I farm: ‘‘330 acres in a milk production partnership with my father, Corney. We own over 98 acres but the rest is rented. We milk 196 cows and rear all our own replacements. Sixty per cent of the cows are spring-calving and the rest are autumn-calving. Over 95% of the cows are Holstein Friesian but there are Jersey crosses in there too. The cows are averaging 25 litres; butterfat is at 3.89 and protein 3.23.’’

This week: ‘‘We started spring breeding two weeks ago. Sixty per cent of cows have already been artificially inseminated. We’re using sexed semen this year as an experiment. We have Hereford, Angus and Simmental mop-up bulls. This week, we’re spreading slurry on grazed paddocks and we have a few paddocks sprayed off for reseeding.’’

CAP: ‘‘The new CAP will hurt. I fall into the ‘old’ new farmer category. Installation aid was suspended when I started, so I don’t qualify for the 25% top-up which is disappointing as I’m only 28. But it’s important to encourage young lads to farm so it’s fair that they get a helping hand. I don’t have an issue with level payments.’’

Young Farmer: ‘‘Last year, I won the FBD Young Farmer of the Year award; it was really beneficial to do and extremely challenging. I learnt a lot going through the interview process. There was a panel of six who looked at your system in a lot of detail, both in its physical and financial performance. Because I farm in partnership, I thought I would be at a major disadvantage, but being able to show where the farm was at when you got involved, and how you have made positive changes to bring it to where it is today is important. Clear targets and goals for the future are vital. They get you thinking about what you’re doing and you have to be able to tell the panel why you do it.’’

Family: ‘‘I’m married to Marguerite and I farm in partnership with my parents, Corney and Sheila. My younger sister, Ann, is also a great help to us on the farm.’’

Quotable quote: ‘‘It is important that young people should strive to achieve the best they can. I encourage young farmers to take part in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition. You should already know your current performance and your goals for the future; these are the foundations to doing well in the competition. Young farmers who are serious about their business need to constantly challenge themselves.’’