90 | Ongoing recovery for Patrick and Isabelle Kim Newth In just a matter of days, Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted years’ worth of damage on farmers and growers land in Hawke’s Bay. Sheep and beef farmers like Patrick and Isabelle Crawshaw continue to live with the impacts as they work to fully restore their Patoka farm, Te Hau Station. Cut off by the cyclone in February 2023, the couple made the tough decision to evacuate their two young children from the farm for a time while the flooding was at its worst. With bridges out and many fences down, the couple faced immediate challenges too around how to move and manageably graze stock. Over the past year, farmers across the region have focussed their efforts on getting their properties back on track to a workable level. Adding to the challenges are economic pressures being felt right across the rural sector. “It has required a lot of elbow grease and there’s still a lot of investment to be made in labour to get back to where we want to be,” says Patrick. “You’ve got to pick your battles, set your priorities and be prepared to keep chipping away. You need to give yourself that mental grace to accept what it is for six months or a year and work with that.” For Patrick and Isabelle, rebuilding their farm operation has also prompted some deeper thinking around whether to build back the same or to seek out fresh approaches. “As we rebuild, we’re definitely looking at how we can work in a better way, with more planning. For example, we’re not necessarily putting fence lines back where they used to be if we can see that there are alternative solutions that could enhance how we’re managing pasture.” While their farm is not yet back to being fully sheep proofed, Patrick says they are now able to contain cattle in a managed way and move them around relatively freely – “but there are still a few blocks that we haven’t quite got to.” It is a well-known fact that stress can result in poor decision making. In the aftermath of the cyclone, Patrick and Isabelle have recognised the importance of keeping mind and body fresh and that means making room in their farm schedule for a few wellearned getaways with their family. A Hawke’s Bay hockey rep, Patrick also enjoyed taking some time out last September to play at a national men’s hockey tournament. In spite of the cyclone setbacks, Patrick has Servicing the Puketapu, Patoka & Puketitiri area for baling, silage, cultivation, drilling, maize / beet planting & earthmoving requirements CONTRACTING SUPPORTING PATRICK & ISABEL FROM THE GROUND UP! www.ruralaerialcoop.co.nz RURAL PEOPLE » Patrick and Isabelle Crawshaw retained a positive outlook on farming that saw him compete in the 2023 Grand Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year. In the context of a tough year, he feels proud to have finished fourth and has relished the camaraderie and networking opportunities that came from taking part in the event. Last May, he was also elected to the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Board as the Eastern North Island farmer director. “I’m really loving that space – for me, it’s about preparing Beef + Lamb - and the role of the sector - for the next generation of farmers and farming. I’m really relishing the opportunity to be that voice.” While their farm is not yet back to being fully sheep proofed, they are now able to contain cattle in a managed way.
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