Sharefarming risks highlighted in workshop

I’m writing this off the back of a series of successful events Federated Farmers has hosted around the country for sharefarmers and sharefarm owners. I was the host for the Waimate event which was well attended by farmers in a range of different stages of their careers, along with a passionate supportive bunch of rural professionals. We had a fab crew of local Feds execs too, with Jimmy and Otto speaking on the panel for sharefarmers and sharefarm owners. An interesting day with lots of good conversation and advice from all who attended.

It was a timely event, as many are currently seeking their next farm or team. We centred the event around managing risks, risks to sharemilkers and to farm owners. We aimed to give each party the perspective of the other to help each other understand what might be driving choices and discussions on-farm. Some of the tips and tricks shared follow below.

• Do your homework — once an interview is booked, ask local professionals and past employers/employees about the farm and its management style. This is not just to see if they are good people but to also check that your values align.

• Values — take the time to really think about what your non-negotiables are, do they align with the person you are partnering with? Do you want a low input system? (Then a system 5 experience sharemilker might not be the best fit and vice versa).

• Assumptions are the root of all issues! Never assume the other person knows what you mean or expect — do you require the sharemilker to write a weekly report and what do you want to know from it?

Do you have off-farm commitments that the owner would need to know about? Fire service etc.

• Prepare questions and a checklist before you attend the meeting, especially important if you are to develop budgets from that information. Don't be afraid to call back for clarification on something.

• DO YOUR NUMBERS, then do them again. Ask for help from rural professionals. Don't accept rough figures and estimates on costs. Ask outgoing sharemilkers for their numbers. Clarify any questions you have. Use the DairyNZ Contract Milker Premium Calculator if going CM — you need to be paid for the added risk you are taking on.

• Don’t feel pressured to sign, both parties need to ask their lawyers for advice on contracts if unsure, especially if using a non-Federated Farmers contract. Ideally push to use a Feds contract where possible to ensure you have the legal advice, plus they have been worked out over years with input from both SM and owners.

• Don’t be a dick! When you do end a relationship on a farm don’t make life harder for each other and the incoming person. The way you leave a relationship is a long-term advert in the community. Farming is a small world, people hear how people are treated and it will have an impact on future job opportunities or future SM/CM prospects for the farm.

So many more bits of advice were shared, especially through discussion in the room.

At the end of the day, the most effective way to attract the best people to team up with is be the best in your current situation and set yourself up for success with good planning and homework.

The perfect farm and relationship is out there for everyone, so let’s hope all looking find their unicorn this year and go on to succeed together. Remembering always, together we rise, divided we fall.

Good luck in your quest and don't hesitate to reach out to your local Feds exec for help and advice.