As dairy farmers hit the most critical point of the season, Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean is urging farmers to pause and take stock – because this is when fatigue, burnout and safety risks start to bite.
“Everyone thinks the start of calving is the toughest part, but it’s actually the tail-end of calving and the lead-up to mating – right around peak milk – when tiredness really starts to creep in,” Karl says. “These couple of months are make or break. What happens now sets the foundation for your farm’s performance next year, so it’s vital to have your team functioning well. This period really tests the resilience of dairy teams and how well a farm business is led.”
Long hours, physical demands, and the mental load of daily decision-making all take their toll.
“If you’re not actively managing fatigue and watching for signs of burnout, mistakes can happen – from animal health slips to serious safety incidents,” Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says.
The North Canterbury 50:50 sharemilker says good planning and strong communication are key. “You’ve got to make sure the team’s still firing. That might mean tweaking rosters, building in recovery time, or just sitting down and checking in with people properly,” he says.
“Sometimes we get so focused on production that we forget the people side of the job. But if your team’s not feeling supported or they’re running on empty, performance will slip.”
It’s not just about looking after your staff either; owners and managers need to be mindful of their own wellbeing. Karl encourages farm leaders to take short breaks off-farm if they can, especially around late spring when pressure peaks.
“Get off-farm for a couple of days and go for a fish or a hunt. Just clear your head. You’ll come back with a better perspective and more energy – and that rubs off on the whole team,” he says. “That time away doesn’t have to be a full-on holiday. Even a weekend off with the phone handed over to a trusted team member can help break the cycle of exhaustion.”
Karl also emphasises the importance of involving your team in decision-making and setting time aside for meaningful conversations. “When people feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to go the extra mile. You don’t need a formal meeting – just 10 minutes over a cuppa to talk about what’s coming up can make a big difference.”
As farms gear up for mating and peak production, Karl says it’s a good time to reset the tone around health and safety. “Keep it simple: tidy up laneways, check your gear, make sure everyone knows the plan. You want people thinking clearly, not rushing or second-guessing.
“Ultimately, spring success isn’t just about the numbers in the vat – it’s about people working well together, safely and sustainably,” he says. “If you look after your team now, including yourself, you’ll set the farm up for a strong season. Don’t just power through. Make it a priority to lead well.”
Talk to your farm advisory team for support or call Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646.