Young Country: Carlos Reid

Young Farmers are the future of New Zealand agriculture, so each month we shine a spotlight on a Young Farmers Club member. Today we chat to Coastal Taranaki member Carlos Reid.

1. What is the name of your club, and how long have you been a member?

I’ve been part of Coastal Young Farmers for eight years and have been club chair for the past year and a half.

2. What has been the highlight for you of joining Young Farmers? What are the benefits and experiences that have helped you most?

Definitely the people you meet along the way. Most Young Farmers members are decent people, and getting to know them, interacting, and forming new friendships has been the biggest highlight for me.

3. How did you become involved in agriculture?

I mainly got into farming through family and work experience.

4. What is your job now? Tell us about your role and your journey so far. If you are farming, please tell us about your operation.

I’ve been farming for nine years and managing for the past four. I’m currently on a 500-cow dairy farm, milking mainly KiwiCross cows through a 50-bail rotary.

5. What do you think the future of farming will look like, and what would you like to see happening in New Zealand agriculture going forward?

The future of farming is looking tough for a lot of young people starting out. Between never-ending regulations and fewer opportunities than there used to be, it definitely has its challenges and can be hard to push through at times.

6. What are your future plans?

I’m hoping to get into a herd and eventually buy into a farm. I honestly couldn’t see myself wanting to do anything else.

7. Who has been your biggest inspiration in agriculture, and why?

A big shout-out to our club vice-chair, Rhiannon Whelen. She’s been a good friend to me, and I really appreciate her support and friendship.

Nomination

Carlos does a great job extending our club into the wider community. He regularly organises catch-ups with other clubs, has started a monthly community potluck, and recently organised a skills day — even lining up a digger for people to have a drive.

Coastal Taranaki is a pretty quiet club that just gets on with it, so it’s been awesome to see more collaboration happening between clubs.