Nithmount Farm Cow 494 affectionately nuzzles 2024 New Zealand dairy trainee of the year Kirwyn Ellis.
The encounter in a paddock on Hamish and Sharee Germann’s 130ha dairy farm – nestled between Mt Pirongia and Mt Kakepuku in the Waipā district – illustrates how Ellis, 20, cares for his herd and its environment.
Kirwyn Ellis, New Zealand’s dairy trainee of the year, on the Pirongia farm where he gets to soak up his knowledge. Photo: Chris Gardner.
The fifth generation Pirongia farmer has been at it for as long as he can remember takes his roles in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and conservation, very seriously.
He knows he must if his family is to continue to thrive by making a living off the land.
In his two seasons on Nithmount Farms Number Two, named after the River Nith in Canada where the Germanns hailed from and Mt Pirongia, Ellis has helped shepherd a riparian planting scheme.
Around 2000 plants, grown by Pirongia Primary School through the Trees for Survival Trust, have been planted on the farm’s 1.5km waterway to filter nutrients and sediments.
“It’s pretty cool for the kids to learn about the plants,” he said.
“They learn about the whole process of the plant. That guardianship of the land is really important to me. I believe in leaving the land in a better condition than what you found it in.”
Twenty years ago, Ellis would have been labelled a greenie.
Kirwyn Ellis with the Nithmount Farm Number 2 herd
“I think things have changed,” he said. “There’s more of an understanding. Farmers have always cared for the environment that they have farmed in.”
Ellis won the award earlier this month. Described by judges as a relaxed, thoughtful, and mature young man who absorbs knowledge from those around him, he is a strong team player with a heart for his community.
He excelled across all categories, demonstrating effective communication skills. He maintains a good work-life balance and enjoys outdoor activities. Judges praised him as a down-to-earth farmer who genuinely cares for others and serves as a role model for the industry.
Ellis grew up on his parents Malcolm and Jody Ellis’s 150ha family dairy farm five minutes down the road in Pirongia attending Pirongia and Rukuhia primary schools and St Peter’s School in Cambridge. Grandparents John and Ann are also dairy farmers.
Nithmount Farm Number Two sits between Mt Kakapuku pictured and Mt Pirongia.
The Germanns, sixth generation farmers – currently milking 475 cows – picked Ellis as their herd manager two seasons ago having known his family forever.
“It’s all I ever wanted to do,” Ellis said.
“I can’t pinpoint one moment when I became interested in farming. Mum and Dad were more than happy to take me out on the farm. I’m sure I got in the way.”
Ellis has been building on that foundation, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, ever since.
“The whole soaking up knowledge thing has been a real focus of mine.,” Ellis said.
“I have made so many connections in the local community, as a result people have been more than willing to pass knowledge on. A rising tide rises all boats.”
Hamish Germann, left, with Kirwyn Ellis with Nithmount Farm riparian planting
Ellis works closely with the Germanns and one other staff member on farm.
Farm management is a team effort.
“I really love the role that I am in, there’s a lot of support and affirmation in the role. There’s the opportunity to take on as much responsibility as you want to.”
He is also a member of Te Kawa West Young Farmers’ Club whose members meet regularly for netball and touch rugby, as well as monthly meetings.
Ellis received several awards, including the Federated Farmers General Farming Knowledge Award and the DeLaval Community and Industry Involvement Award, along with nearly $12,000 in prizes.
“It’s pretty bloody good,” said his boss Hamish Germann of the win. “We are very proud of him for what he’s achieved in the short time that he’s been here.”
Pirongia farmer Kirwyn Ellis is the New Zealand dairy trainee of the year. He was presented with his award at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Queenstown.
