40 | IRRIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE · IRRIGATION SYSTEMS · REMOTE MANAGEMENT · PRECISION VRI Representing five generations of ownership Karen Phelps Montrose Station, run by Ben and Jenny Rutherford, will reach its sesquicentennial in March 2026, representing five generations of family ownership since 1876. The original farm was double the size, divided up in 2009 with the other half still in the family, owned by Ben’s sister Jo and brother-in-law Dave McKenzie. The Rutherfords employ a shepherd and share a full-time tractor driver with the McKenzies. Ben and Jenny’s 2800-hectare breeding and finishing unit runs 750 Angus cows and 3500 Romney ewes plus 1200 hoggets. Modernisation and developing the farm has been a key focus with the Rutherfords installing 100 hectares of irrigation through centre pivots over the past decade on land that previously had no irrigation. “It’s guaranteed us that we can take contracts and know we can dictate when we sell rather than letting the weather dictate that for us,” says Ben. The river they draw water from has been exceptionally low this summer with no rain for the past three to four months so they have only had one day of water take since 20 February. “It’s just another wee challenge to get through. But luckily the weather conditions haven’t been really unfavourable and we haven’t had a hot dry summer this year.” Other improvements include moving from damdependent water sources to reticulated stock water across 90% of the developed country and the installation of a large solar pumping system two seasons ago to service 600 hectares of hill country. MEAT & WOOL » Ben and Jenny Rutherford “It’s been a game changer for us. The system pumps to about 200 metres vertically to four tank sites and we gravity feed from there. It’s meant we can use that land much more productively now, for example for cattle after weaning and grazing ewes. It’s given us more flexibility,” says Ben. Both Ben and Jenny take active roles on the farm. Succession planning is also on the horizon as the next generation shows promise. The couple’s three children - Sophie, 22, who works for Rabobank; Tom, 20, currently shepherding up the Rakaia Gorge; and Anna, 17, completing her final year of high school all - maintain strong connections to rural life. “The kids all love getting out on the farm and helping when they’re home so we’ve got a lot of thinking to do on that front,” says Ben. “But it’s better to start thinking about it now to be better prepared.” The farm’s looming 150th anniversary comes as the couple continue to develop and improve the property, with plans to develop 600-800 hectares of native hill country as their next major project. Increasing efficiency is the current focus. “It’s testament to the generations before to keep farming the land and keep it in a healthy state and in the family,” says Ben. “There’s plenty of work to do yet.” For the Rutherfords, farming isn’t merely about business - it’s about heritage and connection to the land. “It’s quite cool walking around the hills,” says Ben, “and knowing generations before have walked there too. We are always looking to improve and do things better.” Locally Owned & Operated Since 1990 BOOK NOW! For all your Stock & Contracting Needs contact Peter 027 388 097 No fuel factor chargers added ANZCO Foods is proud to partner with Jenny and Ben Rutherford, of Montrose Montrose is a family run 2750ha sheep, beef breeding and finishing property, 10 minutes north of Culverden, North Canterbury.
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