Turning farm ownership dreams into reality

Braden and Brigitte Barnes

Braden and Brigitte Barnes are 50:50 Sharemilkers in Canterbury, where they live with their three children.

“We chose farming because we love the lifestyle and working outdoors; there’s something incredibly satisfying about being in nature, connected to the land, and seeing the results of our work in real time.”

The couple began as contract milkers and gradually built-up equity through property investments.

“When the opportunity arose to purchase a large dairy herd, we received support from Braden’s family, who transferred two rental properties to us as part of a succession plan. We re-mortgaged these to help finance the purchase of the herd and have been working diligently to pay off our debts and increase equity ever since,” says Brigitte.

Along the way, Brigitte says the pair have learnt a lot about financial management, herd care, and the importance of working with advisors.

“We expect the farm we purchase will require some work and improvement, and we’re prepared to put in the hard work to get it to a place where it is both sustainable and profitable," says Brigitte Barnes

 “The goal is to have a farm that provides a steady income, allowing us to step back from the daily grind as the operation becomes more efficient, and enables us to teach our children about farming, instilling in them the same work ethic and values that have guided us.”

The pair knew entering the First Farm Award would hold them to a high level of accountability.

“Knowing our business would be judged in detail meant we had to evaluate everything we do, and back it up with results and reasoning,” says Brigitte.

Braden believes there is a clear structure to grow in the industry, from entry-level roles through to sharemilking and farm ownership.

“Knowing there’s potential to build a future for ourselves and our family through hard work makes it all the more worthwhile.”

Margaret and Cameron Bierre

Margaret and Cameron Bierre are 50:50 Sharemilkers in Te Awamutu, where they live with their three children. The pair previously won the BOP Share Farmer of the Year in 2017.

“Farming never felt like work, and it still doesn’t, 10 years later,” says first-generation dairy farmer Cameron.

“We’re creating a great product, seeing an animal grow and reach its potential, while developing and improving the land.”

He says it’s also gifted their children a childhood where they can build huts and feed calves.

“We’re able to show and teach our kids the joy of animals, the land, and the outdoors, as well as a work ethic and a passion for exploring and interacting with the natural environment.”

Achieving farm ownership requires extreme focus, dedication and sacrifice, says Cameron.

“You need to know your ‘why’ to stay resilient,” says Cameron Bierre

Along with investing and having goals, Margaret and Cameron’s advice to those on their journey towards farm ownership is clear.

“Save, save, save and invest. Hold off on the ute and new bikes. Be financially tight, very, very, tight. It really is a race to your first 100k for contract milking and first million for sharemilking.”

A key part of winning the First Farm Award for the couple is mentorship and connection.

“We want to link with landowners looking for succession options. Often, the great equity partnerships or lease- to-buy opportunities aren’t advertised, and winning this award validates that we are in the position to take up these options.”

The couple are excited for the future of the industry and look forward to being owners of a dairy farm and active within their rural community and wider dairy industry.

“The world’s demand for natural, sustainable sources of protein will only increase, and New Zealand dairy farmers are in the best position to supply what the modern consumer wants.”

Natasha and Reece Cox

Natasha and Reece Cox are 50:50 Sharemilkers in Whakamaru, Taupō where they live with their two children. The pair previously won BOP Share Farmer of the Year in 2018.

With a shared love of the outdoors, the decision to pursue farming was an obvious one.

“We love raising our kids on the farm and being part of strong rural communities. Farming keeps us challenged and focused, with plenty of rewards along the way.”

The pair entered the industry in 2011 and progressed through different roles before stepping up to manage a 1,200- cow operation in 2015. They took on a contract milking position in Tauranga in 2017, and the following year leased a 100ha support block alongside their contract milking role, before moving to Taupō in 2023.

Talking about what keeps them motivated, Reece says it’s the daily challenges and seeing positive outcomes of their decision-making.

“Whether it’s making financial progress towards farm ownership, improved herd genetics, or healthy cows coming into the shed. It’s the sense of progress and achievement that keeps pushing us forward,” Reece Cox says.

“We focus on learning and growing from challenges. It’s also reassuring to know we’re not alone, being able to share ideas and voice concerns with others in the industry provides valuable support.”

Natasha and Reece entered the First Farm Award for a chance to put their ‘five-year business plan’ into action.

“We wanted to fast-track our goal of farm ownership by working alongside top industry professionals.”

Reece says the award makes a big difference to their future.

“It’s a privilege to have the chance to connect with incredible people in the industry who will help us stay focused and move closer to farm ownership.”

The couple’s advice for anyone keen to work towards farm ownership is to take every opportunity to learn and ask questions.

“Through hard work, discipline, supportive farm owners, and teamwork, achieving farm ownership from the ground up is still possible.”