Leo Donkers

General Manager

I have been involved with the Camden Group since it was set up in 1994.

The key goals in setting up Camden, with my brother John, were to be involved in a large scale, irrigated dairy conversion property in Canterbury. We were very positive about having staff involved in the business back then, as we are today.

My role initially was hands on, managing the conversions and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the dairy farms. We employed 50/50 sharemilkers as we concentrated on the conversion process and then changed to self-managed farms in 2005, which is when I became General Manager.

I enjoy the continual contact with key staff members on our farms, helping to insure that the farm plan, our operating systems and the Camden culture is being implemented and enhanced. It is rewarding to see our long serving staff member’s progress in our industry and continue on the dairy pathway to achieve their goals.

Then there is the office work, which includes the financial management, the sourcing of feed and grazing for stock, contracting inputs into the business and business and strategic planning.

I spend some time on my road bike but mostly follow the sporting endeavours of my three sons.

Leo Donkers