Christmas comes early on the farm
Annual present gives farmers a break from milking
WThe point is to give something back . . . I’d do it 10 times over. Ryan West
hen most of the country was still in bed, Ryan West was donning his father-in-law’s gumboots and heading to the dairy shed.
It was the fifth consecutive year of West’s micro-tradition of pulling voluntary milking shifts for local farmers on Christmas Day.
He said the tradition had its origins in his childhood, much of which was spent working in the milking shed on his parents’ dairy farm in the Hauraki Plains.
After his parents decided to move on to pastures new, West said he wanted to keep the tradition alive while giving back to the community.
Though he works for Fonterra’s procurement team, he said he felt a great deal of gratitude for the dairy community.
“The point is to give something back.
“We’re very lucky with what they give back to New Zealand, and what they give back in tax for schools and hospitals and all sorts of things.”
He said he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the community and a desire to continue this tradition by helping others in need, such as families with young children, people facing injuries, or those missing loved ones.
West said the tradition also had personal significance.
Four years ago, his wife’s father, who was a dairy farmer, took his own life.
West said it was in memory of his father-in-law that he donned his old pair of gumboots when heading to the milking sheds, and he hoped to raise mental health awareness in doing so.
“So I’m going to get up early before the sun, and just acknowledge him to start the day off with what he’s obviously given to the family and the girls and years — paying it forward.
“Christmas is a happy and sad time
for many. Many have lost people, or don’t have some important people in their life, so there can be mixed emotions there.”
He said his post offering help had about 20 responses, and he had a job lined up to begin at 5.30am on Christmas Day.
Each year he helps out on a different farm, and it’s hearing farmers’ stories and their passion for the industry that keeps him coming back.
“It’s just so great, and I’d do it 10 times over. Just how much they pour into getting to know you during that time in the shed, it’s such a cool experience, and I’m very grateful.”
Following the morning milking sessions, West was joining his family for a Christmas celebration at Waih¯ı Beach before spending Boxing Day with his partner’s family.