The process was very involved and Ecan deciding it did not have to duplicate Synlait’s audit system was not a step back for the environment.
Dunsandel-based Woodward was the fifth farmer to sign on with Lead With Pride, in 2014.
Synlait’s flagship programme now had 50 farmers involved, out of a supply base of 200, with several more in the process of joining.
The programme meant operating to prescribed standards was “front of mind’’ throughout the year, he said.
“It makes you more switched-on rather than just tidying up when it’s needed.”
That extended to staff training, leading to everyone being more aware of what was needed.
A key requirement was ensuring all records were in place.
“You record everything to track all the changes and trends so that you can take action before issues lead to breakdowns.”
About a third of farm operations were audited by Synlait each year, at different times of the year to cover all parts.
“I think this makes farmers more engaged with it so that standards don’t drop and the dialogue with the auditors can provide practical solutions.”
Woodward, also the dairy section chairman at Canterbury Federated Farmers, said Lead With Pride was not reinventing the wheel but was adopting industry best practice, mostly based on DairyNZ research.
Ecan required farmers in areas with water quality issues to have farm environment plans and the Lead With Pride programme was effectively such a plan for farmers signed up with it and it covered a lot more than just water issues.
Those farmers received a 6c/kg MS premium payment from Synlait but Woodward said that payment alone wasn’t a reason to join.
“It is the improvements and gains right through, which save you time and more money than that. You become a pro-active farmer rather than reactive.”
A misconception was that the programme’s emphasis on staff training took away an employee’s right to think for themselves, he said.
“The objective is to the work planned so they can get it done in better time to have more time for themselves but other ideas from them having worked on other farms are encouraged if it can improve the farm operations.”
