Connecting the next generation of farming
As Board Chair of New Zealand Young Farmers, Chloe is enthusiastic about fostering, nurturing, and retaining generations within the sector.
Her mates call her ‘Dairy for Life’ as a joke, but they’re not wrong. “I’m passionate about co-operatives, I understand the challenges they have and the value they bring.”
Chloe was born and raised in Putāruru, South Waikato, her dad worked at the nearby Fonterra Lichfield site and mum was a hairdresser (she now manages operations for the family farms).
Chloe says she feels fortunate to have had a rural upbringing. “I went to the local country school, Te Waotu, and later Cambridge High School.”
When she left Massey University as an AgriScience Graduate, Chloe considered heading back to farming. “I had dabbled in relief milking and farm work for years, mainly on dairy farms, and goat farms some of the time too.”
Keen to investigate what was ‘on the other side of the farm gate’, Chloe joined Farm Source as a graduate. “It was challenging but gave me a great understanding of Fonterra’s processes.”
Over the next few years, she moved to Invercargill, and then Palmerston, Otago where she took up the role of Area Manager.
When a position came up in Farming Operations in the Upper North Island, Chloe decided it was time to move home. “The role felt completely out of my league, but it was within a space I love and one I am so passionate about – farming.”
As Regional Farm Operations Manager, Chloe works within New Zealand Farming Operations, Dairyfert, and Proliq teams to oversee farms in Northland (Kauri), Cambridge (Hautapu) and Hamilton (Te Rapa), totalling around 15 different blocks.
“My role is to oversee these farms, ensuring we spread by-product from nearby sites and farm each system the best way we can, whether that’s dairy cows, heifer replacement grazing, beef grazing, or cut and carry of silage and crops. I have a great team of three farm managers and a wider team working with them.”
Being a farmer isn’t just ‘milking cows’, it is grass management, accounting, having relationship skills with local reps, understanding milk quality, animal health – the list goes on. There are jobs here for everyone, no matter the skill.
Chloe was introduced to NZYF by a workmate ten years ago. “I went along to Piarere Young Farmers in Tīrau, and I’ve never looked back. It’s allowed me to connect with likeminded people everywhere I’ve moved and build connections, some of which will be around for life.”
As Board Chair, Chloe is focused on creating a positive culture inside and outside the boardroom and works closely with the CEO to ensure NZYF has a strategy for success. “Our vision is for young people to influence and contribute to the success of the food and fibre sector for generations to come.”
NZYF clubs are open to anyone wanting to engage or learn more, even if you’re not a farmer, she says. “If you have a connection to the industry or an association to our food and fibre sector, then reach out to your local club. It’s a place to connect with like-minded people.”
While the opportunities are there for those who want to grow and develop, Chloe says there are challenges facing young people entering the industry. “Location isolation, team dynamics, cashflow and entry into business or farm ownership is tough, paired with the ever-changing pace of the industry and compliance that comes with it.”
She also says there is a need to change the mindset of those outside the industry. “Being a farmer isn’t just ‘milking cows’, it is grass management, accounting, having relationship skills with local reps, understanding milk quality, animal health – the list goes on. There are jobs here for everyone, no matter the skill.”
Chloe says the Co-operative is getting behind young farmers through their Doing Good Together programme, by partnering with organisations like the Rural Support Trust and Surfing for Farmers to keep rural communities resilient and thriving.
“I think it’s great to support our young farmers in our communities to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, to reduce isolation and improve connection.”
Outside of work you can find Chloe in the outdoors, running or supporting mates playing rugby, or playing squash at her local club in Tokoroa. “I also like to help out on the dairy farms when the team needs a hand.”
For a humble Kiwi, Chloe says it’s hard to say what her proudest achievement is so far. “Honestly, it’s being able to bring myself to different roles, making sure I bring my authentic self to them and not changing for other people. Sometimes it’s hard to be the outlier or speak up, but I do it in a way that remains true to myself. I’m proud of that.”