Over the years, Craiglands has generally relied on family members to provide all labour needed to operate the business. However, times change and the scale of the operation has expanded greatly. It is impossible to do absolutely everything ourselves (and not go crazy!) and over the past 10 years, our staffing levels have steadily increased.
Currently, we directly employ 5 staff (part time, full time & casual) to assist in the operation of our business on a day to day business, but through the strategic use of advisors, vets, agronomists, contractors and banks, you could say that we indirectly employ many people.
The profiles outlined below are of us and our own staff.
Mark Billing
Mark undertook a dairy apprenticeship in the late 80's under his grandfather and father. His love of the business and the industry has seen him become involved in a number of committees, review panels and advisory groups. He believes in giving young and new entrants into the industry a chance and as such, has welcomed a number of trainees into the business. Mark has been, and continues to be, the drving force of implementing technology into the farm business and has recently introduced 2 hour activity monitors, milk meters and automatic cup removers.
Mark completed the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (Dairy) in 2005.
Sam Simpson (Billing)
Sam joined the business in 2001 in a partnership with Mark and his parents. At the time, Sam was working for the Department of Primary Industries in Colac. Sam continued to work for DPI until September 2004 when she took long service leave. During that time, Sam became pregnant with Thomas and has been on maternity leave since. Bridget was born on Christmas Day 2007. Sam's role within Craiglands is varied, but mainly revolves around staff issues (recruitment, employment, HR, payroll), financial management, rearing calves, and handling the registration of the herd. In the past, Sam undertook all weekend milkings, but with the arrival of children and the increase of staff, this is a task that she rarely performs!
Sam has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture), a Graduate Diploma in Frontline Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness and a Master of Marketing (Agribusiness).
Alan Billing
Although officially retired from the business, Alan is always on hand to provide some extra labour and advice when asked. Alan was born and bred on the farm and worked here with his father (Alfred) and Mark. In 2001, Alan took a step back and allowed Mark to take over sole management of the farm, whilst he took on a role as a milk supply officer for Bonlac (later to become Fonterra). Working off the farm but still within the industry gave Alan an appreciation of the how our farm was doing compared to many within the SW region. Throughout the years, Alan has been involved in many groups and organisations away from the farm, such as undertaking the role of councillor on the Colac Shire (became Colac Otway Shire), chairman of the Timber Towns group and involvement on various vintage tractor committees.
Judy Billing
Judy came to the farm in 1966 as a young bride. Originally from Albury in NSW, Judy spent much of her youth in Colac, eventually marrying Alan and moving to Craiglands. Her role on the farm was varied and involved rearing calves, bookwork, milking and stock work as well as rearing three children and working off farm when the situation required her to do so. Officially retired from the business, Judy still provides assistance with small tasks around the farm such as getting up cows and calves and assistance with bookwork.
Dan Meade
Dan has been with us since September 2004 and his role is as lead miker. Dan has considerable experience within the dairy industry, having owned his own farm in the past, and continues to rear a handful of calves each year.
Trevor Farquharson
Trevor came to us after following a career path that saw him start in dairy and eventually return to it. Trevor originated from a dairy farm run by his father and ran his own farm for some years before deciding that he wanted to do something else. He worked in Colac for a tyre company before returning to the industry by taking up a position with us as a farm worker. Trevor's role is to support the overall business by undertaking general farm work and maintenance.
Terry Baulch
Terry joined the Craiglands team in May 2009 and is already showing great potential! Terry is our youngest worker (16yo) and has just finished year 10 at Trinity College in Colac. Terry has done some school work experience with us and has completed his certificate II in dairying. Terry is learning all aspects of the farm business during his time with us and will undertake a certificate III in dairy commencing early this year.
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