WHEN Andrew and Jo Theodore decided they wanted to be sharefarmers, they made sure farm owner Martin Van De Wouw couldn't say no.

After working with Martin on his parents' soldier-settlement dairy farm at Princetown in southwest Victoria, Andrew could see its potential. So four years ago the couple pitched seven different scenarios to Martin.

Among them were salary sacrificing and buying the herd, paying it off in monthly installments.

"We knew what we wanted, but it was nerve-racking, because we were worried he would say no," Jo said.

"But they gave us a chance and that's what so many young couples like us need, to get a foot in the door. I think the key to making it in sharefarming is aiming for goals together."

Jo and Andrew's dedication and passion were last month recognised with the Genetics Australia Share Dairy Farmer of the Year award.

After an initial 12-month trial, Andrew and Jo started on a 50 per cent share arrangement with Martin.

Last season the couple milked 250 cows on the 150ha home farm and produced about 1.4 million litres of milk, with 4.5 per cent butterfat and 3.4 per cent protein.

They also run a 70ha out-paddock.

The Theodore operation is a whole family effort; not only do Jo and Andrew work side by side, but their children, Luke and Hollie, are also involved in day-to-day jobs.

The family's main aim is to grow as much pasture as possible.

"We always strip-graze every paddock for the milking herd," Jo said.

"They receive 2ha a day of pasture and 3kg (of feed) in the bail.

"We don't have set day or night paddocks, so this ensures nutrients are spread more evenly over all pasture."

The Theodores conduct four to six soil tests annually, so they know exactly what nutrients are needed.

Pastures are improved by over-sowing newer varieties of perennial and annual rye grasses, to maximise low-cost pasture production.

Poorer or bent grass paddocks are identified early, to be over-sown with an annual ryegrass followed by a summer crop. In autumn permanent grasses are direct-drilled.

"Using a sacrifice area over summer allows a night-time rotation of 60 nights. This also allows lower-fertility paddocks to build up nutrients and helps newer species survive through the summer months," Jo said.

New grasses are planted in autumn and 20ha of summer crop is planted annually, with a further 40ha over-sown.

Jo said fertiliser was used for maintenance only last season.

"Our Olsen P and potassium levels were quite adequate for pasture nutrient requirements," she said.

"The Olsen P was 30 plus and Skene K was over 200."

Last year nitrogen was spread every six weeks between June and August.

"This year, as prices have skyrocketed, we are researching information to see if there are other sources of nitrogen that can be used to deliver similar results for the pasture," Jo said.

"This year we also had the dairy effluent tested, to determine its exact nutrient value. We spread this over selected paddocks of the farm, as well as crops and pasture."

Feed management is crucial to the Theodores' operation, to ensure all excess feed conserved on the property is used to its full potential.

"We do a feed budget to determine feed on hand, and we monitor this regularly," Jo said.

"Hay and silage is weighed and feed tested to determine its value and to make sure all cattle are getting adequate amounts of energy and protein."

The cows each consumed about 1.4 tonnes of pellets last season.

Silage is fed out in early December. To fill the summer feed gap, turnip and pasja crops are also grazed.

Hay is fed to dry cows, and to milkers as a fibre source during winter.

The family aims to continue breeding, to keep a good reliable milking herd with production that keeps on improving with each generation.

Proven bulls are selected for artificial insemination and progeny-test semen is also used.

"Good milking speed, temperament, somatic cell count and good sound legs are a priority when selecting bulls," Jo said.

Mop-up bulls are also used and the couple rear about 90 replacement heifers each year.

Jo said the Incalf dairy industry course had given them knowledge about improving herd fertility, tightening their calving pattern and using genetics for the long-term benefit of the business.

While Jo and Andrew don't deny it is hard work - physically, emotionally and financially - but they wouldn't have it any other way.

"The dairy industry is a fabulous industry, because it is so rewarding," Jo said.

"We will still be here in 10 years time, no worries.

"What's great about sharefarming and being a dairy farmer is being in control of your career path.

"The career becomes a lifestyle and that becomes your main asset.

"We are watching our future grow in front of us. I find it amazing, because every decision you make is for the rest of your life."

Jo and Andrew aim to milk 300 cows this season and then plan to reassess their numbers.

"We will look at the feed budget and see how beneficial it is and what it costs," Jo said.

"But we will never say 'no' to milking more. We like to give everything a go."

The Theodores' initial goal was to gain equity in the herd and machinery, and they have achieved that.

Jo said they now planned to cull their older cows to keep a young herd, maintain a high genetic standard and keep paying the cows off.

"The main thing is, we want well-fed, happy, high-producing girls," Jo said.