| 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.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=