Tai Whiteside
Rotorua,BOP
Summary
A seasoned Dairy Farm Manager with a proven track record at Osbourne Farms Ltd, I excel in enhancing milk production and herd health through advanced genetic selection and efficient feed management strategies. My leadership fosters teamwork and effective communication, driving significant improvements in productivity and animal welfare standards. In managing daily farm operations and ensuring livestock health. Successfully implemented cost-effective feeding programs and improved milk production quality.
I have also entered the Ahu-Whenua young Māori farmer of the year before & am currently entered into the Dairy NZ Awards for Manager of the Year for Central Plateau.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Dairy Farm Manager
Longacres Farms
Rotorua, BOP
05.2023 - Current
- Improved herd health with regular monitoring, vaccinations, and timely veterinary consultations.
- Managed dairy farm personnel for effective task delegation, scheduling, and overall productivity.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, complying with industry regulations to ensure quality product output.
- . Managed waste disposal processes according to environmental regulations, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems .
- Oversaw pasture management activities such as seeding, fertilizing, mowing, and irrigation system maintenance .
- Reduced calf mortality rates through proper care and management of newborn calves.
- Enhanced milk production by implementing efficient animal nutrition and feeding strategies.
- . Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for professional development in the dairy industry .
- Implemented preventive maintenance measures on farm equipment, reducing downtime and repair costs.
- Established record-keeping systems to track livestock data for better decision-making in herd management practices.
- Reviewed soil fertility reports to develop customized crop rotation plans that maximized nutrient availability while minimizing erosion risks .
- . Created a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between employees at various levels within the organization .
- Optimized milking processes to increase efficiency while maintaining animal welfare standards.
- Delegated tasks and gave direction to team of Number employees within dairy department.
- Inspected and repaired equipment for livestock and crop management.
- Wrote and improved SOPs to maintain consistency across shifts and work areas.
Dairy Farm Manager
Osbourne Farms Ltd
Opotiki, BOP
06.2016 - 05.2023
- Improved herd health with regular monitoring, vaccinations, and timely veterinary consultations.
- Managed dairy farm personnel for effective task delegation, scheduling, and overall productivity.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, complying with industry regulations to ensure quality product output.
- . Managed waste disposal processes according to environmental regulations, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems .
- Oversaw pasture management activities such as seeding, fertilizing, mowing, and irrigation system maintenance .
- Reduced calf mortality rates through proper care and management of newborn calves.
- Coordinated with vendors to negotiate pricing on feed, supplies, equipment purchases, and services rendered to the farm.
- Enhanced milk production by implementing efficient animal nutrition and feeding strategies.
- . Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for professional development in the dairy industry .
- Implemented preventive maintenance measures on farm equipment, reducing downtime and repair costs.
- Established record-keeping systems to track livestock data for better decision-making in herd management practices.
- . Created a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between employees at various levels within the organization .
- Optimized milking processes to increase efficiency while maintaining animal welfare standards.
- Developed strategic breeding programs for continuous herd improvement in both genetics and productivity.
- Delegated tasks and gave direction to team of Number employees within dairy department.
- Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste.
- Inspected and repaired equipment for livestock and crop management.
2IC Manager
Osbourne Farms Ltd
Opotiki, BOP
06.2013 - 05.2023
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication channels, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Improved team productivity by streamlining daily operations and implementing efficient processes.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Dairy Farm Assistant
Whakatohea Maori Trust Board
Opotiki, BOP
06.2011 - 05.2012
- Enhanced milk production by implementing efficient milking techniques and ensuring proper handling of dairy cows.
- Assisted in breeding programs by managing heat detection and artificial insemination processes for optimal results.
- Increased farm efficiency by maintaining and repairing various farm equipment, including tractors and milking machines.
Education
Level 4 - Agriculture
Primary ITO
Rotorua Level 3 - Agriculture
Primary ITO
Waimana, BOP12.2012
Diploma - Hairdressing
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Rotorua 07.2011
Diploma - Agriculture
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Rotorua, BOP02.2011
Skills
- Animal health monitoring
- Record keeping
- Genetic selection
- Animal welfare standards
- Milking system operation
- Dairy herd management
- Dairy department management
- Farm equipment operation
- Relationship building and management
- Communication and leadership
- Reproductive management techniques
- Breeding program management
- Feed management strategies
- Standard operating procedures
- Staff management
- Task delegation
- Animal behavior observation
- Livestock management
- Dairy team management
- Milk production operations
- Feed management
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
Timeline
Dairy Farm Manager
Longacres Farms
05.2023 - Current
Dairy Farm Manager
Osbourne Farms Ltd
06.2016 - 05.2023
2IC Manager
Osbourne Farms Ltd
06.2013 - 05.2023
Dairy Farm Assistant
Whakatohea Maori Trust Board
06.2011 - 05.2012
Level 4 - Agriculture
Primary ITO
Level 3 - Agriculture
Primary ITO
Diploma - Hairdressing
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Diploma - Agriculture
Waiariki Institute of Technology