Terry Kilday

Operations Manager - Te Pirita Farms

I have been employed by the Group since April 2003, and was the farm manager at Willsden from 2004-05 season until December 2010. I am now the Operations Manager for Willsden and Prairie.

I started with the Camden Group in 1995, working with Leo at Camden Farm as a junior dairy assistant. I applied for the position as part of my practical work experience while I was studying a Bachelor of Commerce degree in agriculture at Lincoln University. I spent 12 months at Camden before returning to Lincoln.

After graduating, I teamed up with John in Dairy Farm Management Services. This gave me an excellent overview of different dairy farming systems in the wider Canterbury area.

After leaving John I spent a brief stint overseas before returning to New Zealand and working with an agricultural contractor: post-driving, fencing, making hay etc.

In 2001 I joined the Mainfreight Group, first as a store man, and then as an export co-ordinator with LEP International. This gave me great insight to office management and business relations.

The Camden Group is now giving my wife Melissa and me an excellent opportunity to expand our own business and investment, in the form of the equity sharemilking business Terimicow Holdings. This also allows me to progress further within the Camden Group.

The dairy industry can be challenging and performance is essential. The Camden Group has a number of very good people, systems and information that make the job fulfilling and rewarding.

Terry Kilday