Northland farming awards a prelude to nationals

The prestigious 2008 Northland Sharemilker of the Year title went to Dean and Tania Mischeski, who won prizes worth $9600 at the Northland Dairy Industry Awards.

The Mischeski's 50 percent sharemilk 560 cows on 220 hectares for Hanerau Farms, near Maungaturoto, with milk production anticipated to be 175,000kg milk solids this season, ending May 31.

It was their first time entering the awards and they had done so to analyse their business, meet like-minded people and compare their business practices with others.

They say Dean Mischeski's extensive knowledge of dairy farming, pasture management and milk production combined with Tania Mischeski's financial background are the key strengths of their sharemilking business.

Their goals are to reduce debt and move their herd into the top five percent on breeding worth in New Zealand. They also want to move into farm ownership and look at business investments.