Business Rural North Autumn 2026

North Omata Fencing has grown from a one-man operation into a leading example of professionalism and quality in rural fencing - Page 62 Sheep dog showman to fencing maestro AUTUMN 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents Arohiwi Station �� 03 Baden and Donna Priest �� 04 Aerial Station �� 06 Awarima Station �� 08 Boom Farms �� 10 Dayne and Sophia Addison �� 11 Emerald Hills: Rick and Rose Powdrell �� 12 Avoca Lime Co �� 14 Farmer Led Discussion Group �� 15 Ferdon Genetics �� 16 Janet Schultz �� 17 Rosemount Charolais �� 18 Kaimoa South Devons �� 19 Kaipara Herefords �� 20 Kerrah Simmentals �� 21 Koanui Polled Herefords �� 22 Lewis Knauf Maraekakaho �� 23 Millstone Red Devons �� 24 Motu-nui Romneys and Crossbreeds �� 25 McFadzean Cattle Co �� 26 Hillbrae �� 28 Wilencote Polled Herefords �� 29 Tarangower Angus �� 29 Patrick Crawshaw �� 30 Rauriki Charolais �� 31 Pohatu Farm �� 32 Pukemiro Station �� 34 Te Pukerakau Stud �� 36 Raymond Harre - Mangaohae �� 38 Rewa Rewa Station �� 39 Richard Webby �� 40 Rolling Heights Farm �� 41 Rotowai Angus �� 42 Shayne and Sarah Coombe �� 43 Temataa Station �� 44 Wijesooriya and Stuart �� 45 Waimai Romneys �� 46 Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo �� 48 Chloe Butcher-Herries �� 49 Aoghaire Romney �� 50 Gleniti Romneys �� 50 EMNZ �� 51 Rockhill �� 52 Burkhart Farm Equipment �� 54 Harrison Lane Ltd �� 56 Braddick Contracting Ltd �� 58 Harrison Contracting. �� 59 JCL Contracting Ltd �� 60 Kamo Veterinary Ltd �� 61 Omata Fencing �� 62 Kelso Genetics �� 64 D&H Shearing �� 66 NZ Equine Solutions �� 67 Hauraki Logging �� 68 Vuletich Contracting Ltd �� 69 Aqualine Contractors �� 70 Grains & Gains Co �� 71 BJ Bishop Transport Ltd �� 71 Larsen Sawmilling Ltd �� 72 Mangonui Haulage Ltd �� 72 Quality Engineering �� 73 Williams Trucking �� 73 Vet Services Hawkes Bay �� 74 Zac Grant Livestock �� 75 Walton Contracting �� 76 Rimu Partnership �� 77 Ridgeline Fencing �� 78 Agri-Air �� 79 FCANZ �� 80 BM Accounting �� 84 41 | Gaining real traction 84 | Specialist rural expertise 32 | Pohatu Farm is opening a new chapter North #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by Waterford Press Ltd. will be added to the account of the Client / Debtor. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will affect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. Waterford Press Ltd reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Waterford Press Ltd. to insert advertising as instructed by the Client, it may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement / article in accordance with the clients instructions as to page and position but the Waterford Press Ltd reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising / article in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Where images are supplied by client for use, Waterford Press Ltd, withholds the right to choose the amount and which are used at the Editors discretion. Clients must advise Waterford Press Ltd immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available edition where possible. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted by Waterford Press Ltd. but the right to decide whether a further proof should be proofed to the client is discretionary. Views and opinions expressed in our publications are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, Waterford Press Ltd. or publisher. Waterford Press Ltd. welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editor’s discretion. Waterford Press Ltd. accepts no responsibility for any Errors or Omissions within any articles, where the client approved prior to print date; any post print date advertisement and / or editorial adjustments are made at Waterford Press’s discretion and may incur additional costs to the client. 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 WRITERS Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Anne Boswell, Emma Bailey, Kim Bowden, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright, Alexia Anderson, Aimee Wilson. RESEARCH & MARKETING Sam Dart, Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Lisa Moffat, , Catherine Norton, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Michelle Phelan OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz 39 | Major awards for Rewa Rewa Station

| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Arohiwi Station Success at World Steak Challenge Silver Fern Farms proudly acknowledged Arohiwi Station in Hawke’s Bay for its outstanding achievements at the annual World Steak Challenge 2025. Selected to represent Silver Fern Farms on the global stage, Arohiwi Station secured three medals in the prestigious international competition judged by over 60 experts against strict criteria; Silver – Beef Sirloin; Silver – Beef Ribeye; Bronze – Beef Eye Fillet. This recognition follows months of preparation. For three months all Silver Ferns Farms’ Beef EQ graders diligently searched for the highest marbled carcass to represent them. Arohiwi Station emerged as standout, producing the top carcass from a line of 100% G.A.P Angus cattle. This exceptional winning carcass was processed and graded at the Silver Fern Farms’ Pacific plant. Silver Fern Farms’ representatives Peter de Barre and Malcolm Gourlie and presented the awards to the Arohiwi team (Peter, Robbie, Sarah, Ben) at the station in December last year. Farm Manager Robbie Schaw was ecstatic and expressed pride in the result, noting it validates that his genetic breeding programme is meeting the requirements of our consumers. Arohiwi Station is a highly regarded breeding and finishing sheep and beef farm. The total 1,471.5 ha property is situated in the Puketitiri District, approximately 56 kilometres north-west of Napier, and runs 60/40 sheep cattle stock mix, wintering approximately 12,600 stock units in 2024. Arohiwi Station is wholly owned by Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC), and the proceeds of Arohiwi Station Limited are to be used to support PSEC’s social services delivery at the discretion of the PSEC Board. PSEC has been involved in the farm ownership since 1978 when it was first gifted 25%, right up to 2012, when they purchased the interest of the remaining partners. Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC) is a not-for-profit charity that has been leading social change since 1946. With the help of over 200 staff and 100 volunteers, PSEC provides over $15M cost of social services each year. Through its services, Enliven and Family Works, PSEC supports disabled people, older people, and children and families. Launched in 2015 to deliver a recognised stamp of quality to support world-class steak production on a global platform, The World Steak Challenge gives steak producers from across the world a unique opportunity to benchmark product quality, breed credentials and processing standards on the international stage. The 11th edition of the World Steak Challenge concluded on Monday 10 November at Smith & Wollensky, London. A 32-day aged Irish angus striploin that is available in Lidl was named as the World’s Best Steak following the announcement. The steak, from producer Dawn Meats, was also named Europe’s Best Steak and the World’s Best Grass-Fed Sirloin. Australian producer Jack’s Creek, a previous winner of the World’s Best Steak category, took home the accolade of Oceania’s Best Steak for its grain-fed purebred wagyu sirloin, which was also named World’s Best Wagyu. Other winners include Australia’s 2GR Wagyu Supporting Arohiwi Station from the ground up E c.tcontracting@xtra.co.nz Proudly powering Arohiwi Station with top genetics and improved returns. Storth Oaks ANGUS Tim & Kelly Brittain 524 Paewhenua Rd, RD2, Otorohanga, 3972, New Zealand ph: +64 7 8732816 | mob: +64 275 935387 | www.storthoaks.co.nz | tim@storthoaks.co.nz Beef, which took home the award for World’s Best Grain-Fed Fillet; Fritz Fleisch & Fisch and Bef&Co for a La Morocha rib-eye that was named South America’s Best Steak; and Meat Japan, whose Juku Japanese Mother Wagyu Striploin A4 was named Asia’s Best Steak. Selected to represent Silver Fern Farms on the global stage, Arohiwi Station secured three medals.

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Baden and Donna Priest A niche, high-value manufacturer The Priest farm sits between Morrinsville and Te Aroha on 94 hectares. Karen Phelps For Baden and Donna Priest joining one of New Zealand’s smallest and most specialised dairy co-operatives Tatua more than 15 years ago has reshaped both the stability and direction of their business. “Shifting from a large commodity processor to a niche, high-value manufacturer has made a huge difference. It’s a real family feel and we’ve found the payouts better as an added bonus,” he says. Tatua, based in Tatuanui in the heart of the Waikato, is New Zealand’s oldest independent dairy company. With just 101 supplying farms and a focus on premium, specialised products rather than bulk commodities, it has built a global reputation for innovation. Its portfolio includes nutritional ingredients for medical and wellbeing sectors, dairy flavours for international food manufacturers and consumer favourites such as the iconic Dairy Whip. It processes around 250 million litres of milk each year and exports to roughly 50 countries. The co-operative recently doubled the size of its food plant to meet rising global demand. For the Priests, being part of a small, tightly knit cooperative has brought both financial and personal advantages. “I know everyone and they know who I am,” explains Baden. “Tatua suppliers always budget on a $10 payout, but there is also a high expectation that our farms are well looked after and presented well.” That expectation aligns perfectly with the family’s ethos of careful land management and grassfocused farming. The Priest farm sits between Morrinsville and Te Aroha on 94 hectares (90 effective), milking 280 Jersey-cross cows through a 30-aside herringbone shed with meal feeders and automatic cup removers. The couple bought the property outright in 2008, following years of moving through the sharemilking system, equity partnerships, and even a brief break in Australia. Baden left school at 15 to go dairy farming near Morrinsville, later marrying Donna, who had also grown up on a dairy farm. “We couldn’t have got to where we are without Barrie and Lyn,” says Baden of Donna’s parents, who helped them into equity partnerships that ultimately enabled them to purchase the farm. Sustainability and efficiency underpin the operation. Solar panels line the cowshed roof; hedges, trees and fenced drains enhance environmental protection and the stocking rate sits at three cows per hectare or fewer. After Christmas the herd moves to once-a-day milking, and from February only 220 cows are milked, reducing pressure on both land and livestock. Nearly all farming is grass-based, with spring supplements and targeted feeding. Despite last season’s drought, production reached 122,000kgMS, well above the farm’s typical 112,000kgMS, thanks to careful management and a mix of 70 percent PK and 30 percent molasses. Baden is targeting similar output this year. Family remains central to the farm’s future. The Priests’ four adult children have pursued varied paths but two remain connected to the land. Sam, previously a mechanic, now works full time on the farm, while Megan supports as a relief milker and calf feeder. Succession planning is a work in progress, with their other two children, Zach and Carrissa. Beyond the farm gate, Baden serves as chair of Te Aroha Federated Farmers. Governance was new territory but he embraced the challenge. “I just want everyone - and I mean farmers and the general public - to have a fair go,” explains Baden. “If there are rules coming in that hurt farmers, they will eventually hurt the community. The more money we’re making, the more that gets spent in the economy.” - DRAIN CLEANING - EFFLUENT POND CONSTRUCTION - V DRAINS - - UNDERPASS & BRIDGE INSTALLATION - TRACTOR & SCOOP - - SITE WORK & DEMOLITION - HEDGES & STUMPS REMOVED - - BULLDOZER & SCOOP HIRE - SAND & METAL CARTAGE - GRADER & ROLLER HIRE - - TRUCK / TRAILER HIRE - RACE CONSTRUCTION / MAINTENANCE - - 4, 13 & 22 TONNE MACHINES - 15 METRE LONG REACH - Ph 07 889 3143 or A/hrs 027 497 6386 FOR ALL EXCAVATION & CARTAGE L I M I T E D CONTRACTING Contact 07 889-0598 service@mgfs.co.nz www.mcgregorsfarmservices.co.nz Proud to be associated with Baden Priest “Tatua suppliers always budget on a $10 payout, but there is also a high expectation that our farms are well looked after and presented well.”

| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Baden and Donna Priest With over 60 years building sheds, we can design a shed to match your needs, and stand up to Taranaki’s harsh conditions. From haysheds to implement sheds, workshops to storage, Lifestyle and American barns we can do it all! STRATFORD Checkout our fabulous showroom for more renovation inspiration, showcasing products from NZ’s most trusted and respected brands. QUALITY, DURABLE SHEDS & SHED HOMES AVAILABLE NOW BATHROOM, TOILET, LAUNDRY INSPIRATION 2 bay shed with one bedroom dwelling 1 bathroom 1 bedroom pole shed 2 bay shed with two bedroom dwelling 1 bathroom 2 bedroom pole shed For shed homes pop in store and see Amy or contact via phone or email enquiries@itmstratford.co.nz Pole Sheds - 06 765 7800 www.itmstratford.co.nz Baden and wife Donna, with their grandchildren Harry, Hunter, Will, Bodie (standing) and Aubrey on Donna’s lap.

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Aerial Station Continuing to lift sheep and beef performance He values the hybrid vigour of an Angus cow crossed with a terminal Simmental bull. Kelly Deeks Aerial Station east of Matawai is continuing to lift performance across its rugged hill country through a targeted approach to breeding, genetics, and land stewardship. Fraser Tombleson and his wife Jamie are the second generation to run the 1006ha sheep and beef farm, recently taking over from Fraser’s parents who originally purchased the land in 1973. Medium to steep terrain defines the property, climbing from 300m to 1000m above sea level, and shaping a system geared toward hardy sheep, manageable cows, and fast-growing progeny. The station currently runs around 3700 ewes, 150 in-calf cows, and a mixture of steers and bulls, with most bulls processed at 18 months old. Fraser returned home in 2015, gradually purchasing the farm from his parents and refining the operation with Jamie while raising three children and supporting Jamie’s jewellery studio on-site. Fraser says the farm has historically run Simmental cattle which in recent years have got a little too large for the steep hill country. So he has introduced Angus heifers to downsize the breeding cow herd, while maintaining high growth rates through Simmental terminal sires. He does not retain progeny, instead purchasing replacement heifers and focusing on producing even-tempered, fast-finishing bulls. He values the hybrid vigour of an Angus cow crossed with a terminal Simmental bull, saying it has reduced cow size while maintaining exceptional carcass performance. Simmental bulls have been used at Aerial Station since 2013, sourced exclusively from Gold Creek Stud. Fraser has worked closely with stud principal Tom Sanson over the past five years, selecting bulls with strong temperament, high growth rates, and structural soundness suitable for the station’s challenging country. The approach has delivered consistent results, with Fraser’s cows typically scanning between 90–100 percent, weaning progeny at 230–250kg, and sending bulls to slaughter at 550kg plus at around 18 months. Fraser aims to avoid carrying bulls through a second winter due to feed pressure, terrain, and performance setbacks, saying the current system has proven both efficient and profitable. On the sheep side, which accounts for about 65 percent of the business, are Romdale ewes, chosen for their ability to handle hill country and cover ground. Fraser’s father formerly ran a Romdale stud, however Fraser elected not to continue stud breeding due to time and workload, preferring instead to purchase high-performing rams commercially. The station now sources its rams from St Leger, a Gisborne ram breeder focused on fertility, mothering ability, growth rates, fleece weights, and FE tolerWORKSHOP MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN OPOTIKI JOIN OUR TEAM CONTACT TIM 027 224 4499 ance. Fraser says St Leger’s scanning and lambing results have been pleasing, with rams genetically suited to the same climatic and terrain constraints Aerial Station faces. St Leger has integrated DNA testing, EID tagging, computer-generated mating lists, Ramguard FE testing, and a nil drench policy for mature stock, supporting progressive dualpurpose breeding. As Aerial Station continues to focus on sustainable progress, Fraser and Jamie are working toward regenerative certification and aim for long-term environmental and economic resilience, with the ultimate goal of passing the farm to the next generation. Cartage of livestock, fertilizer, and general farm supplies

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Aerial Station As Aerial Station continues to focus on sustainable progress, Fraser and Jamie are working toward regenerative certification. PROUD TO SUPPLY RAMS TO AERIAL STATION Ramguard tested at .66 2026 SIMMENTALS Enquiries to Tony Thompson 027 280 6148 | glenanthony1@yahoo.co.nz 38th On Farm Bull Sale FRIDAY 15th MAY 2026 • 20 Polled & Horned Simmental Bulls • Performance Recorded • Early Maturing Heavily Muscled • Fertility and Servicing Capacity Tested New Herd Sire by St John Gatton Glenanthony Limited Edition PLEASE NOTE EARLIER SALE DATE

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Awarima Station A dream they made into a reality The stock numbers are impressive: 8000 Romney breeding ewes, 300 breeding cows and their progeny, 2000 hoggets and 450 mixed-age dairy beef cattle. Sue Russell It’s been a period of expansion for Tim and Monique Neeson at Awarima Station, a thriving sheep and beef farm at Tokirima, west of Taumarunui and 20km south of Ohura in the deep heart of the King Country. The couple bought the 1200 ha home farm from Tim’s parents in 2020 and since then have added to the land-holding, with the purchase of 330ha of the neighbours farm that sold to foretry and leasing its remaining 500ha. “Having this 330ha has given us access to the other blocks which is a dream we made into reality,” says Monique. The Neeson’s have also just gone unconditional on a 100 ha,240 cow dairy farm in Taranaki, which Monique says, works in well with their beef finishing program. “It was about bringing more sustainable scale into the business, leading to more profit. It’s brought in better land, more suited to our calf rearing operation.” The stock numbers are impressive: 8000 Romney breeding ewes, 300 breeding cows and their progeny, 2000 hoggets and 450 mixed-age dairy beef cattle. “We’re fortunate to acquire excellent genetics with rams sourced from Keith Abbot and Craig Alexander. It’s important to be introducing the best possible fresh genetics into the business regularly, while pursuing our breeding goals.” Monique’s main responsibilities seasonally are around rearing the approximately 480 calves, nurturting them until they leave the calf shed. It’s a stunning property, with two iconic rivers, the Whanganui and Ohura, bordering its perimeter. There’s a feeling of being in a very special environment with the Forgotten Highway not too far away. Stunning native blocks punctuate the landscape with the couple committing 300ha to forestry, in those parts not suited to rearing stock. “Our bank manager gave us some really solid strategic advice. He pretty much laid out an investment strategic plan for us to follow. Succession now is a huge focus for Tim and I,” says Monique. That means growing the business for their three children, by diversifying as product and market opportunities present. While the two youngest attend the local school, their eldest, has been homeschooled this past year, an experience Monique Taumarunui Harrison Contracting harrisonharvesting@outlook.com Craig 027 313 1112 • Paul 027 671 9702 Specialising in: Bulk grass & maize silage, maize planting, ground cultivation, making and supply of round and square grass silage & hay bales. Offices in Otorohanga, Te Awamutu & Taumarunui info@baileyingham.co.nz | www.baileyingham.co.nz PHONE: 07 873 7325 | FREEPHONE: 0800 482 928 Quality Service to Farmers & Businesses Bailey Ingham Ltd is proud to be associated with the Awarima Station and the Neeson family says has been extremely positive for him. “Heath will be off to boarding school next year. It’s not something we’re really looking forward to, but this year of being educated at home has really been a good thing.” Assisting the couple on the sprawling station are two staff, a farm manager and a general shepherd. Having solid staff makes a big difference with continuity and understanding as to how Awarima operates. And being situated where they are, very often the rain doesn’t stop for days, though Monique says compared to other farming areas of late, they have got off fairly lightly. Both celebrating the fact that the wool clip has at last seen improvement in market value, Monique and Tim have decided to put their successful ‘Shear Warmth’ woollen blanket business on the back burner, given the increase in cost to produce the luxury items, sold through their on-line store. “We’ve always been committed to having the blanket made in New Zealand. Provenance is an important element to our values and I always wanted the blankets to be in the affordable range. Now costs are putting them somewhat out of reach, so TAUMARUNUI: 07 896 7723 KING COUNTRY: 027 654 9387 TONY & GINA BIRKETT

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Awarima Station Monique says with three busy children, an expansive farming business and the daily tasks and challenges that come, there’s never a moment to spare. One of the aspects of being a highly regarded breeder of Angus genetics, is the fact that through the years you grow wonderful relationships with farming families. That’s certainly the case at Mt Mable Angus established in 1967 near Ohura in the proud King Country, as Megan Friel explains. “It goes well beyond supplying top quality bulls for our farmer clients to select from. We understand beef cow farming situations well and what they need to enhance their own businesses and its just such a delight to see them return time and time again to invest in what we have to offer.” Each year, Megan and husband Kevin offer up 30-35 R2 bulls at their on-farm sale at Kumeroa, some 14km west of Woodville. Their bulls are known and sought after for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, their good temperament, sound structure, sound feet and very good fertility. These attributes haven’t happened by accident, but rather through the very careful selection of sires. “Our bulls go to owners often in challenging situations. They have to be able to perform year in year out, cope with the terrain and conditions and just get on with their business.” Megan says especially producing bulls with good natures is critical. Clients don’t want an animal that present it’s own or it’s progeny’s handling issues. Temperament is incredibly heritable. This year’s June sale, produced very pleasing results, averaging $13,800. While the couple always present bulls that measure up to their exacting standards, Megan says this year, the values were particularly good. “I think its a storm of circumstances that attributed to this year’s great results. In the US, the cow-herd is at an all-time low and pine trees being planted on a lot of breeding country in NZ. Those that have retained their breeding cows are benefitting.” Bulls are sold as far away as Northland, however most are sold into the districts surrounding Tararua. Several long standing clients remain in the King Country, including Tim and Monique Neeson of Awarima Station. Follow-up on how the boys perform is part of the relationship, with Kevin phoning every bull buyer in the Autumn. This year’s sale was particularly special, celebrating 40 years of onfarm sales at which three copies of Dr Robert Hough’s ‘The History of Aberdeen Angus’ were presented, two of those to 40 year buyers. “I had the great honour of being asked to be a pre-reader of the book. It’s a wonderful anthology of the development of the breed through the years, and, as such, goes well beyond just focussing on the Angus breed. It’s a commentary as to the agricultural and industrial revolutions and a simply wonderful read.” The couple each bring their own skills into the mix, within the business, with Kevin being an inate master stockman, while also concentrating on fertiliser, pasture rotation and grazing, while Megan brings technical, recording and marketing skills. Megan says, with a smile, she also brings robustly debated input into breeding decisions. Highly regarded Angus breeder we’re just going to focus on the farm products that make sense economically.” Monique says her greatest dream would be to see one of the children take over the business in years to come. Never without a thought to try something new though, Monique says, when they acquired more land, a hectare became the home for growing sunflowers, much to the delight of locals. “We called it the Itty Bitty Farm and it was well received. The plot just spread some joy throughout Taumarunui. Last year was our first go at this and we’ll do it again. When the flowering season was over we fed them to the cows, so nothing was wasted.” Monique says with three busy children, an expansive farming business and the daily tasks and challenges that come, there’s never a moment to spare. “Life is busy. This is a wonderful environment to raise a family in.”

10 | Good soil health can transform productivity Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Boom Farms HELPING YOU GROW 0800 40 10 40 • sales@rorisons.co.nz On the outskirts of Taumarunui, Robin Boom’s 56-hectare sheep and beef farm and smaller 4-hectare block near Whatawhata are a demonstration of how his focus on soil health can transform productivity. “Healthy soil, healthy grass, healthy stock and healthy humans is my motto,” he says. “When I bought the property the pH was 5.2-5.3. It should be around 6. You need one tonne per hectare of lime to raise it by 0.1 of a unit so my soil lifted from 5.3 to 5.8 pH when I flew five tonnes to the hectare on. When the soil isn’t so acidic it helps to get the biology of the soil working, the microorganisms and earthworms,” he explains. In addition to lime, Robin has applied two tonnes per hectare of non-acidic phosphate based fertiliser and trace elements to get them close to biological optimum. “Plants need 16 elements to grow and animals need 17 elements. Selenium and iodine are micronutrients animals need that plants don’t. Plants need molybdenum and animals don’t, but most of the other elements both plants and animals require with the exception of sodium, which only certain plants utilise,” he says. This has all helped increase the white clover in the pastures, something that is a focus for Robin: “The aim is to get the whole biological system working so clover is fixing nitrogen out of the atmosphere for free rather than applying synthetic nitrogen. That’s a cost saving and an environmental benefit. Building fertility and producing nitrogen biologically with clovers might cost 3-5 cents per kilo of dry matter, whereas putting on nitrogen is more like 15-20 cents per kilo.” On his own farm Robin says there has been a huge improvement in the amount of white clover in my pasture. “Another benefit from lime is that it reduces aluminium toxicity in pastures – something many hill country farms suffer from. A common observation is that lime makes animals eat the pastures more evenly, they find the pastures more palatable. And lambs will put on twice as much weight per kilogram of dry matter on white clover as they will on grass. Cows will also produce 20% more milk per kilogram of dry matter on white clover than grass. Livestock at my property now fatten faster and my stock agent often says that my lambs are the first and best lambs that go off in the district.” Robin’s farm is on steep hill country, which meant he had to get nutrients flown on. “That’s why a lot of hill country farms don’t apply lime - due to the high application cost. But it makes a significant difference and is worth the expense.” Other farmers can enjoy the same benefits on their properties. Robin’s business Agronomic Advisory Services provides independent soil fertility advice to around 350 farms across the greater Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country regions. He specialises in balancing minerals in the soil to optimise livestock health and performance Robin sends his soil samples to Brookside Laboratories in Ohio, which analyse 14 elements rather. He also acts as a kind of fertiliser broker for his clients sourcing the best products for each farm, including from well-known supplier Ballance Agri-Nutrients. Robin at the sheep yards. Togeth Creati Soil ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090 We believe that a thriving agricultural community can only exist with the support of all who live and work in it. As a result, we are so proud to support Boom Farms. Proudly Supporting Boom Farms “In the last ten years there have been a number of private importing companies outside of the two main players. I look at different suppliers to get farmers the best deal. Sometimes there can be up to a 20% difference. It’s about getting farmers the best value for money.”

| 11 Making optimal use of pasture cover Dayne holding Millie, alongside Jorja. Sue Russell RURAL PEOPLE » Dayne and Sophia Addison When they made the decision to introduce Halter technology into their herd, South Waikato dairy farmers Dayne and Sophia Addison always said the would reserve judgment for a year before reflecting on their investment. That four-seasons had just about rolled around when Rural North caught up with Dayne in November. He was full of praise for the smart collars, having seen in action the difference they have made to cow health, pasture management, staff work-life balance and for himself. “For the first time ever I’ve spent really good time away from the farm down south and haven’t worried about what is going on and how the team are doing. That, in itself, is a huge plus,” Dayne admits. Operating a large-scale dairy unit, home to 1100+ mainly F10-F12 cows, across two milking platforms, was always going to be a busy undertaking, so for Dayne, any carefully researched ‘tool’ he could introduce, had to prove itself in the day to day reality – halter certainly has! “I had never taken into account the impact shifting cows had on what else we could achieve in a day. Typically in the winter we’d start at around 7.30 am and by the time we shifted seven or eight mobs of cows to new pasture it was 11-11.30 am, so the morning was pretty much gone.” With halter, shifting the cows is done remotely and in a controlled, calculated way, making optimal use of pasture cover. Providing a given mob of cows with exactly the amount of pasture they need, not only impacts pasture use efficiency but supports cow health. If needed, any cow/s that require more feed can be shifted on to new pasture at the push of a button. “We now break the day during winter into two periods – 8am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm. These solid chunks of time given to farm maintenance work means we achieve a great deal, while the cows are happily managed.” Dayne reckons he has jumped ahead as much as 3 years on some background projects given this new regime. Other benefits have flowed as well. The collars health monitoring capabilities means that cows identified as coming into heat can be separated through the automatic drafting from the rest, for mating purposes and any other health pre-cursors can be picked up and dealt with before issues escalate. Staff have also benefitted through learning how the technology operates and more fully coming into management-level responsibilities, something Dayne and Sophia say is great to see. “We’ve always wanted our team to progress professionally and feel they’re more a part of holding responsibilities. Halter has allowed this progress to happen. The young ones take to the technology well and its just meant they’re more engaged in their work because they can make decisions without reference to me.” Dayne acknowledges looking back that for the first two weeks or so he was somewhat sceptical, however as quite an analytical person, Dayne says he’s thrived on the easy access to data and the empowerment that comes with having information Phone: 07 873 7772 | DEPOT: MAIN SOUTH ROAD, PO BOX 251 OTOROHANGA OLIVER'S TRANSPORT PROUDLY SUPPORTS DAYNE ADDISON SPECIALIZING IN: LIVESTOCK CARTAGE HAY & SILAGE WOOL GENERAL FREIGHT ∙ Project management ∙ Natural habitat consulting, planning & restoration ∙ Pest plant/animal surveillance, control and monitoring ∙ Aerial, amphibious & ground based operations ∙ Site preparation, planting & releasing ∙ Landscape property management - rural & urban To protect, preserve and restore our natural and native history. 0274 404 052 ben@aotearoarestoration.co.nz 683 Maihihi Rd, Otorohanga | 027 483 9052 | n.disher@yahoo.com.au DISHER CONTRACTING CULTIVATION • DIRECT DRILLING • EARTH MOVING • FARM DRAINAGE / DRAIN CLEANING HAY & SILAGEMOWING • SPRAYER • SPRAYING EXTERNAL PARASITES at his finger-tips. He’s also circumspect about its place in the overall farming management system, saying he hasn’t changed anything drastically, just used Halter to farm better. “Having the ability to do my farming better which is great. In a few weeks time I have a big analysis with my Vet to really go through the data and what the technology has helped achieve.” Dayne says he and Sophie had been interested in the technology for some time and found the support from Halter advisors second-to-none. “They understand it’s a big decision and they’re there each step of the way to ensure your questions are answered.” Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke 027 450 9398 06 374 8857 anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road, Dannevirke 027 306 2369 06 374 2861 gwphilip@hotmail.com OU R DOR S E T DOWN R AMS W I L L PROV I DE : - Genetics with exceptional growth - Well muscled and great eating lambs - Strong lambs with thick skin that survive and thrive - Good framed lambs to pack lots of meat on are palpated and vetted prior to sale.

12 | RURAL PEOPLE » Emerald Hills : Rick and Rose Powdrell Rick says the outlook is quite positive Rick is the third generation, with his wife Rose, on their 446/362 hectare effective dry-stock Te Puke property. Russell Fredric A buoyant rural economy that even includes cautious hope for wool is cause for optimism, Rick Powdrell says. “The outlook is quite positive and I suppose the thing that gives me real confidence is that schedules for both beef and lamb and mutton started high but they haven’t tailed off dramatically. “Since the lamb schedule opened it hasn’t dropped a lot which I think is very positive, and the same with the beef. To me, that’s a really good sign. It’s nice to see wool value moving in a positive direction.” A former Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman, Rick is currently a board member for The Campaign for Wool New Zealand. Initiated in 2010 by King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales, The Campaign for Wool (CFW) is a global endeavour raising awareness among consumers about the natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by wool, along with encouraging collaboration between a diverse community of stakeholders from growers to designers and retailers. A New Zealand-bred initiative, Wool Alliance, a collaboration between Wool Impact, Campaign for Wool New Zealand, Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, and Beef and Lamb New Zealand aims to build a new model to revitalise New Zealand’s strong wool sector. “There’s a lot of serious discussion around how we’re going to go forward as an industry in a more united approach; you look at PGG Wrightson and Wools of New Zealand looking at how they can do their logistics together,” Rick says. These kinds of initiatives are tangible proof of the will to create change, he says. “If there’s going to be a future wool industry in 021 216 5270 HAMILTON LEVEL 4, BUILDING E, UNION SQUARE 192 ANGLESEA STREET MORRINSVILLE 190 THAMES STREET CHLca.nz CONTACT US TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION WITH NO OBLIGATIONS We proudly support Emerald Hills by delivering client focused, trusted business advice and solution support. For over three decades, your success is our business. Proud to support Emerald Hills: Rick and Rose Powdrell swede@taurangalivestockltd.co.nz

waterfordpress.co.nz

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=