Trust your TSR for the right technical advice: Brad Cockrell’s story

For Brad Cockrell, running a 320-hectare dairy farm between Mercer and Mangatāwhiri with 900 cows at peak milk is all about trust and partnership. 

Farming an extensive area of flat peat requires careful attention and a lot of trust in your systems, says Brad who says he thrives on tailored solutions and trusted relationships to ensure all works as it should.

Brad notes one of his key partners in success is Farm Source Technical Sales Representative (TSR) Mel Leefe, whose local expertise and personalised advice have become invaluable in helping him manage his farm inputs.

Tailored advice that makes a difference

Brad describes his farm operation as a ‘high-octane system’ requiring careful management to ensure optimal performance. One of the most critical aspects of his operation is pasture renewal. With Mel’s guidance, Brad has developed a pasture renewal program that ensures his farm remains productive year-round.

“Our program here is that we crop out about 14% of our farm every year,” Brad explains. “Every eight years, we should be circulating back into a new species of grass. We mostly crop with chicory, although we’ve tried turnips for the first time this year. We don’t experiment much with grasses; we like a diploid grass because we’re on a peat farm, so it’s weed-friendly.”

He says Mel’s expertise has been instrumental in helping him select the right pasture seeds and plan his renewal system. Together, they’ve worked to identify the best grass varieties for his farm, such as Legion grass, which performs well on his platform. 

“I appreciate Mel’s ability to provide tailored advice that aligns with my farm’s specific needs, including selecting shorter-heading grasses that flower before the summer heat, allowing them to re-establish before the dry season.”

Local knowledge backed by solid relationships

For Brad, the value of working with Mel goes beyond technical advice – it’s the safety of the trusted relationship they have built over the years.

Mel’s local knowledge and hands-on approach have made her an integral part of the farming operation, he says.

“Mel’s massive for us because when you’ve got your head down and you’re busy, she’s out checking the crops, seeing what’s working and what’s not,” Brad says. “This year, cutworm has been an issue, and I didn’t even know until Mel came to me and shared that. Then we could make a plan to protect the crops.”

Mel’s honesty and commitment to finding the best solutions for Brad’s farm have earned his trust. 

“If she doesn’t know the answer to my question, she does her homework and comes back with a solution,” Brad notes. 

A team approach equals success

A typical farm visit from Mel involves walking the paddocks, checking crops, and discussing potential solutions with Brad. “If I’m around, it’s always a learning opportunity for me,” he says.

“Farming is so diverse—you’ve got to be a mechanic, a chemist, an animal health expert. But you can’t specialise in everything. That’s why it’s so important to have people in your circle of trust.”

As well as her expertise in pasture, Mel helps Brad with spray recommendations, ensuring that every aspect of the planting journey is optimised for success. “It’s about the time you get back when someone is there to help you make all of these decisions,” Brad says.

“That’s those in our circle of trust, and they help us run this farm to a high level.”

Collaboration among farmers is a must

Brad believes that every farmer can benefit from working with their local Farm Source TSR. “It’s impossible to specialise in everything as a farmer,” he says. “You’ve got to have a broad understanding, but that specialist knowledge and expertise bring real value on-farm.”

Mel echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of building relationships and understanding each farm’s unique challenges. “When you get out on the farm, you see a farmer in their world, and it makes problem-solving at a farm level much more impactful,” she says. “Something that works on Brad’s farm in Mercer won’t necessarily work on the Āwhitu Peninsula or Ness Valley. That local knowledge ensures the best approach for each farm.”

For farmers who don’t currently utilise their local TSR, Brad has simple advice: “Put trust in people to help run your business. Farming is all about relationships, and when something goes wrong, you need people who will back you up.”

Brad’s partnership with Mel and Farm Source highlights the power of collaboration, trust, and tailored advice in achieving sustainable and profitable farming. From pasture renewal to daily purchasing decisions, their teamwork ensures that Brad’s farm continues to thrive, season after season.