He left school and went farming because the money was good and he enjoyed working outdoors and with the stock.
He has been dairying for seven years and has worked his way up the progression ladder and is in his fourth season as a 2IC.
He says he would like to step up to a management position if the opportunity arises.
He started farming in Manawatu then moved to Taupo but returned to Manawatu and is now working at Kairanga for Craig and Raewyne Passey, milking 515 cows on 190ha.
He is motivated to succeed by his desire to provide a great lifestyle for his partner Raewyn and daughter Emerson, 3.
He lives by the philosophy to work to live, not live to work and always enjoy life.
Joe would like to sit his HT licence so if he ever decides to switch careers he has something to fall back on.
1 What annoys you most about farming and what do you enjoy the most and why?
What really annoys me is the way townies jump to conclusions before knowing what is s really going on, as they don’t understand farming.
I enjoy working outside and with the animals. I get a lot of satisfaction from feeding the herd well and taking care of them. Having happy and healthy cows is really important to me.
2 Why dairying? What attracted you to the industry?
I was attracted to farming because I was young and enjoyed earning money. Also, farming is varied – every day is different and the variety of work and skills you learn are great. I couldn’t stand to sit in an office all day.
3 How do you see the state of the industry and future of dairying?
When I first started there were not as many rules and regulations and cows were a lot healthier. Now I see it getting harder and harder each season with farmers having to comply with more regulations. With theleria and Mycoplasma bovis around, I see dairying going downhill and these diseases will take the shine off farming for some.
4 What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing this season?
Our biggest challenge on farm this season is sub-clinical ketosis as our system is just pasture and palm kernel. Therefore, the nutrient make-up of the pasture directly affects the cows and we are reliant on it being high in energy and protein. With spring going well the pasture is improving every day.
5 If you weren’t farming, what would you be doing?
I enjoy working and tinkering around with vehicles so initially I wanted to be a mechanic before I decided to go dairy farming. In my job I still get to do that so it makes farming even more enjoyable.
