Business Rural Autumn 2025

North John and Kristina Wyatt are kicking some major goals 50/50 share milking 280 Kiwi-Cross cows in Central Taranaki - Page 15 Kicking major goals AUTUMN 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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Rural North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Kaha Nui Farm �� 03 Hauhungaroa 2C Block (Cam Brown) �� 04 Dirk and Kathy Sieling �� 05 Cricklewood Angus �� 06 David and Samantha Turner - Eltham �� 07 Dickie Direct �� 08 Fabish Brothers �� 09 Future Farm �� 10 Glenrossie �� 12 Hereheretau Station �� 14 John and Kristina Wyatt �� 15 Hinewaka Shorthorns �� 16 Iwinui Titirangi Stations �� 18 John and Mary Allen �� 20 Platform Hereford Stud �� 22 Kaimoa South Devons �� 23 Kenhardt Angus �� 24 Kerrah Simmentals �� 25 Longhill Farms �� 26 Tocker Farm �� 28 McFadzean Cattle Co �� 30 Millstone Red Devons �� 32 Morton Shorthorns �� 34 Potawa �� 35 Biofarm �� 36 Waiere Ltd �� 37 90 Mile View Station Simmentals �� 38 Willson & Watson Transport �� 38 Rob Titter �� 39 Ridgeway Farms �� 40 Rimu Partnership �� 42 Rockend Polled Herefords �� 44 Shian Angus �� 45 Rotowai Angus �� 46 Waihau Terminal Sires �� 47 Rockview Red Devons �� 48 Waiteika Romneys �� 49 Ag Marine Ltd �� 50 Agri-Fencing Taranaki �� 51 Alexander Farming Genetics �� 52 Barfoote Construction �� 53 Feedco �� 54 Fisher Transport �� 55 Goodin Ag Ltd �� 56 HW Cavanagh Transport Ltd �� 60 Harris Contracting Dvke Ltd �� 62 Hastings Honda �� 63 Hunt Fencing Ltd �� 63 Hermansen Contracting Ltd �� 64 Keith Hay Homes �� 65 Kerley Bros Transport �� 66 Matt Heath Builders �� 68 Michielsens Transport �� 69 NZ Farmers Livestock �� 70 LS Rural Fencing �� 71 Pritchard Agricultural Contracting �� 72 Shannon Ag �� 72 Scott’s Ag Contracting �� 73 Total Heliwork �� 73 Osflo Fertiliser Ltd �� 74 Landquip Ltd �� 76 Ruapehu Fencing �� 77 Sandfords Rural Carriers �� 78 Greg Sowry Contracting Ltd �� 79 The Soil Scientist �� 80 Wattle Contracting �� 82 Tulloch Contracting Ltd �� 83 Mill Valley �� 84 I&K Evans �� 85 Tarangower Angus �� 86 Specialist Rural Services �� 88 Hilltop Spraying �� 89 36 | Bill ‘threatens NZ’s ag identity’ 42 | No retirement plans for the Dittmer’s 46 | Halter is a winner for beef operation 10 | 7,000 square metres of greenhouses North OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Anne Boswell, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Tracey Edwardes, Randall Johnston, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright, Lindy Andrews, Bernadette Cooney. 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| 3 Kaha Nui: A Waikato horse haven Kaha Nui’s stunning I Am Invincible filly out of Group 3 winning mare Shoko found a fantastic home with Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing - Kestrel Thoroughbreds. Anne Boswell True to its name, Kaha Nui Farm - meaning ‘great strength’- has built a reputation for exceptional horse spelling services and yearling preparation. Established five years ago by principals Nick and Nicky White, the farm reflects their passion for horses, renewed by a desire for a change in lifestyle. The Whites made the move from North Auckland to Waikato in 2020, seeking a lifestyle where Nick, who was part of the Chiefs Rugby coaching staff, could cease his long commute while Nicky, a real estate agent for the Rodney region, could take over the travelling. They found the perfect property at Mystery Creek: a 60-acre property formerly owned by the Clarkin family, prominent on the polo circuit. As a result, the farm was set up for horses, with a 700-metre sandtrack and sand-based soil ensuring excellent conditions for horses year-round. Although supplemented by an additional 30 acres nearby, the property wasn’t large enough for cattle – so horses it was. Nicky has a passion for horses, influenced by her father Dick Stevenson, a successful farmer-turnedrace trainer at Ruakaka. Having competed in shows, broken in horses, and trained racehorses herself, Nicky’s lifelong connection to the equestrian world made the transition a natural fit. The core of their business – established in 2023 - is ‘spelling’ - a crucial aspect of horse care that allows thoroughbreds to rest and recover between racing campaigns. The farm accommodates racehorses, broodmares, dry mares and even standardbred horses needing a break. Beyond spelling, Kaha Nui Farm has also ventured into pinhooking - a practice in the thoroughbred industry where weanlings are purchased and later resold as yearlings. From May to July, Nick and Nicky attend weanling sales across New Zealand and Australia, selecting a handful of promising young horses. These horses are then prepped from September to December, culminating in yearling sales in January. The farm has previously sold yearlings at Karaka and, more recently, the Magic Millions Sale. RURAL PEOPLE » Kaha Nui Farm “We don’t take big drafts - only 10 to 12 animals - but it keeps us busy enough,” Nick says. But while pinhooking is an exciting aspect of their business, spelling remains their primary focus. They are cautious about stretching their resources too thin, especially with the additional demands of their Matakana drystock farm. Kaha Nui Farm is a family affair, with Nick and Nicky’s son Toby and his partner Flo actively involved in day-to-day operations. They also assist Nicky in her real estate venture, making for a dynamic and busy lifestyle. High-Quality Feed Manufactured using only the best ingredients to meet the needs of your animals. Wide Range of Products From premium grains to supplements, we’ve got your farm covered. Reliable Services Nationwide delivery options Knowledgeable & friendly staff Consistent supply. Contact us today! P: 07 827 4453 E: sales@cambridgegrains.co.nz Cambridge, New Zealand YOUR TRUSTED FEED & GRAIN PARTNER Cambridge Grains Nurturing great strength K AHA NU I F A RM 2/359 Mystery Creek Rd, Ohaupo 021 754 667 | nickywhite@xtra.co.nz Nick speaks highly of the thoroughbred industry and the dedication it demands. “Everyone works so hard, up at 3:30 a.m. and going all day,” he says. “You just want to see people doing well.” The name Kaha Nui holds significant meaning for the farm. “The land here grows great grass and trees, and the animals do so well,” Nick says. “Our boundary is on the Waikato River, which is so strong and powerful, too. We are lucky to live in this part of the world. “We take great pride in looking after our animals and the land.”

4 | Top beef breeding on Hauhungaroa 2C Block Predominantly Romney genetics. Russell Fredric Wool retains an important place in Hauhungaroa 2C Block’s annual production cycle, especially with a change in its wool supply chain adding vital value to its bottom line. Located on the western shores of Lake Taupo and owned by a Maori Incorporation, the 1010 hectare effective sheep and beef breeding and finishing property operates under a nitrogen cap within the Lake Taupo catchment, on a total of 3227 hectares. The farm supports a total of 10,700 stock units, comprising 70% sheep with predominantly Romney genetics and 30% Angus-cross cattle. General manager Cam Brown says he is a big believer in the wool industry, consequently the sheep are bred with this in mind as well as for survivability, milking ability and growth rates. “It’s fair to say that we are on the right side of the ledger so far with our shearing; we are more than covering our costs, and that’s purely down to what the wool clip is,” Cam says. The Romney flock produces 38 micron wool which is suppled directly to French yarn manufacturer company Segard Masurel, one of New Zealand’s major wool exporters. The company is a wool broker/direct selling operation with a fully integrated supply strategy which means there is only one company acting between the grower and the end user. While the Hauhungaroa 2C Incorporation management was perfectly happy with the previous company it supplied its wool to via an auction process, the move to Segard Masurel has eliminated an intermediary and the wool clip is now supplied direct to the European market. More than 60% of Segard Masurel’s wool is sold to clients producing globally recognised brands. “We are probably getting closer to its true value than what we may have done in the past, but something the [farm’s] owners feel strongly about is where our products go.” This applies both to wool and the meat, and knowing where the farm’s production goes is a step in the right direction, Cam says. “Hopefully that will lead to other opportunities in terms of supplying more for certain contracts.” Hauhungaroa 2C Block’s team is “pretty particular” about how it presents its wool and this requires some attention to achieve the best possible colour RURAL PEOPLE » Hauhungaroa 2C Block (Cam Brown) and the least vegetable matter possible, subject to operational demands, from one shearing per season. Despite ongoing challenges in the wool market, Cam believes the medium-term outlook for it is better now than it has been during the past three to five years. “There’s a big change in people’s perception in the use of nylons. I still think there’s a big cost involved in getting the wool from the sheep’s back and in apparel form to the public, and part of the decision in doing what we did was to try and cut some of that cost out of the system.” Hauhungaroa 2C Block is one of the many trusts or incorporations under the control of Tuwharetoa iwi, with the Maori ownership providing members of the iwi access to employment opportunities, training and mentorship. Huka Honda: #1 on farm and backing our community since 1982. Visit us today and check out our brand new, purposebuilt facility; leading the way for Honda in NZ. Our passionate & experienced team bring you the best products and services with honest and knowledgeable advice. 07 378 5508 32 Curlys Way, Taupo sales@hukahonda.co.nz www.hukahonda.co.nz HUKA HONDA Totally Vets, proudly supporting the Hauhungaroa 2C Block farming operation. taumarunui@totallyvets.co.nz | www.totallyvets.co.nz Totally Vets Taumarunui 07 895 8899 Of the 3227 hectares, the farm includes 1142 ha of leased pine forest, 104ha of its own wood-lot planted in young tree stock, and about 770ha in native bush. The property runs from 460 metres to 800 metres above sea level on rolling to steep contour with 380 ha intensively farmed and 630 extensively farmed, wintering about 4600 Romney breeding ewes and 330 breeding cows. Bill Morrissey -Casual, Mitch Brown -Senior Shepherd, Cam Brown -Manager.

| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Dirk and Kathy Sieling Diverse operation for Dirk and Kathy The stud’s genetics include bloodlines from Australia and England, but this season the cows were all naturally mated. Russell Fredric An 80 hectare plantation of 28 year old hill country pines is currently being harvested by Dirk and Kathy Sieling, but the couple are not expecting a gold mine of returns. Dirk and Kathy own a diverse 710 hectare, 410 hectare effective property bordering Whitianga which milks 430 crossbred dairy cows plus replacements, as well as running Ohuka Polled Devon Stud. “We are turning that country into grazing, and because it’s rough hill country we put the Devon’s up there. For the first round we just put the bulls in there and over a couple of years it gets better and better,” Dirk says. He expects harvesting to be completed around June. Export log prices have been extremely depressed during the past 18 months or so, Dirk says. “Most of the export logs are break-even for us, but we get the income from the local sawmills and that pays for any loss on export logs.” “If I had to give advice to anyone, I would say don’t go for a one-round rotation because you really don’t make any money until your second round, but in our case we want to break in other country and eventually it will all become lifestyle blocks.” The Sieling’s farm surrounds much of Whitianga, with the 200ha dairy farm platform on its southern boundary and the home farm, the location of Ohuka Polled Devon Stud, to the north. “We do mix and match a bit so some paddock get dual use. Occasionally the cows come in, other times replacements or Devons will come in so there’s not a strict separation between the dairy platform and the dry stock areas.” Most of the 300 hectares not in productive farm land or that has been in forestry is hill country, and native bush a lot of which is under a QEII National Trust covenant. A single large block has been earmarked for a combination of conservation and public amenity such as walking, cycling and horse riding. “What we are trying to achieve is that we get the better country in grass and the steeper country we really want to get back to native. That is not a simple process because you get all these pine tree seedlings and other weeds that you don’t want, and of course if you’re going to spray them out you’re going to kill the natives as well.” Areas being converted into grass have been sprayed and annual ryegrass will be aerial sown, but future pine tree seedlings would have to be removed by hand in areas where natives are to grow which would be a massive job and “a real quandary”, Dirk says. Breaking in the hill country has enabled Ohuka Polled Devon Stud to expand its herd from 36 registered breeding cows to 56, plus it has 12 rising two year-old bulls and 16 weaner bulls, while 22 further heifers will be coming into the herd in 2026. Ohuka Red Devons currently has three stud bulls, plus a yearling stud bull that is mated to the yearling heifers. The stud’s genetics include bloodlines from Australia and England, but this season the cows were all naturally mated by the progeny of the cows artificially inseminated in previous seasons. “We also bought in some New Zealand in-calf cows that have quite different bloodlines from our stock as well.” 14th May 2025 - Kaikohe Saleyards Contact Aaron Gubb: 021 590 915 Simmental Beef Stud Northland, NZ. 40 r2 Simmental Bulls | Our bulls are guaranteed for structural soundness DNA tested | Fertility tested | Muscle scanned | Beef classed | EBL & BVD negative 6TH Proud to be associated with Dirk and Kathy Sieling PROUDLY SUPPORTING DIRK AND KATHY SIELING

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Cricklewood Angus Stud breeders continuing 90-year legacy A good nature was the most important trait the operation was looking for. They have culled a number of stud cattle over the last few years. Rosa Watson After 90 years, Cricklewood Angus in Wairoa, northern Hawke’s Bay. is still proudly producing stud bulls for the market. The stud is run on aa 3149ha effective property, alongside 8500 commercial ewes and 1100 commercial cows. There are currently 130 in-calf stud cows. Stud manager Micheal McMillan said the stud was recently moved from Tahaenui Station back to Cricklewood Station where it originated from. There was a rich history to the stud, that dated back to the 1930s. Humphry Bayly Snr established the stud, believing Angus outperformed other cattle breeds, especially on hill country. John Bayly then carried on his legacy with a passion and dedication, leaving his own legacy. “It’s a bit of a story in itself, really,” stud manager Michael McMillan told Rural North. The stud operation was predominately to support the Cricklewood farming operation, producing its own bulls for its commercial cows, but also supports additional farms owned by the company. “So, we’re really breeding for ourselves. We are our biggest client,” Michael said. Surplus bulls are then sold to the market. Micheal said they were working through this year’s stud bulls and would have bulls for sale at their June sale. He expected there would be up to eight available. Nature was the most important trait the operation was looking for, he said. LIME - UREA - FERTILISER BLENDS - STANDARD FERTILISER Call us today to discuss your requirements Bulk fertiliser and Lime spreading across the East Coast District Contact: Craig Henneker Phone: 021 751 235 Email: craig@wss.nz Locally Owned and Operated Like to come shearing in the sunny Hawke’s Bay? We have jobs available frommid-May to end of September and mid-October through to March for seasonal sta . If you’d like to move here to live we have permanent positions available for the right people. All you need is a good work ethic and your gear. Accommodation available. Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06879 5553 est. 1935 STUD MASTER: Micheal McMillan 021 682 321 STOCK AGENT: Darryl Fergus 027 209 2787 cricklewoodstn@gmail.com All bulls will be passed for transfer prior to the sale. ENQUIRIES TO: EVERYONE WELCOME! Enjoy some East Coast Hospitality. Cricklewood Angus proudly presents 15 bulls to be sold at our inaugural bull sale at Tahaenui Station, Nuhaka on Sunday 22nd June at 4pm. Viewing 2pm onwards or by prior arrangement. “We want user friendly, quiet cattle. The animal also needs to be resilient to the local conditions. “We want a type of animal that can stand dry conditions. It’s got to be able to hold itself through periods of dry.” Micheal was pleased with how this year’s bulls were looking. “They’re probably a little behind what we’d like them to be, but they are coming on strong now.” The current focus was to continue to improve the breed’s data without losing its type, he said. Micheal said while he had always been interested in breeding, stud breeding was all new to him when he took on the role of manager four years ago. He has been working with outfits such as Performance Beef Breeders (PBB) and Zoetis, with data entry and recording support. “They’ve helped out a huge amount.” But knowing good performing animals was the main qualification needed. “I know what I like.” A recent highlight had been the sale of Cricklewood Pandemic in 2020 that sold for $92,000. Michael said the bull “stood out from his peers”. “(He had) really good eye appraisal and a bit of data to go with him.” Although the stud operation made up only a small part of the farming business, it was a vital part, he said. “It drives a huge part of our business, really. So, we’ve got to get it right ourselves.” This meant they had reliable animals to sell to the market. “We believe if it’s right for us it should be right for our buyers.” They have culled a number of stud cattle over the last few years to keep the line tidy. “We couldn’t see the point in having anything that wasn’t good enough for us. “When you do that, you reduce your numbers ... but you are better to be breeding from quality.”

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » David and Samantha Turner - Eltham Transition to NZFAP Plus certification David and Samantha run two farms of flat to rolling land near Eltham. Karen Phelps David and Samantha Turner’s South Taranaki sheep and beef operation has just achieved NZFAP Plus certification under New Zealand’s national farm assurance programme. “I feel we all should be going this way. In this day and age we need to promote we are doing a good job and have independent certification to prove that,” says David. “It also gives benchmarks as to where we are at and pick up things we can do better. It gives a track record from year to year of progress we’re making.” The certification, which covers areas including people, farm and natural resources, biosecurity and animal welfare, represents a growing movement towards more sustainable farming practices in New Zealand’s agricultural sector. The programme provides assurance to global consumers about the authenticity and safety of New Zealand’s meat and wool products. Currently at silver level certification, the operation is already working towards achieving gold status. Silverfern Farms, which the operation supplies to, has supported the transition to NZFAP Plus certification. The programme offers farmers a small premium for certified stock, providing financial recognition for their environmental efforts. David and Samantha run two farms of flat to rolling land near Eltham, between Stratford and Hawera, which finish approximately 1,200 lambs annually and has 800 breeding ewes. A past winner in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards they have implemented a number of practices that align with his environmental goals. For example recently instead of mowing the paddocks off for hay David has been strip grazing them. “As far as I’ve observed that’s been beneficial in terms of putting nutrients back into the ground via dung and urine and trampling seed back in. This deferred grazing approach is a shift towards more regenerative farming methods.” The farm has also maintained a decade-long commitment to waterway protection and tree planting. Each year, the operation targets a new fence line and waterway for improvement, working with the regional council to source riparian plants. This environmental initiative has had additional benefits for the farming operation. “I’m quite big on fencing off waterways where we can and put a lot of thought into the impact that everything that we do has on the land,” says David. “It’s also been an excuse to subdivide the paddocks where waterways ran through the paddocks so we could make smaller paddocks and put in more water troughs. The riparian planting also provides shelter for livestock. As we’re a smaller property on easier country it’s been quite do-able.” The farm has recently diversified its operations, taking on dairy weaners in addition to its traditional sheep and beef focus. “We’re always looking at new ways of changing, modifying or adapting what we do to suit the circumstances,” says David. In terms of livestock management, the operation runs approximately 300 dairy heifers under contract from May to May. The farm has also introduced an innovative approach to lamb finishing, utilising a 12-15 hectare chicory crop. “We keep our chicory for two years which is probably a bit unusual, planting 5 or 7ha each year,” says David. “Each year half of our chicory is last year’s and half of it is this year’s and every second year that gets re-grassed into permanent pasture again.” Marriner Groundspread Ltd Operating since 1996  (06) 765 4345 118 Warwick Road, Stratford Supporting the local community 027 446 0443 19a King Edward St, Eltham wide range of Agricultural services. Call Lloyd now for your 2025/2026 season requirements. Earthmoving contracting business based in Taranaki who strive for customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. Bulk Earthworks • Site Foundations • Demolition Cartage • Landscaping • Drainage Logging Tracks • Tree Works +64 27 307 2599 dentcontracting7@gmail.com Proudly Supporting David Turner Eltham The farm’s commitment to genetic improvement is evident in its Romney sheep flock, sourced from Waiteika Romneys in Kawhia. David began purchasing from the Abbott Family seven years ago, specifically seeking facial eczema resistant traits. The farm is very much a family operation, with Samantha working off-farm as a Deceased Estate Manager, while his children Sarah, 19, and George, 16, maintain strong connections to the property, with George showing particular interest in farming.

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Dickie Direct Farmers enter a more buoyant market Charlie and Bideford client Jamie Falloon checking out his Italian rye clover mix. Karen Phelps With a record payout for dairy on the cards and sheep and beef recovering quickly optimism is growing as farmers enter a more buoyant market, says Charles Dickie, director of fertiliser company Dickie Direct. “Everyone is still aware of costs though and at Dickie Direct we know the biggest value comes from using the right product with an emphasis on cost per unit of nutrient utilised along with other factors,” he says. As an example the company has developed a comprehensive seven-factor approach to help farmers select the most appropriate phosphate fertilisers for their specific situations. It considers existing phosphate levels, soil pH, location and application type, phosphate retention levels, rainfall, additional required nutrients, and budget constraints. “This analysis helps determine whether farms require instant phosphate response for optimal production or would benefit more from prolonged release. Soil pH consideration is very important as it helps determine if lime should be prioritised or if a pH neutralising phosphate source might be more suitable,” he says. The company’s approach to location and application type particularly demonstrates its focus on efficiency. Charles says that high analysis products can significantly reduce freight and application costs, with greater savings achieved the higher these costs are. Similarly phosphate retention levels in soil help determine whether water-soluble forms of phosphate are appropriate or if citric soluble forms should be considered. Rainfall patterns play an important role also in the decision-making process. In areas where high rainfall events might cause phosphate loss through runoff, particularly in soils with low phosphate retention, the company recommends steady- releasing phosphate sources to counter these losses. Founded in 2014 by Charles, who grew up on a family farm in Waverley, South Taranaki and previously worked in the logistics industry, Dickie Direct has evolved from initially importing urea from China to becoming a full-service fertiliser business. It maintains a lean supply chain, dealing directly with suppliers globally to keep prices competitive while ensuring access to innovative products. It can supply and custom blend a full range of products in both bulk and bulk bags supported by an efficient logistics network. The company’s services also include soil and herbage testing, providing recommendations and advice and working with independent fertiliser and farm consultants throughout New Zealand. Charles says a particular focus for the company is environmental, which begins with its range of conventional and enhanced-efficiency products. It proactively sources, researches, tests and trials new products to ensure it supplies the most advanced fertilisers and agricultural nutrients at competitive prices. Regular factory visits and quality checks maintain high product standards from manufacture through to farm delivery. “When suitable we incorporate biological enhancers and feeders into blends, enhancing soil and plant health and nutrient uptake,” explains + Increase Soil Moisture Retention + Increase in Bacteria & Fungi Levels + Humates High in Carbon + Increase Pasture Growth Improves Soil Health Southern Humates Available from Dickie Direct – your local supplier. EM will improve yield and performance in agriculture through enhancing soil biological activity and fertiliser inputs. • Improve soil Health and Performance • Improve Yield • Enhance Fertiliser Inputs • Improve Root Structure • Improve Germination • Reduce Soil Compaction • Improve Organic Matter Breakdown P. 03 374 6323 E. paul@emnz.co.nz W. www.emnz.com Ben Chadwick - Gisborne Area Manager 0800 686 060 | 027 282 0937 ben.chadwick@farmersair.co.nz Simon Grant - Chief Pilot/Wairoa base pilot 027 642 5717 simon@farmersair.co.nz www.farmersair.co.nz Charles. It also embraces precision farming principles, ensuring nutrients are only applied where needed. Charles says the focus of Dickie Direct remains on helping farmers make informed decisions about their fertiliser investments, ensuring they achieve optimal returns through the correct product selection, balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility and farm productivity. “At Dickie Direct our strategy is to innovate and challenge the status quo assisting our customers to farm even smarter.”

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Fabish Brothers Mostly Friesian with a sprinkling of Jerseys Bryant manages the original family farm comprising 149 hectares of effective land while Paul runs a 108ha farm. Karen Phelps Taranaki dairy operation Fabish Brothers Farms has found constant fine tuning and continuous improvement the key to farming success. “We’re always trying to improve – there are always more things to work on as we try and get better at what we do,” says Bryant Fabish who owns Fabish Brothers Farms at Tariki with brother Paul. Bryant manages the original family farm comprising 149 hectares of effective land while Paul runs a 108ha farm on higher ground. A smaller farm of 68ha and two run-offs complete their operation. The collective herd of around 900 cows is predominantly Friesian with a sprinkling of Jerseys on Paul’s farm. Bryant’s farm milks the herd through a 36-aside herringbone parlour with automatic cup removers and Protrack technology from DeLaval while Paul operates a 32-aside herringbone setup with Protrack. In 2022 there was the introduction of contract milker Anura Subasinghe and his family to the main farm after previously employing lower order sharemilkers, which Bryant says has been working out well. The home farm is tracking ahead of its 137,500 kilogrammes milk solids target, with expectations of reaching 140,000 this season. This achievement comes through careful management of the system, including the implementation of a 3-in-2 milking system that reduces the amount of time spent milking compared with milking twice a day (TAD), without reducing milk yield as much as milking once a day (OAD). The smaller 68-hectare farm in their portfolio also operates under a contract milking arrangement, with impressive results. Total production from the 190 cows there is tracking towards 71,000kgMS, says Bryant. Paul still milks, assisted by another worker, and Paul’s wife Heidi helps too. The brothers also have a couple of casual part-timers in the mix. Environmental stewardship ranks high on the operation’s priority list. The farm has completed extensive waterway fencing and riparian planting, positioning it ahead of regulatory requirements. Bryant says that this proactive approach to environmental management aligns with its precision grass farming methodology, utilising electric fencing for optimal pasture management. They re-grass about two paddocks each year to improve pasture quality. While predominantly grass-based, the operation supplements feed with modest amounts of palm kernel as dry periods are common. Regular paddock re-grassing maintains pasture quality, though the farm avoids cropping to maintain a simple easy system. One area of improvement the brothers are currently targeting is enhancing breeding outcomes. They are aiming to improve cow condition before mating to boost cycling and overall mating performance. They also hope to tighten calving spread, which currently runs from early August to late October, with plans to reduce this window by approximately two weeks. When the Fabish brothers came home to farm in the 1980s, their dream was to expand from the Proud to partner with Fabish Brothers Phone: (06) 756 7785 Mobile: 027 663 5675 Address: 34 Richmond Street, Inglewood 4330 EXPERIENCED SERVICING & REPAIR OF FARM EQUIPMENT Equipment Servicing & Parts Agents of Fintax Chartered Accountants Limited Contact us today (06) 756 8189 fintaxltd@xtra.co.nz P.O Box 7, Inglewood 4347 28 Brown St, Inglewood Taranaki For all your Accounting and Management Advisory needs and Taxation Services original family property to each have a farm of their own and they are proud to have achieved their goal. Bryant puts their success down to a measured approach to improvement and willingness to adapt. He says they are “consolidating the business” with no immediate plans for growth.

10 | 7,000 square metres of greenhouses The old equipment has been modernised and new greenhouses built, making the farm home to some of the most advanced and high-yielding greenhouses in New Zealand. Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Future Farm Located in the small West Auckland community of Waimauku, Future Farm operates on three hectares of land and currently encompasses 7,000 square metres of modern greenhouses, with tomatoes and cucumbers its primary crops. The name Future Farm reflects the owners forward-looking vision of modern, sustainable, and innovative horticultural practices. “I deeply believe that agriculture holds great potential for the future, where success will be determined by advancements in technology and excellence in management,” says Managing Director Frank Chen. While Future Farm Group Ltd was officially established in 2019 by Frank and his business partner, Mr. Liu, the farm’s roots, go back more than 40 years when it was founded and operated by Tony Ivicevich, former chairman of the industry body, TomatoesNZ, and the creator of the premium tomato brand Beekist. Before establishing Future Farm, Frank studied finance at university and worked in banking for two years. During that time, he and his business partner observed that vegetable prices in Auckland were exceptionally high. “We believed we could make a meaningful contribution to the local market and help bring about change. It was then that I met Tony, who was preparing for retirement. With his guidance and training, I registered Future Farm and took over his business. Since then, we have expanded on the existing farm located in Waimauku, completing significant system upgrades and infrastructure development.” Under Frank’s leadership, the old equipment has been modernised and new greenhouses built, making the farm home to some of the most advanced and high-yielding greenhouses in New Zealand. “Our greenhouses are equipped with New Zealand’s most advanced environmental control and irrigation systems. The roof vents automatically open and close based on temperature, humidity, and rainfall, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Irrigation is managed through a drip system that operates without manual intervention, maximizing water efficiency and reducing labour requirements. My role as Managing Director involves overseeing strategic expansion, staff recruitment, and external stakeholder communications. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with horticultural standards, driving operational efficiency, and managing financial performance.” During Future Farm’s peak, the farm operated 12,000 square metres of greenhouses and employed 15 staff members. However, due to a land acquisition, operations were reduced by closing a farm previously operated in South Auckland. Future Farm’s produce is primarily distributed through Market Gardeners Limited (MG Marketing) and reaches retailers like Farro, Fruit World, Pak’n Save, and Countdown. While currently focused on the domestic market, Future Farm is exploring potential opportunities for export, particularly in premium markets within Asia and Australia. “Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our expansion plans and market development initiatives were forced to be put on hold. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to pursuing growth opportunities as conditions improve.” Frank says Future Farm’s success lies in its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. “The expertise and passion of our team are fundamental to our operations. By staying at the forefront of horticultural advancements, maintaining strong industry relationships, and focusing on continuous improvement, we have built a reputation for excellence.” T U E S DAY 1 0 T H J U N E 2 0 2 5 , 1 0 A M

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