Business Rural North Autumn 2021

46 | Partnership with Karen Phelps A 50 year relationship with Otapawa Station has seen two generations of the Beech family use Otapawa bulls to enhance genetic gain in their farming operation. Using the bulls has given the Beech’s stock hybrid vigour resulting in black and white cattle with a quiet temperament. The farm is near reach- ing a target yearling steer average weight of 300 kilograms. Simon Beech, who owns the farm with wife Kelly and parents Martin and Philipa, says the family has developed a trusted relationship with Otapawa Station. “They know our operation and look after us and make recommendations. Because they are so close – 30 minutes drive away – their bulls are bred for this area and suit the conditions.” The Beech’s steep hill country Surreydale farm is 1700ha effective and they are aiming for a moder- ately framed animal that produces a quick growing calf at a sale-able weight. The other important fac- tor in the equation is feeding and they are presently subdividing paddocks to reduce them from 10-15ha to 4ha. They will move the stock every 2-3 days and Si- mon says this makes things easier as the stock get used to being moved. He says the change should also reduce brown top and put pasture in a more growing state resulting in more feed. The previous farm owners (the Beech family purchased the farm ON FARM » Waikuku Farms: Simon & Kelly Beech / Turihaua Angus Paul and wife Sarah farm 1000ha 10 minutes north of Gisborne. They have 8000 stock units, comprised 80% beef with the remainder sheep. The majority of cattle are in their stud with some commercial cattle traded through for Diamond Beef supply. They trade romney and perendale terminal ewes but are looking to move towards wiltshire for their easy care quality. Turihaua is the oldest angus stud in Australasia and has been managed by five generations of the Williams family on the same property for over 100 years. This year Paul and Sarah are taking over full ownership of the farm after spending the past ten years learning the livestock and land. “It’s very exciting for our family going forward to see the fifth generation take over. This farm comes with a legacy and we respect what’s been done before us by our family and ancestors and also look forward to setting our own goals and plans.” He says they are focused on the environment dictating their farm decision making processes and have been using regenerative agriculture tech- niques on the farm for over a decade. “We will build on this and set an example for medium to steep pastoral farming to show conven- tional methods aren’t the only way,” says Paul. He says they are aiming to capture carbon in soil and above ground biomass.. At the same time they have found regenerative techniques increase yields and resilience to climate instability. He says one of the main limiting factors for them to implement the principles of regenerative agriculture is Turihaua’s farm contour. “Almost all examples we have seen are being practiced on flat to rolling farms where a tractor and direct drill are used to get new species into the ground. This is not an option at Turihaua and we have to think outside the square. For example we are currently trialling some different methods to get diversity and biologics spread through the farm such as developing a loose mineral lick consisting of kelp meal, humates and a huge variety of seeds. The animals love it and we are not only address- ing their gut health but also using them as a tool to spread the seed in their manure. In this way the seed has a high chance of germinating regardless of weather conditions.” The family has also been working towards the ecological restoration of the Turihaua Steam. Trees That Count has provided them with 5000 trees to be planted and a generous grant from the One Billion Trees project will go towards planting and fencing costs for the three kilometre length of the Turihaua Stream that runs through the centre of the property. • from page 44 “This farm comes with a legacy and we respect what’s been done before us by our family and ancestors and also look forward to setting our own goals and plans.” Turihaua Angus runs 8000 stock units with 80 per cent in beef. Environment dictates farmdecisions around two years ago) used smaller paddocks too, but with break feeding, so it is a proven methodol- ogy for that land. With shifting seasons due to climate change the family is looking ahead at how they can mitigate negative effects. They aim to watch the market and weather closely to time the selling of store stock. They are also putting more dams in on the farm, some of which are fed by natural springs. Some waterways now dry up seasonally so it’s important to be proactive to ensure water continuity, says Simon. The family is also slowly extending the re- ticulated gravity fed water system, which presently covers holding paddocks and around the yard. The farm runs 9000 ewes and 400 cows, and all the progeny is sold to store. They run a Romney- Coopworth flock because they like combining the fertility and mothering instincts of the Coopworth with the structure and size of the Romney. The ewes are rotated most of the year and then at weaning they get rid of a third of the lambs, with another third going a month later and by March- April all those store lambs have gone. They send them all out the gate at an average of 30 kilograms. They are focusing on increasing production as presently lambing percentages are 120% but they would like to see this rise to 140%. “By getting rid of as many lambs as we can at weaning, so a month before the ram goes out we are down to winter numbers, this allows us to feed the ewes to their full potential so we can focus on producing great stock for the year ahead.” Otapawa Poll Hereford Stud bulls have been used by two generations of the Beech family to enhance genetic gain. People helping people achieve their dreams At BDO Gisborne our people are passionate about supporting our clients to realise their aspirations and dreams for the future. www.bdo.nz/en-nz/gisborne We are proud to work alongside Paul and Sarah Williams of Turihaua Angus, as they continuously improve and strive to achieve, the highest quality standards within their Angus bull breeding business. Gisborne’s Leading Rural Specialists For everything from kiwifruit to hill country stations, talk to Simon and Stephen Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz BOUSFIELD MACPHERSON LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008 Stephen Thomson 027 450 6531 stephen.thomson@bayleys.co.nz BOUSFIELD MACPHERSON LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008 ALTOGETHER BETTER 06 375 8488 / 027 4407 021 tararuashearing@xtra.co.nz We have a crew to meet your needs. When you want it, How you want it. Pleased to be supplying shearing services to Waikuku Farms Ltd Fertiliser & Aerial Spraying Contact Andrew Cuttance 021 511 654, Kurt Wieldraayer 027 448 6747 or Neil Cresswell 027 454 1601 Give us a call for your aerial agriculture requirements Profile your farm with Business Rural