"We need to keep up with the times because if we don't, we're going to lose customers as a co-op. If we don't do it, other countries will," Josh says. "We've travelled overseas - places like Denmark - and we saw what they were already needing to do and that was 10 years ago. If other farmers have to do it in the world, why wouldn't we?"
The Sneddon's achieved the highest milk quality standard - Te Tihi - within The Co-operative Difference' framework. A recognition of their ability to sustainably produce peak quality milk, netting themselves a higher milk price. "It's an extra $12,000 in our pocket for doing it all properly," Josh says.
"Yes, the nature of dairy farming is definitely changing, there's a lot more compliance and we do have to record everything," he continues, "but it needs to be done, and the fact that Fonterra is willing to help us is even better. We've got to provide all that information to the likes of the district council anyway. For the Co-op to actually want to help us and make it so that we've got all the information is definitely a big benefit."
"For the Co-op to actually want to help us and make it so that we've got all the information is definitely a big benefit"
- Josh Sneddon, Sharemilker
Josh refers to various teams of Fonterra support services in assisting with farm environmental planning and the Fonterra Dairy Diary app for keeping farm records. "I don't see it as any extra work. We have to do it all anyway, so it's just actually making sure we get it marked off and recorded properly. We have done our Farm Environment Plan. I've done it on two farms in a row now and I had no issues at all with either of them. Both plans were done by two different sustainability advisors and both were very straightforward and easy."
The Sneddons also value their connection to their TSR. "He's on farm helping with the best decisions for the season. When it's time that we need information, we definitely see him more like when it's cropping season, we probably catch up once a month. He's coming out if we have any issues with bugs or plants not germinating or spray quality - he'll come out here and take a look and check what he can do to help. He'll also suggest different hybrids of seeds to use and try," Josh continues. "If he can't help, he puts us in contact with the people that can. Which was definitely a huge help two years ago - we had a few issues with changing the way we planted our maize, and he got Pioneer here pretty quick to help and give their advice."
Josh and Kareena contribute back to the Co-op helping other farmers to learn how to use some of the Fonterra farmer digital tools, like the Fonterra Dairy Diary app.
"Vicky Wallace, our Fonterra Area Manager, organised some farmer training sessions. My wife and I have helped with a few of these trainings for other farmers at Farm Source, helping them learn how to use the app. For the recording of the fertilisers, animal health treatments, and just getting familiar with it. Everyone's found that that training has benefited them. They've all been pretty happy with what they've gotten out of it."
Success starts with your farm. Find out more at fonterra.com/todayandtomorrow.