Josh and Becs Dondertman are the dynamic duo behind Valleyfield Pastoral Ltd, proudly contract milking near Dunsandel for Dairy Holdings Ltd. With a shared vision for excellence in both farming and leadership, they’ve built a reputation for running a highly efficient, people-focused, and forward-thinking operation in the heart of Canterbury. Outside the farm gate, Becs also brings her expertise to No8HR, working as an HR, Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Specialist, further extending her commitment to fostering healthy and productive work environments both on the farm and in the broader rural community.
Having been through tough financial times after exiting an equity partnership, Josh and Becs know firsthand the resilience and determination it takes to rebuild and grow a successful business. This experience reinforced the importance of trusted advice and sound financial systems—which is why they’ve partnered with the skilled team at Sidekick Rural Timaru. Together, they are focused on building a sustainable, future-ready business with strong financial foundations.
Their hard work and commitment were recently recognised with two prestigious honours at the 2025 Dairy Industry Awards for Canterbury and North Otago: Industry Leadership (sponsored by Federated Farmers) and Business Excellence (sponsored by ASB). To be recognised as leaders is something they are incredibly proud of and strive to continue. Josh and Becs are deeply passionate about their rural communities and are active in many roles across the district and nationally—giving back, supporting others, and helping shape a positive future for the industry they love.
As advocates for rural wellbeing, Josh and Becs hold governance roles in key organisations such as the Rural Support Trust and Surfing for Farmers, both of which play an important part in supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of those in the farming community.
Josh and Becs are also active members of local sports clubs, recognizing their importance in providing opportunities for their children and future generations to thrive, while fostering a sense of community and healthy living.
Keeping a future-focused mindset is central to Josh and Becs’ goal of farm ownership. They understand that success requires balancing the day-to-day tasks of running the farm with building strong networks that open doors to new opportunities. They recognise the importance of keeping an open mind about the options available and regularly work with Sidekick Rural Timaru to analyse these opportunities and make informed decisions. By maintaining a clear vision and leveraging strong relationships, they ensure that every decision brings them closer to their long-term goals.
