A century of family farming
Even as a toddler in her dad’s gumboots Megan Moore was learning the ways of the milking shed.
Youngest of three, she was always the one at calf clubs and out in the shed with dad, John Lorimer. And it’s not just the cows that are dear to Megan’s heart, the land she farms has been in her family since 1922.
“I’m the fourth generation on this farm,” she said. “Farming has been a big part of my life. I used to spend a lot of time hanging out with dad on the farm and it was always the plan to take over when he got older.”
After 20 years of nursing, including in the UK where she met her husband Gary Moore, Megan is back home.
“Gary and I took over as contract milkers in 2021 and my brother Scott is set to join us full-time on the farm next season,” said Megan. They milk 420 cows on the 140 hectare farm near Pirongia.
“Every day is different. I love being outdoors rather than being stuck in a clinic or hospital ward. The nurse in me means I have a strong focus on animal health so being able to identify a cow that’s not 100% and get them sorted is especially rewarding.”
Megan said historically in New Zealand the third generation often sold the farm, so she believes her dad is the reason the land is still in the family.
“He was really determined that he wouldn’t be the generation that gave it up.”
John’s farming philosophy has impacted Megan greatly. “Dad was also always conscious of what was on the horizon. We put in a new effluent system about five years ago, the races have been upgraded and we have fenced off all of our drains.”
“Ten hectares of the run-off have been converted to a Waikato Regional Council Reserve and they have funded some native bush planting which has been great for biodiversity.”
Megan has been learning alongside her dad for so long they hardly need to talk while they are working together.
“We can be in silence with one another but the job gets done because we have been doing it for so long.”
The farm reached Fonterra’s Te Tihi status, recognising consistently high milk quality, in 2020 and Megan wants to ensure it stays that way.
“I’m used to record keeping so it’s not a burden for me. With my background in nursing I’m used to keeping up with paperwork and managing changing regulations.”
John was taught by his dad Mawson, who was taught by his dad George, who bought the farm in 1922. Megan would love a fifth generation to eventually take over.
“Now we just have to convince one of the kids to carry on the farm. Maybe I will still be going when I’m 80 like dad, trying to get the grandkids to keep on farming.” Megan’s older brothers Andrew and Scott have children as well as Megan’s two, Nathan and Chelsea. Nathan is 11 and always keen to help with calving. He does the night checks with his dad.
“It’s exciting because he gets to go out late at night, but he is also really good at picking cows and tagging them when they are calving,” said Megan.
Even five year old Chelsea likes to tell people “I have 100 cows, they are all called Rosie.”
Megan has another important project in the pipeline. Building has just started on a new medical centre in Horotiu which she is opening with 3 doctors she worked with while she was nurse manager of Victoria Clinic for 11 years.
“We were supposed to be opening now so I could have three months in the quieter time to get it up and running.
“But it looks like it will open right slap bang at the start of calving.”