The role of farm supervisors of multiple dairy farms

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.Growth in the size of herds, multiple farm ownership and 'distance' of owners from farms has given rise to the role of multiple-farm supervisor. This report examines what supervisors do and what they offer their employers. Supervisors spend a lot of time planning, implementing and adjusting plans and budgets, working closely with farm managers to ensure owners' goals are achieved. These supervisors offer their owners the skills of a superb manager, along with intangible factors (e.g. focus, confidence) that augment the application of those skills across large scale multiple farm businesses. They have the opportunity to spread their experience over multiple profit centres and to grow farm manager ability and even intuition. The role has scope, then, to impact on the business's profit, smooth running and reputation. Technological or personnel support for supervisors that frees up their time from the mundane; personal development as needed (e.g. governance, human resources); relational support (e.g. network, mentoring); and communication and strategies from the business owner that help convey the value of the person in this supervisory role will all be investments that benefit the business and the industry