He is usually at work between 4.30am and 5am and works through until about 5pm.
He could also usually be found at the plant on Saturdays and he joked that one of the best inventions ever was the Blackberry.
He stressed that he chose to work long hours - "if I'm awake I come to work" - and he was enjoying the challenge of his new job.
For Mr Shuker is a newcomer to both South Otago and New Zealand, having only held the position at Finegand for the past three months. Originally from the United Kingdom, he has been involved in the meat industry since he was 12.
He came to New Zealand on holiday last year with his family, liked what he saw, returned home and handed in his notice.
He has now been in New Zealand for 12 months and his wife will be joining him shortly.
From farming through to processing, he reckoned New Zealand was at the forefront of the meat industry.
He first managed Silver Fern Farms' Takapau plant before shifting south three months ago.
He was proud to have the opportunity to manage the plant.
Describing himself as a "people person", Mr Shuker said his job was not about sitting in the office, but getting out among the team, and he tried to get around the plant as much as possible.
While there was much history at the plant, it was also very forward focused and Mr Shuker said he was very impressed with Silver Fern Farms.
The co-operative, which boasted turnover of $2.1 billion last year, had "fantastic" investment in research and development and innovation.
The biggest change from working in the industry in the UK was having to find out about New Zealand employment law, he said.
Finegand was a "linchpin" in the local economy, it had a good strong core of employees, and he was optimistic about the future.
He saw that future as continuing to grow and develop and being ready to meet the challenges of the changing dynamics in the industry.
He did not miss the UK, saying there was nothing there to entice him back, and he enjoyed living in South Otago. With its nice beaches and scenery, it had "plenty to offer", he said.
