Workshop for dairy heartache
South Taranaki dairy farmer Othmar Hebler knows all too well the pain rushing into a new business partnership can cause.
To help avoid heartache and costly mistakes, a workshop called Take Time Before You Sign is being run in Inglewood on November 30.
‘‘The event is for people applying for new positions, but also those keen to improve the relationship of an existing agreement,’’ Hebler said.
‘‘There’ll be tips on asking the right questions before you enter an agreement and for doing better due diligence.’’
Hebler is the vicechairperson of Taranaki Federated Farmers sharemilker employers’ section.
‘‘We often help pick up the pieces if relationships between farm owners and sharemilkers turn sour,’’ Hebler said.
Taranaki has almost 1700 dairy farms. On more than one third of them, milk income is split between farm owners and selfemployed operators.
They range from herdowning sharemilkers to variable order sharemilkers and contract milkers. With new positions for next season beginning to be advertised, Hebler is warning both sides against rushing in. ‘‘It is vital people take the time to build a successful relationship,’’ he said. ‘‘Herd-owning sharemilking agreements often have a three-year term and both parties need to ensure their goals align.’’
The free workshop, which runs from 10am until 1.30pm at the TET Stadium, is being organised by DairyNZ and Federated Farmers.
Federated Farmers national executive members Tony Wilding and Richard McIntyre will explain contracts and answer questions.
‘‘Failed business relationships cost both sides time and money, our aim is to help prevent that,’’ Hebler said.
Register through www.dairynz.co.nz/events or contact Federated Farmers on 06 757 3423.