EMPOWERED AND ENGAGED
Our Team
Empowering and developing our people is important to us. Our team play a significant role in identifying opportunities to continuously improve what we do and how we do it, helping to make our business better every day. We value the ideas and contribution our farmers make to creating a sustainable, leading farming business. We strive to create an enjoyable, empowered and engaged workplace.
Our people share our values. They are positive, accountable, take pride in their work, show initiative and leadership, care about our animals, environment, team and farm, and strive to achieve their personal best in everything they do. They challenge the status quo, and enjoy being involved in decision making and taking responsibility for outcomes. They share our passion and vision for an innovative, sustainable, high performing, enjoyable and continuously improving farming.
Meet Our Farmers
Dion
About Dion
Hi I'm Dion. I have been with Grassmere Dairy since 2021. This is my first farm working with modern tech on farm. I have run the Bodmin shed for 2 seasons full time, running 500 cows. If I'm not in the dairy shed, you'll find me in the tractors most of the time! I have a stunning little son who adores the cows.
Dion
Katy
About Katy
Hi, I'm Katy. I am the manager of Grassmere Estate. My husband Rob and our 11 year old son have worked at Grassmere for 8 years. We love the progressive thinking and future planning Grassmere provides and are excited to see where the future with Grassmere will take us. In our spare time you will find us in the bush, beach and camping.
Katy
Jana
About Jana
Hi, I am Jana and I am married to my amazing husband Mat. Together we have three gorgeous children Benjamin, Gabrielle and Annabelle. I support our team and farm business, I am the founder of The LeanFarm Project, the author of The Lean Dairy Farm and my latest project is getting our Agri-tourism business up and running! In my non existent "spare time" I love having fun with the kids, travelling and exploring new places, gardening (well mainly weeding!) and spending time with family and friends.
Jana
Jaya
About Jaya
Hi I am Jayantha. I have a beautiful family with two kids. My career started in Sales and Marketing and in 2013 we moved to NZ for my wife's Masters studies. I have worked with Grassmere for 10 years and have since completed my Primary ITO Level 4. I enjoy listening to music and travelling. I also like connecting with and helping other people. I enjoy new changes and opportunities.
Jaya
Kohner
About Kohner
Hi, I'm Kohner. I work between both of the dairy farms at Grassmere. I enjoy a challenge and running both farms by myself, and pushing myself to be the best. My interests are video games, are and photography.
Kohner
Kevin
About Kevin
I have recently celebrated 25 years at Grassmere Dairy!
Kevin
Mat
About Mat
Hi I'm Mat. My wife Jana and I have been farming here since 2013 and the Hocken family has been farming this land since 1890. We have two daughters Annabelle and Gabrielle, and one son Benjamin. I love all things agri: the people in the sector, the privilege of living and working on the land, the innovation and technology of agriculture today and in the future, and improving our team, the business and the farm every season.
Mat
Richard
About Richard
My name is Richard Coogan. I was born in Feilding in the Manawatu. I grew up mainly in the northern Wairarapa near Eketahuna on a dairy farm with three brothers and two sisters. I have been with Grassmere Dairy milking cows for 20 years! I also work helping my father out around the house.
Richard
Rob
About Rob
Rob
Ross
About Ross
Hi I'm Ross. I am a 4th generation farmer and have been farming since leaving school. I converted the family farm from sheep, beef and crop to dairy 45 years ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed farming and it has been wonderful to see the growth and to be able to continue the family legacy with the 5th generation.
Ross
Our Safety for people and animals
We take safety seriously. Safety of our team, families, visitors to our farms and our animals is our first priority. While farms are a wonderful work environment they can also be dangerous. There are multiple hazards and risks on every farm. Anyone joining our team or visiting our farms must become familiar with our safety policies and hazards on our farms. Please watch this safety video to understand the safety rules and hazards on our farms.