Gallagher’s new Territory Manager for the Manawatu believes livestock weighing systems and animal performance technologies will enable farming and the environment to thrive side-by-side.
Georgia Davies (28) grew up on a small farm near Rangiora in Canterbury. Her love of rural life led her to Lincoln University where she earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. During her studies, Georgia worked on sheep and beef properties in Central Otago. It was this experience, along with her time at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, that shaped her career.
“My focus used to be in dairy, but then I went through the intense sheep and beef training programme at Ballance,” says Georgia. “For two years, sheep and beef were my life, but I’m lucky to now have a deep knowledge of both types of farm systems.”
It’s within these farming systems that Georgia believes she can make a difference.
“From the environmental side, the solution looks simple: the shorter the amount of time an animal is on the farm, the smaller its impact on the land,” she says. “But condensing that timeframe only works for farmers if animals can be grown to target weight faster. That’s where technology comes in, and in my new role with Gallagher, that’s how I can help farmers.”
Georgia has considerable experience in recording and using data to manage feed and animal weight gain. When technology is systematically used, she has seen animals consistently reach their full genetic potential.
“Until you start weighing and recording data regularly, it’s hard to know if animals are reaching their potential. Here’s an example. The average growth of New Zealand lambs post weaning is about 80 - 100 grams per day, but lambs can grow up to 400 grams a day from a better feeding regime. The farmers who achieve those numbers are using the weighing systems and recording data.”
In the coming months, Gallagher’s Animal Performance App will be available to farmers. Georgia is convinced this tool will help them collect and use hard numbers to get better results.
“Not everyone can get a daily 400 per cent increase in animal weight gain. But if we can help 20 per cent of farmers increase their lamb growth from 100 to 200 grams per day, a lot of animals will leave the farm earlier. That’s going to have a positive effect on the land, and it’s going to be good for farmers’ bank accounts. It’s a win-win.”
Georgia is hopeful about the future of New Zealand farming.
“I’m encouraged by the technology already on the market and in the pipeline from innovative companies like Gallagher, and I’m excited to see where agriculture is heading. I want to be part of it, to improve the environment and help farmers make their businesses more profitable.”
Georgia is proud to be Gallagher’s only female Territory Manager and is determined to make the role her own. She came to the company looking for a new challenge.
“I wanted to learn something new, and I was intrigued by Gallagher’s innovation with product and technology. I was also impressed with the creative license they give their people. It’s a big deal when a company lets you explore ideas, to find new ways to improve things.”
Georgia and her fiancé Ben are based in Dannevirke where they own a 10-hectare block and run Hereford stud cattle. When she’s not working, Georgia indulges in her passion for horses and planning for her upcoming wedding in February.
