After Cyclone Gabrielle and then a drought, Waikato contract milkers Tim and Annelies Wilson were running on reactive decisions. Working with adviser Michael Hollier at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, they built the financial visibility to negotiate harder, plan further ahead, and shift from recovery to growth.
“Michael from Baker Tilly Staples Rodway used Figured to help guide us through challenging cash flow periods over the past few seasons. The insights we’ve gained from Figured have allowed us to plan ahead, grow the business, and strengthen our financial position. With Michael’s support, we’ve been able to use our Figured reports to negotiate higher contract milking rates and secure overdrafts when needed.”
Tim & Annelies Wilson, Ngakoroa Farming
Finding strength in their numbers during tough seasons
After enduring back-to-back tough seasons, first Cyclone Gabrielle, then a drought, the Wilsons faced major strain on their cashflow. The unpredictability of extreme weather highlighted the need for greater financial visibility and collaboration across their advisory team.
The opportunity lay in establishing a single platform where farmer, adviser, and lending agents could access the same real-time financial data. With the ability to update forecasts as the season evolved, especially during volatile conditions, the Wilsons could move beyond reactive problem-solving and begin forward-looking planning.
Working with their adviser, Michael Hollier at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, Tim and Annelies began to identify cashflow swings during low production months. One breakthrough insight was understanding the true costs of their business when negotiating contracts. Armed with accurate figures, they successfully negotiated a more favourable contract rate.
This new clarity gave them confidence and direction toward their long-term goal of 50/50 sharemilking, while also providing the tools to better manage seasonal cashflow fluctuations.
Confidence, clarity, and control with Figured
Using Figured, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway delivered regular cashflow and P&L reports that were accessible to both the Wilsons and their lender. Budgeting and forecasting on Figured became central to managing seasonal swings and planning ahead.
Their proactive approach in controlling their finances opened the door for them to access capital through Figured Lending, which allowed them to manage swings in seasonal cashflow.
- Created and reviewed budgets that reflected the realities of changing conditions.
- Monitored cashflow closely and updated forecasts dynamically.
- Used up-to-date reports to strengthen negotiations and decision-making.
The Wilsons quickly began to see practical results from their new approach. Clearer budgeting and consistent tracking meant they always knew when they were on target and when they needed to adjust, while accessible reporting made it simple to check their progress on a daily basis. Financially, the changes translated into meaningful outcomes, including steady debt reduction and ongoing progress toward their long-term goals.
The improvements also gave them a stronger negotiating position, enabling them to secure significantly better contract terms. Beyond the numbers, the Wilsons experienced a range of intangible benefits: greater confidence in their decision-making, reduced stress during low-income periods, and improved clarity when it came to staffing levels and resource allocation.
Just months after making these changes, the Wilsons have seen a noticeable increase in operating surplus – on track to achieve an 80% increase this season. With accurate, transparent reporting, they negotiated a much stronger contract rate – a pivotal step toward financial stability.
They’re now on track to not only consolidate their current farm but also pursue new opportunities in sharemilking. Their trajectory has shifted from recovery to growth, supported by the confidence that comes from knowing their numbers.
Tim and Annelies’ journey is a story of resilience. Despite the blows of cyclone and drought, they leaned into planning and used professional resources to guide key decisions. By trusting the data and leveraging the power of Figured’s reporting, they emerged stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the future.
“The insights we’ve gained from Figured have allowed us to plan ahead, grow the business, and strengthen our financial position. With Michael’s support, we’ve been able to use our Figured data to negotiate higher contract milking rates and secure overdrafts when needed.”
Tim & Annelies Wilson