We make it count by using the right tools

Mike & Daphne White
Dairy farmers

Farming 390 dairy cows across 112 hectares in the Waikato, Mike and Daphne White believes some of the best decisions on farm come from good advice, trusted relationships and a willingness to learn from others. With a strong connection to his rural community and a passion for New Zealand farming, Mike values collaboration, long-term thinking and making informed decisions that support his farm's success.

Knowing your farm

For Mike, good decisions start with understanding the farm and using reliable information to guide nutrient management decisions.

‘The records that Ballance holds, like soil testing over time are valuable. There are trends over time, and we've got that information to look back on regarding what nutrients were put on at certain times, what worked and what didn't.’

Drawing on both historical farm data and specialist advice helps ensure decisions are tailored to the farm's unique needs.

‘That relationship with Ballance, that history of products going on the farm, and that knowledge of farm performance is pretty important.’

A collaborative approach to farming

For Mike, farming has always been about working together and making the most of the knowledge available.

‘There is a lot of information out there. Farming's a collaborative business. We're lucky to have cooperatives that support us – the likes of Ballance, Fonterra, DairyNZ, LIC, Farmlands, etc. They're all cooperatives, and we're not competing per se, we're competing with the world. I think there's good advice to be had out. It's free, and it's good, sound advice.’

Making the feed count

With no two seasons the same, Mike focuses on making decisions that support pasture performance when it matters most.

Using PhasedN through autumn has helped boost pasture growth by 15% and ensure feed is available when needed.

Using the right tools

Running a busy 390-cow dairy operation means finding efficiencies wherever possible. For Mike and Daphne, digital tools like MyBallance help simplify farm management and save valuable time.

Whether it's ordering fertiliser online or using the Spread Request feature to schedule applications, having access to the right tools makes it easier to keep the farm running smoothly.

‘Daphne can jump on and order what we need through MyBallance.’

Being located close to a Ballance Service Centre also gives them confidence that product and support are readily available when they need it, helping them spend less time managing logistics and more time focusing on their farm.

‘With the Ballance distribution network, the product is there when we need it.’