It’s been a bit of a whirlwind past few years for Ann-Kristin Loferski, a passionate dairy farmer based in West Otago, not far from the border with Southland. Her journey into the sector began when the German national arrived, ostensibly to fill a gap year and experience something of the New Zealand way of life. When the opportunity to try her hand at a working dairy farm presented itself, it proved the catalyst for her decision to remain and begin her own pathway towards the dream of one day sharemilking or owning a farm.
As co-manager at Cottesbrook Dairy, some 15 minutes from Tapanui, Ann-Kristin’s soaked up every possible opportunity to learn about the sector, discovering along the way a passion for new learning and a strong desire to work very hard to achieve her goals. When Rural South spoke with Ann-Kristin late January, she said the large dairy farming business, owned by Matt Haugh and partner Kirsten McIntyre, that she’s been working in for five years, was ticking along nicely.
“We’re just dealing with all the water coming from above, but the herd is in good condition, and we’ve enjoyed a productive milking season so far, with few animal health issues to contend with,” Ann-Kristin shares.
Dairying activity extends over several properties, with the main block home to a herd of 1,200 cows. Along with this land, another two farms act as a base for rearing the young stock. When she first stepped onto the farm, Ann-Kristin’s main responsibilities were rearing the young stock. These days, she shares responsibility for the overall operation.
Ann-Kristin also hasn’t wasted a moment, seizing opportunities to rub shoulders with other aspiring dairy farmers and learn from their experiences to date. In 2023, she entered and won the West Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year Award, receiving three merit awards in the process.
“I had intended to enter the Dairy Managers section of the award this year, but I have commitments to the Young Farmer Competition, having made the top eight for Western Southland. The competition involves having a broad knowledge of all sorts of farming situations, and judging this year is due to happen on the 7th February, with an agri-business test on the 5th February.”
“One thing I really like about farming is the rhythm of activity throughout the season with the subtle variations from one year to the next. There’s always something to be thinking about.”
Ann-Kristin says Matt and his parents have been a great support in her endeavours to learn as much as she can about good farming practice. “They’re there for me to bounce ideas off. I also attend discussion groups when these happen as a way to learn different approaches and ways of doing things.” As if this isn’t enough, Ann-Kristin has also joined the Lions Leadership programme. She’s currently second vice-president of the local club.
With such a large herd, the decision was made to introduce three mating and three calving rounds to reduce the pressure for the team at these busy times. “We now calve in three distinct phases – February early March, end of April, early May and June July. It gives us a break. It means these days we never get more than 15 or so calves born a day.”
Last June, Halter collars were introduced to the herd, and this new technology has been well-received by the herd. “Because we have a wintering barn, this has thrown up some challenges for the technology, and we’re currently working with Halter as they adapt the programme for this situation.”
In all, seven staff work on the main farm; however travel to the other properties regularly, depending on the time of the season. Farming in the district is mainly dairying with a smattering of sheep and beef on the hills. With calving about to get underway, Ann-Kristin says the farm has already welcomed an early set of twins.
“We’re gearing up for the first phase of calving to begin soon, so we’re just enjoying a relatively quieter time right now. One thing I really like about farming is the rhythm of activity throughout the season with the subtle variations from one year to the next. There’s always something to be thinking about.”
© Waterford Press Ltd 2026 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
