Scott and Rebecca O'Brien

Scott and Rebecca O'Brien are seasoned dairy professionals with over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of performance, leadership, and innovation in the sector. 

Currently based in Galatea, they operate as 50/50 sharemilkers for the Gordon Family Trust, where they manage a herd of 700 cows. Under their stewardship, farm production has steadily increased to an average of 287,000 kgMS and is on target to reach 300,000 kgMS this season (428kgMS per cow). Their dedication to staff development and workplace culture was nationally recognised with a “People & Culture” Merit Award at the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. 

Demonstrating their capacity to manage multiple operations, Scott and Rebecca also took on a 50/50 sharemilker role for the Brown Family Trust, milking 260 cows. There, they increased production from 91,000 kgMS to an average of 112,000 kgMS, with a peak of 125,000 kgMS (480kgMS per cow). 

Earlier in their career, they were instrumental in scaling up operations at Opepe Farm Trust in Taupō, where they managed the expansion of the herd from 1,000 to 2,000 cows. Their professional qualifications—Scott’s National Diploma in Agribusiness Management (Primary ITO) and Rebecca’s Level 4 Educational Support qualification (Toi Ohomai)—complement a practical skill set spanning financial management, animal husbandry, staff leadership, pasture systems, and environmental stewardship. 

As part of Pāmu’s strategic transition to a hybrid farming model, Scott and Rebecca will take on the contract milking role at Otago farm—one of four Pāmu farms shifting to this new model. This approach includes a mix of herd-owning sharemilking, variable order sharemilking, and contract milking, offering a clear development pathway for kaimahi and others in the industry. It also supports Pāmu’s broader objective to focus on core business and enhance commercial returns, aligning with the Crown’s April 2024 Letter of Expectations. 

Scott and Rebecca are enthusiastic about this new chapter and excited to be joining Pāmu, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking, values-driven farming organisation. They will continue their successful 50/50 sharemilking role with the Gordon Family Trust in Galatea—where they’ve been since 2017—while living in Otago to manage their new contract. 

Outside of their farming achievements, they are active community members and proud parents of three children. Their leadership extends well beyond the farm, having served as PTA chairs, Board of Trustees members, and Dairy Industry Awards committee members. Rebecca currently holds the title of NZ Dairy Women’s Network Regional Leader of the Year—recognition of her significant impact within local communities. 

If you're exploring your own path toward farm ownership, visit our Sharemilking and Contract Milking page to learn more.