Burnside Farms is run as an equity partnership with Peter, Sharon, Brian, and Alison Hills.
They like that Fonterra is a New Zealand business and feel proud that our milk gets turned into products enjoyed by many people here in New Zealand, and around the world.
"You’re supplying a product but as a shareholder, you are also a part of the supply chain all the way through. The Co-op is there to protect us where it can and to grow us when opportunities arise. We focus on farm, producing the product and it’s great to think that there is a team also working within Fonterra that can direct that product to where the best return comes from."
Another aspect Raewyn and Michael appreciate is the connection to the many different skill sets within the Co-op who, she says, "would be there for whenever support was required. This is the value of the Co-operative."
"It’s in everyone’s best interests within the Co-op to ensure that no matter the situation faced, our farms get back on their feet and continue to provide great quality milk."
The couple appreciate their local Farm Source team and the support they provide, says Raewyn. Whenever they are making changes on-farm or have technical questions or compliance-related questions they give their Co-operative Services Area Manager a call and he’s "generally got the answers". If he hasn’t, he’s always got the right person to put Raewyn in touch with.
Raewyn also provides the example of the Sustainable Dairy Advisors and the tools they have to assist farmers with. "Each farm is treated on its own merits, and they can advise on how to go about things, for example, Farm Environment Plans. But they also appreciate that all farms are unique in layout and tailor advice to fit the needs of the farm."
Raewyn is also a believer in The Co-operative Difference, which she says "is a great motivator to stay at the top of your game, and sets the challenge for your farm team to strive for."
Having a Farm Environmental Plan or an Animal Health Plan in place are the kind of things she and Michael were already doing on-farm, but being part of the programme meant that those were things now recognised.
"With The Co-operative Difference payments available it encourages more focus around the quality of milk that's going in the vat. Encouragement towards keeping cell counts low and making sure that your plant is running efficiently, and your plant hygiene is meeting the requirements - it sets a target. If you give a farmer a challenge, it’s generally motivation to rise to the challenge. You give it a good crack anyway."
Success starts with your farm.
If you’d like to talk to us about your relationship with Fonterra, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to your local Co-operative Services Area Manager.
Or if you’re considering joining Fonterra, organise a catch-up with one of our team.