16 | Producing high-quality commercial sheep Karen Phelps A new era is taking shape at Longview Farm as the next generation of the France family takes on greater responsibility, blending longheld values with fresh energy and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. The transition follows a period of sadness after the passing of respected farmer and stud breeder Richard France in 2022. His legacy remains firmly embedded in the property and its people. “I feel really lucky to be taking on Longview with my mum Kerry while my brother Jackson does the same with Greenpark,” says Richard’s son Morgan. “Mum and Dad have done really well to get their two sons into farms. It’s a credit to them and they have left a really tidy farm.” Longview spans 565 hectares and runs 1,800 commercial ewes, 500 commercial ewe hoggets, 240 velveting stags, 130 hinds, 200 fawns and R2s, as well as 100 R1 beef cattle and 80 R2 cattle. Stud stock is a major focus with the Hazeldale Perendale stud comprising 1,200 stud ewes, 400 stud ewe hoggets and 500 stud ram hoggets. In early 2025 the Frances added 92 black-face Suftex ewes to provide clients with another high-performing option. Richard’s passion for the stud remains a guiding force. “I’m passionate about it too,” explains Morgan, “so it’s a matter of carrying it on, producing good meaty rams with an eye on the wool too. Now wool prices have risen a bit more clients are focusing more on the wool so taking a long-term view is hopefully paying off.” The family’s reputation for producing high-quality commercial sheep continues. Longview supplies lambs on contract to ANZCO. A major area of innovation is the stud’s commitment to wormFEC index genetics. Ram hogget faeces are regularly tested to identify sires displaying both low worm counts and strong meat traits. The farm has not drenched an adult commercial or stud sheep since 2003–04 and has been accepted into wormFEC Gold. “It’s quite hard to combine good wormFEC with good meat,” says Morgan, “but we’re starting to get rams showing both those traits.” MEAT & WOOL » Longview Farm (2000) Ltd Taieri Wool & Skin (1998) Ltd Ph 03 489 4408 & 0274 355 953 Fax 03 489 3308 | taieriwool@xtra.co.nz | Bush Road, Mosgiel AH Rodney McLennan 03 489 3499 / 0274 355 953 ● Competitive prices on main lines ● Truck available for shed clean-outs ● Provide & replace wool packs ● Fast efficient service ● FREE quotes HELICOPTER SERVICES •PRECISION LIFTING •PEST CONTROL •FIRE FIGHTING •COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT •PILOT TRAINING •COMPETENCY CHECKS •SPRAYING & SEEDING •TOPDRESSING •FROST FIGHTING Covering Central Otago & the South Island centralheliwork@gmail.com (027) 357-3640 centralheliwork.co.nz CALL PAUL PHONE CRAIG: 027 210 4590 GENERAL EXCAVATING | LANE MAINTENANCE | TIP TRUCKS MUCK SPREADING | DRAINAGE AND SITE WORKS “You cannot beat NZ Wool it is naturally grown from grass” Main West Coast Road, Yaldhurst, RD 6, Christchurch 7676, New Zealand Phone: 027 432 4353 Email: ywlwool@nzwool.com Web: www.nzwool.com Longview spans 565 hectares.
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