Couple ready to ride over the bumps

Times are tough for the dairy industry but Delys Cram is confident farmers will get through it, despite the challenging circumstances and low dairy payout. Photo/John Borren

Te Puke dairy farmer Delys Cram is used to planning for the worst case scenario and says it has stood her in good stead following the fallout in dairy prices.

The 49-year-old had already revised her "worst case scenario" budget several times and said it was important to plan for the future.

"I don't think any of us thought it would go so low. But it has happened before and we will get through it."

The sharemilker worked alongside Otukawa Whenua Trust with husband David on a 200-hectare property that had 540 cows and one staff member.

Mrs Cram said she was lucky to have another part-time job, off farm, but they had to work hard to survive. The couple had cut any unnecessary spending and there would certainly be no trips this year, she said.

Te Puke Young Farmers' Club secretary Jess Siemelink said their family motto was simple: "If you can get through it this season, you can get through any season."

Husband Luther, who was president of the club, was responsible for their budget and the 50/50 sharemilkers had gone for "the low end", she said.

"We shouldn't be too bad if it doesn't drop any further."

Carmen Hall