| 11 Diversification key for Kaihoka Station Joyce Wyllie with her family celebrating her pension party (top). Joyce with farm in background. Karen Phelps TOURISM » Kaihoka Farm Stay At Kaihoka Station on the isolated northwestern coastline of Golden Bay, Joyce and Jock Wyllie have found that diversification is helpful for survival in today’s challenging farming environment. The couple, who run a 1000 hectare sheep and beef operation, have developed multiple income streams to supplement their farming business. “We aim for a simple system as Jock is the only labour unit – low input, low labour. It’s a big operation for one person so that’s the only way we can do it, especially as sheep and beef income has been bad,” says Joyce. “It’s improving with wool and red meat prices lifting, although certainly not taking off, but the costs have really gone up as well so we are only just starting to keep ahead. It’s challenging.” The farm runs 220 Angus cows and 2,600 Romney ewes. Their simple farming system focuses on selling steers as weaners and maintaining a straightforward sheep operation by selling lambs early to manage drench resistance and minimise labour. To supplement their farm income, the Wyllies have turned to several innovative sidelines. One of their most successful ventures has been utilising vacant staff houses as holiday accommodation. “It’s given income for maintenance,” explains Joyce. Initially she handled the cleaning herself but found it too time-consuming, especially given their remote location which made it difficult to employ staff. Their solution was to offer an economical self-service option where guests bring their own bedding and towels and clean before departure. “They know the house, what they need to bring etc,” says Joyce, noting that many visitors return annually, attracted by the farm’s proximity to walking trails, beaches, fishing spots and Kaihoka Lakes. Another unexpected income source came when film director Peter Jackson chose Kaihoka Station as a filming location for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. “That was a lovely bonus cash injection. We’d like a bit more of that,” says Joyce with a laugh. Joyce, who originally trained as a veterinarian at Massey University and worked as a locum across New Zealand before settling in Golden Bay, has developed her own portfolio of supplementary income sources. She writes regular articles for the Golden Bay Weekly newspaper and serves as a marriage and funeral celebrant. “Being a celebrant is a wonderful privilege to stand with families at significant times in their lives,” she explains. Joyce is also active in the community, serving as president of both her local and provincial Rural Women branches, coordinating an informal sheep/ beef group for Golden Bay farmers and is involved in local church fellowship. Jock, born in nearby Collingwood, has spent most of his life at Kaihoka, which has been in his family Haven Road, Collingwood 7073 Phone: 03 524 8370 Email: office@nvmiller.co.nz N V Miller Ltd For all your automotive needs. Service station & vehicle repair shop. Talk to our team DON KARS Nelson/Marlborough/Canterbury m 027 450 0769 ANDREW CURTIS Nelson/Marlborough m 027 239 3115 GRANT HARRIS Southland m 027 689 1866 NICK REDDING Southland m 027 289 1866 Segard Masurel is a global company that exports New Zealand wool to markets worldwide. WOOL S I N C E 1 8 4 6 since 1947 when his father and grandfather purchased the property. The next challenge for the Wyllies is that of succession planning. Their son Johnie works as a shearer, returning occasionally to help on the farm with his fiancée Keri, while their daughter Mary has worked in orcharding and is now employed at a chicken farm in Nelson. “Farms are so expensive these days and are valued far above of the income capacity sometimes, especially beautiful coastal properties like ours,” says Joyce. “It’s an issue knowing how to be able to pass it on and something we are currently thinking through.» 03 525 9843 | www.sollys.co.nz For all your Transport and Logistics requirements Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Feriliser
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