Westmorland Estate Highlights Teamwork in Award-Winning Dairy Operations
Westmorland Estate Ltd, a company operating three dairy farms in Waikato, New Zealand, recently held its annual awards luncheon to recognize the achievements of its team. Owned by David and Sue Fish, the company employs twelve staff members from various international backgrounds. The awards ceremony highlighted the farm's commitment to teamwork and excellence in the dairy industry.
This year's awards celebrated farms producing top-performing cows, the highest quality milk, and the best-reared calves. Notably, the Westmorland team, including Dries Verrycken, Paola Verrycken, and several others, received accolades for best cows and lowest somatic cell count. The Sandhurst team was recognized for the best calves, while the Somerset team earned the award for the lowest empty rate.
Westmorland Estate's operations manager, Dries Verrycken, remarked on the company's growth from a small team to a multicultural powerhouse. He emphasized the importance of pride, professionalism, and care for the land and animals. The company operates on a 5x2 roster, ensuring a balance between work and personal life, which is integral to its philosophy.
The awards ceremony was supported by several sponsors, including Rabobank, Fonterra, and DairyNZ, among others. According to Verrycken, these partnerships are built on trust and a shared passion for dairy farming, with sponsors being considered part of the Westmorland team.
Organized by HR manager Paola Verrycken, the awards luncheon is a significant event for the estate. Sue Fish highlighted the role of strong relationships and teamwork in the company's success, stating that the achievements of 2026 reflect the dedication and pride of the Westmorland team.
Westmorland Estate's approach to dairy farming underscores the power of strong relationships and values, leading to notable results in the industry. The company remains committed to fostering an environment where team members can thrive both professionally and personally.
