Southland supervisor an experienced equity partner

MyFarm Southland supervisor, Terry Carr knows well the needs of managers and investors in dairy farm syndicates.

After more than 15 years sharemilking, in 2005 Terry and his wife Jacqui and four other investors formed a dairy farm syndicate (equity partnership) in an 850-cow South Otago farm. Terry and Jacqui have since moved from their initial role as hands-on equity managers and the partnership now employs a contract milker on a 1200 cow unit.

Terry believes equity management is an increasingly attractive option for young people wanting to own their own land.

”Over time I believe  equity partnerships will take over 50/50 share milking contracts in areas like Southland and Canterbury where the herds are larger. There will be more hybrid type contracts with easier entry and exit clauses and equity management will be an important vehicle for people to grow within the industry and eventually achieve farm ownership.”

Ironically his own step up to farm ownership through a syndicate has also freed up more of his time and led him to the new role with MyFarm.

“I’m at the stage now where I want to get out of the cowshed but I’ve got a passion for dairying and development and helping young guys out. I love working out the best way of making a dollar in their business.”

As Southland farm supervisor Terry is supervising 12 Southland farm syndicates working closely with MyFarm operations manager, Grant Payton and equity managers focussing on achieving business goals and regular reporting and communication with shareholders.

“Syndicates run very smoothly when everyone knows and understands the goals of shareholders and when everything is well documented and well planned.”