Know whether the position stacks up before you commit.
Moving into sharemilking, or up from a lower order to 50/50, is a genuine step up. More upside, and a lot more exposure.
The big difference is the herd. You are buying stock, carrying the debt that comes with it, and taking a share of the milk income rather than a fixed rate. When the payout moves, it moves on you.
Most people who come unstuck have not taken on a bad position. They have taken on a good one without knowing what it actually needed from them. The stock was priced optimistically, cashflow through the first spring was tighter than expected, or the livestock elections were made without anyone explaining what they locked in.
How I help
I work with sharemilkers before they commit to a position and then guide them through the season to make sure things stay on track.
It is about going in with your eyes open, and staying in control once you are there.
Phase 1: Before you commit
Before you sign, I will work through whether the position actually stacks up in practice.
Work through the financial terms of the sharemilking agreement, the order, the share, and what you are responsible for
Build a realistic budget and cashflow forecast across the full season
Take the herd price and work out what owning it actually costs you, including the funding and what it does to your cashflow
Pressure test the numbers against a lower payout, so you know where your margin runs out
Assess what you can safely draw
Support your bank funding conversations
Help you decide on the right structure for your situation
Outcome
You can confidently decide whether the position is financially viable and right for you.
Investment
$800 + GST
Phase 2: Getting set up
Once you decide to proceed, I will make sure everything is set up properly from day one.
Implementing your business structure
IRD registrations for GST and PAYE (if required)
Xero setup and configuration
Guidance on setting up your business bank account
Handling your GST returns through to the start of the season
Outcome
You are fully set up and ready to operate without scrambling once the season starts.
Investment
Depending on the structure that is right for you:
$400 + GST for sole trader or partnership setup
$600 + GST for full company setup (includes Companies Office and CDD costs)
First season support
Your first season is where you find out what the position really demands. Income moves with the payout, the herd is on your books, and the costs do not wait.
This is where most new sharemilkers either stay in control or start feeling squeezed.
I will stay alongside you through the season so you see things coming, rather than finding out at the year end.
Monthly cashflow reporting and forecasting as the milk price changes
GST preparation and filing
Review and feedback on your records
Xero support and guidance
Check-in meetings 3 times a year
Ongoing access when questions come up
At the end of the season, this also includes:
Financial statements and tax return for the prior year
Livestock valuations, with the elections made deliberately rather than by default
Budget prepared for the following season
Outcome
You stay in control of your cashflow and build confidence running your business.
Investment
From $500 per month + GST + software
Year 2 onwards
As your business stabilises, support becomes more focused on oversight and ongoing advice rather than hand-holding.
GST and cashflow reporting, updated as the milk price changes
Ongoing reporting and review
Check-in meetings 3 times a year
Livestock valuations for the accounts
Budget prepared for the next season
Annual accounts and tax
As things settle, this is also when it is worth looking further ahead. Wherever you are going next, it helps to know what needs to happen between now and then.
Investment
From $600 per month + GST + software
Is this right for you?
This is designed for people taking on their first sharemilking position, or stepping up an order, who want to know what they are committing to before they commit.
You do not need to figure this out on your own.
The best time to talk to me is before you sign. That is where I can make the most difference.
Thinking about sharemilking and want to talk it through?
Get in touch for a no‑pressure conversation about your situation.
A Note from Me
I grew up on a small block, always around animals and helping out where I could. That early, hands-on rhythm shaped how I understand rural work - the pace, the pressure, and the pride that comes with it.
I’ve spent my whole career in the rural sector, from owner-operators through to a large corporate dairy group. I know the realities behind the numbers, and the responsibility that sits on your shoulders.
Steady Path exists to bring clarity, calm, and partnership to people who do real work in real communities.
Accounting & advisory services for rural & small businesses
PARTNERS
LET'S CONNECT
Merryn Telfer
hello@steadypath.co.nz
027 385 6492
Cambridge, NZ
