a 120ha, 345 cow operation.
"Sharemilking is an important step towards owning a farm. It is the last step from working your way up as you have control of nearly every part of the operation. I think it is like anything in life, you can get to where you want to go faster if you like what you do. You have to set your journey's destination and just work towards that."
Hayden keeps it simple when it comes to sharing advice for those looking at moving into farming or furthering their career by entering into sharemilking.
"Just do it. I know it can appear daunting, but back yourself and find yourself a job that works for you, that suits you and your goals. I have been very fortunate that I have always worked with really good people who I learnt a lot from. You have to do your research and choose the right place with the right people to work with. It makes all the difference to achieving your goals."
For more information on entering the Dairy Industry Awards and to read more about the regional and national winners, visit dairyindustryawards.co.nz.