Olin Greenan on developing his dairy farming career in New Zealand over the last 20 years

Irishman Olin Greenan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how his dairy farming career has developed in New Zealand. Olin recalls the decision to travel to New Zealand for one year after he finished his degree in agriculture and how that developed into a twenty-year farming career from farm assistant to farm manager, contract milker and now 50:50 share milker. Olin explains that early on in New Zealand he was struck by the clear progression pathway for someone interested in dairy farming and the access to finance required to own your own cows. He also outlines the challenges he has faced including periods of low milk pay out and managing people.  During low milk pay out, business growth was stagnant.  When managing people, he says, there is a balance in creating a good working relationship but also providing a clear boundary and line of command on the farm. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com