20 | ‘Farmers have to find other sources of income’ Ewes on the move on the hill block. New cattle yards have been a game changer. Karen Phelps MEAT & WOOL » Mt Nessing A century after his great-grandmother bought the land, South Canterbury farmer James Simpson has taken a step that reflects the realities of modern farming: he has become a rural and lifestyle real estate agent. Best known as the fourth-generation farmer at Mt Nessing in Albury, James is now just over a year into a new career with Property Brokers, specialising in rural and lifestyle sales across the Mackenzie District. For James the move is less a departure from farming and more a strategic extension of it. With sheep meat and wool prices under pressure in recent years, and debt levels across the sector remaining high, he believes diversification is increasingly part of the picture for many farmers. “Farmers have to find other sources of income,” says James. “Some look at tourism ventures on farm but with real estate you don’t need a lot of capital outlay. You’re your own boss as with farming and the harder you work the better you get paid. In farming we’re price takers, not price makers, so it’s a different model. Real estate is a slow gig to start off with but when tougher times come again with farming it gives security of income.” The decision has reshaped the structure at Mt Nessing. The Simpsons have employed a farm manager, Hayden Lee, enabling James to step back from the day-to-day physical work and focus on both businesses. “My role on farm is now more supervisory rather than hands-on every day,” says James. “I still do quite a bit of farming but not as much as I was. I need to be flexible doing real estate.” That flexibility has brought unexpected benefits. “It’s been refreshing for mental health to get out and about and see something different and add new skills,” says James. “I’ve facilitated quite a few sales already.” His background provides a strong foundation. Born and raised in the Mackenzie District, James comes from a family that has farmed the region for more than 100 years. He graduated from Lincoln University and worked on farms across the South Island before he and his wife Katie took over Mt Nessing, initially leasing it in 2010 and purchasing it in 2011. Thinking of selling or buying property? I’m here to make the process straight forward and stress-free. Get in touch for a confidential chat. James Simpson Rural and Lifestyle Sales Consultant 021 0241 4380 | james.simpson@pb.co.nz Selling South Canterbury wide Q027511 Power Farming Timaru Ltd are proud to support Mt Nessing Accountants & Business Advisors 18 Woollcombe St, Timaru | www.fordsimpson.co.nz | P: 03 687 2080 Proud partners of successful South Canterbury Businesses Pleased to support James and Katie Simpson Antony Ford Brodie Craig 021 0849 7055 | whittakerag@gmail.com For all your ground spraying needs Locally owned and operated by Tom & Jess Whittaker. For all your spraying needs & questions, give us a call! Proudly supporting Mt Nessing They later added a further 211 hectares nearby. Today the 1016-hectare property runs around 2500 mixed-age Wairere Romney ewes and 1000 hoggets, alongside approximately 600 Angus calves wintered for Five Star, plus cattle of its own that are finished on farm. In recent seasons the balance has shifted slightly towards cattle as sheep returns softened, but without a wholesale system change. “Breeding ewes weren’t paying their way but we haven’t gone for a complete overhaul,” says James. “We’re not doing anything fancy but we’re doing what we do well.” Development has been steady and pragmatic including pasture renewal, fencing and hill-country improvement. In tougher years, spending was reined in. “In the past few years we locked the cheque book away and asked, ‘is that a want or a need?’” says James. “Now we can start to invest a bit more again and tweak things.” That understanding of both the financial and emotional pressures of farming now underpins his approach to real estate. “There is a lot of emotion attached to a farm,” says James. “It’s not an easy decision to make to sell sometimes. I can empathise because I live it every day.” For James the future is about consolidation - strengthening both enterprises side by side. “The goal is nailing the real estate business and the farm at the same time,” says James. “Employing a manager has allowed more time off farm and with family. It’s about building resilience.”
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