Teamwork key to success for Tararua business award winners

Simon and Elle Joblin in their Greenhill Station woolshed hold the trophy recognising them as winners of the 2018 Tararua Sheep and Beef Farm Business of the Year, presented by Stuart Cowan, a director of chief sponsor Rural Aerial Co-op Ltd.

Having a robust business plan which is a living document, great teamwork and the preparedness to seek advice were three key factors in Simon and Elle Joblin of Greenhill Station winning the 2018 Tararua Sheep and Beef Business of the Year, according to speakers at the station woolshed on Friday, April 27.

They were talking to a crowd of 150 farmers and industry representatives at the end of a six-hour farm tour of Greenhill Station during which the operation of the business was explained in detail by Simon and Elle.

Speaking for BakerAg, a sponsor and facilitator for the day, Chris Garland said there "was no more positive and effective learning experience on the farming calendar" than a field day like this.

The importance of setting up a business plan and implementing it was highlighted as a vital strategy which in addition to helping achieve goals, also attracts people and finance.
Simon and Elle were described as a great team which "combined different strengths to move in the same direction".

The fourwheelers assemble for the tour.

Their excellent relationship with equity partners Charlie and Karla Matthews was also commended and seen as a great asset.

"Simon and Elle had proved themselves every step of the way and had developed huge trust in the equity relationship," said Chris.

ANZ representative and one of the judges, Sean Stafford, said the couple had entered the competition several years before and he was "blown away by the progress they had made since then".

He said repeatable profitability was critical in an equity partnership and Greenhill Station was performing way above the average. He said Greenhill's example proved "sheep and beef operations can return a profit".

He concluded saying Greenhill was "one of the more impressive businesses he had judged in his six years".

Some of the 130 strong farming crowd attending the Greenhill Station Field Day at the conclusion of the farm tour.

In reply the couple thanked the ANZ organisers for resurrecting the competition six years ago, thanking the sponsors for their support and all the people who had helped them along the way. As to advice for those starting out in the industry, Simon said to just go out and improve yourself, ensuring people see what you are capable of and Elle advised "never say never".