Cultivating this fundamental strength has proven invaluable for Paul Roderick’s family-run dairy farm in Queensland’s Scenic Rim.
"Dairy is a game of inches – you have to be ready all the time,” says Paul, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and Dairy Australia Board member, whose ‘laser focus’ on people development is shaping his family’s future-focused business.
Nurturing his team has enabled the family farm to expand operations and develop new skills to build a positive and productive team environment.
“Timeliness and readiness are crucial in dairy, and having a great team makes that possible. You have to put faith in people and let go a little – especially in an industry that never stops,” Paul says.
Nestled in the Fassifern Valley near Harrisville, an hour south-west of Brisbane, Paul and Linda Roderick run a 600-acre dairy farm, Roderick’s Dairy. They milk 400 Friesian cows that yield three million litres annually, with predominantly autumn/winter calving.
“Our family have been farming in Harrisville for 150 years, and while Queensland is not known for dairy farming – it’s home,” says Paul, attributing their success to strategic re-investments.
The farm employs a Partial Mixed Ration (PMR) system, combining daily feed pad use and pasture grazing, complemented by a 400 mega-litre irrigation licence, with travelling irrigators, and recently updated centre pivots.
Nurturing ‘people and cows’ a top priority
“Cows and people come first,” Paul explains.
This philosophy has guided the farm’s expansion over the last 30 years, supported by his parents, David and Gwen Roderick and two sons, Thomas and Logan.
Paul believes investment in team training, development and leadership is essential for driving on-farm efficiencies and ensuring high standards of animal welfare.
The dairy employs four full-time staff with a roster of seven casuals, and a trainee from a local high school. Five of the casual staff are vet students, including Paul’s son, Thomas and girlfriend, Natalija, who are both studying agriculture courses.
Providing guided autonomy is central to Paul’s management style, developed through industry training.
“I try to find areas where people are interested to increase their enjoyment and longevity,” he says.
“Michael, one of our full-time staff, has been with us for over 11 years, and started with good base level skills. He now focuses on breeding and cow management, which makes his job more rewarding.”
The majority of farm employees have completed Dairy Australia’s milking and mastitis course, along with Artificial Insemination (AI) programs and calf rearing and healthy heifer courses.
Paul notes that developing technical skills is sometimes easier than management skills, but both are crucial for team growth.
“Acknowledging different drivers and learning styles is key.”
The dairy’s young stock manager, Steph Van Der Westen, is a great example. Steph has thrived through various training, such as Dairy Australia’s Managing People course and Farmer Ambassador Program.
Increased responsibility – with a condensed four-day week to accommodate family life – has supported and challenged Steph, Paul explains.
It has resulted in streamlined operating procedures, regular check-ins, and improved team relationships and communication.
“We celebrate birthdays, have small social gatherings, and ensure a good work-life balance,” he adds.
Investing in team development has clear benefits.
“You can’t do everything yourself. Empowering people with knowledge builds confidence and delivers results, allowing me to step back,” Paul says.
Paul’s commitment to team development, on farm management and animal health has not only created a motivated and skilled team – but established a resilient farm business, with a sustainable and fulfilled workforce.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia provides support with employing and managing people, and building skills for successful careers in dairy farming, contact your regional team today or visit People | Dairy Australia.
