46 | RURAL PEOPLE » Rukumoana Farm: Robert & Jane Brown Environmental management rewarded Ange Davidson When Robert and Jane Brown started planting poplar poles in 1990 to prevent erosion on their steep country while also providing shelter for stock, it was the start of a significant planting regime over Rukumoana Farms in the Taranaki region. Working with the Taranaki Regional Council, the Browns environmental policies earned them the top spot in the Ballance Farms Environment Awards for the Region in 2020, and a legacy of good environmental management for their three sons who are all involved in the farming sector. “Due to covid, we got to be the supreme winners for two years,” laughs Jane. “We were given the award for improving the farm’s environmental footprint and having great infrastructure. The judges were also impressed with our succession plan and innovative approach to farming well.” This cohesive family unit drives the three properties that make up Rukumoana Farms. Toko Farm is leased to their eldest son Nick and his partner Sophie, and the Mangamingi Farm is leased to their son Will and his partner Kate. Their youngest son Sam and his partner Melissa have an agricultural contracting business for crop drilling and fencing. There will be similar leasing arrangement for Sam and Melissa further down the track as the start of a succession plan for the family. The farms share a mix of steep land and river flats with the Patea River flowing through the Rukumoana block and the Makuri stream, a tributary of the Patea river, running through the Toko Block. Waterways and wetlands have been fenced off where feasible with riparian plantings of natives. Where it isn’t possible to fence, electric wires are used to keep stock out. The steep country has suffered in recent rain events, with one storm producing 145 mm in just over four hours. “Our road into the valley was trashed and it took a digger four days to clear it. Rawhitiroa, our smaller block, was hit really hard with about 30 slips happening during the event. It’s disheartening,” says Robert. Jane and Robert have been working closely with the Taranaki Regional Council to create a • to page 47 mapping plan for planting across the farms. They have planted over 60 hectares of pine trees on steep land that’s retired and suitable, plus 19 hectares of Manuka which covers the farm emissions “Our road into the valley was trashed and it took a digger four days to clear it. Rawhitiroa, our smaller block, was hit really hard with about 30 slips happening during the event. It’s disheartening,” View from road of the Mangamingi Saddle which had 27 slips to clear. Recent slips before Christmas at the Rawhitiroa Farm. View to new 16 ha lease (hunter crop in) next to Mangamingi Farm. The hills behind are now planted in trees. CAMPBELL & GREEN C O N T R A C T I N G Cultivating: Ploughing • Power harrowing • Rotary Hoeing • Discing • Roller Tiling • Ripping • Aerating • Leveling • Direct drilling • Under sowing Roller drilling • Maize planting Other Services: Slurry tanker & Pond stirrer • Hedge mulching • Vibrating roller • Tip trailers & bins • Mole ploughing • Maize Harvesting Hay & Silage : Fine chop grass • Loader wagons • Mowing • Turning • Swathing • Bale stacking • Hay round & conventional Happy to be working alongside Rukumoana Farmwith their success Proudly Supporting Rukumoana Farm South Taranaki wide Ph James Green 027 493 8484 Office 06 278 0020 Steve Roylance 021 287 5335 Peter Laurence 027 252 2174 WilliamMoynihan 027 279 7099 CLAASHarvest Centre areproud tosupport RukumoanaFarm www.westownhaulage.co.nz 06 753 6611 180 Cowling Rd | New Plymouth Pleased to be Rukumoana Farms Livestock Carrier WESTOWN HAULAGE LTD Any Terrain, Any Season, whether it’s working the forestry or farm, Can-AM is there to make your life easier. From the toughness of our engines and all-terrain traction, to our steadfast, classleading payload and towing capabilities. We have the vehicle to suit your needs. So put your trust into your local NZ no 1 CAN-AM dealer. Call us to your free onsite demo today. Servicing the whole Wanganui, Taranaki, Ruapehu, Taihape and Hunterville Areas with pick-up and delivery service available. ®TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier recreational Products Inc. or its af liates.
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