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• Migrant's Stories
  • Alastair and Leslie Macdonald
  • Chris and Suzanne Cowley
  • Marcel and Emma Leifhebber
  • Michael and Cheryl Hughes
  • Ashley Ker
  • Drew and Kate Carter
  • Matthew and Pippa Gunningham
  • Ralph and Louise Heathcote
  • Herman and Suskia van luloff Umbgrove
  • Jon and Caroline van Adrichem
• Doing Business

Ashley Ker

It's not often that someone decides to relocate countries after reading a sharefarming advertisement from across the Tasman, but Ashley Ker saw an opportunity to break into the Australian dairy industry and made the move to Tasmania.

Thirteen years later, Ashley realises how successful the move was. He is now milking 770 cows that produce 300,000kgs milk solids from 260 effective hectares with big plans to extend.

This year he would like to increase the herd size to 950 cows, is aiming for production of 360,000kgs milk solids and aims to expand their property by another 10 hectares.

"Tasmania is great for dairying because of the relatively cheap land, predictable rainfall and a temperate climate equal to New Zealand," Ashley says.

"I've found that the farming systems are easier to manage because the cost of alternative feeds, in particular, concentrates, and agistment are cheaper," he said.

Ashley and his wife, Cherrylyn, met in Tasmania and believe it is a fantastic place to raise their children.

"We are in a position to give our kids the opportunity to do what they wish, whether this be further education or farming," they say.

Following a range of sharefarming and significant investments in dairy farms across Tasmania, the desire to follow his dreams has reaped benefits, and Ashley urges others to consider dairy farming opportunities in Australia.

Ker Family

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