| 47 outcomes on farm Sue Russell Piopio farmer John Reeves has been farming in the King Country since 1987. He and Kirsty own the 930ha (880 effective) mainly cattle nishing farm. The farm is a mix of rolling contour with some steeper faces . Managing the farm are two staff. John and Kirsty also have other farming and forestry interests outside Piopio. Many surrounding farms are involved in dairy and dairy support but John says there are a range of farming operations in the district. John describes the area as a good strong farming community, well supported with service providers. “Piopio has generally been a reliable farming area. Until recently we haven’t had, the extremes of weather events seen further north or on the East coast.” With recent drier seasons and with issues getting stock into meat processors , the farm has changed its systems to get stock ready for killing earlier. This approach, to be exible, is an important and necessary aptitude of farmers these days John believes. One group John’s pleased to belong to is King Country River Care. The group promote sound farming practices that have good environmental outcomes balanced with the important need to maintain farming pro tability. “This is something that is really important for the public and Regional Council’s to understand. Farmers want to do the best by their land but in order to implement environmental compliances to improve water quality, for instance, they need the time and the funds to do this. That can only be achieved when the business is making a pro t.” John also maintains that when it comes to enhancing water quality through farms, it is not necessary to fence off all waterways. “I think regulatory bodies need to be realistic about this. Sensible grazing management is a big part of mitigating sediment runoff and reducing ecoli and nitrogen in our waterways.” He would far rather see a shift in attitude toward farming; viewing the food and bre sector as an essential industry that has some challenges. A prescriptive approach to environmental compliance isn’t the most productive way to achieve lasting environmental gain, in John’s opinion. RURAL PEOPLE » John Reeves “Broad brush policy enacted at Central Government level isn’t the answer in my opinion and that’s where groups such as King Country River Care can have a valuable voice.” John also feels that if the shift was made towards the market driving environmental standards and farming practices rather than central policy, this would be far more meaningful and effective. There’s also a strong potential across pockets of the King Country, John says, to diversify into other forms of farming, such as cash-cropping and horticulture. “This region de nitely has untapped potential. I feel there are real opportunities as long as we’re not restrained by bureaucracy and we act responsibly.” For a number of years John has engaged students undertaking their agricultural training through Lincoln University, over the summer periods, giving them valuable practical on-farm experiences to balance the theory. “It’s very important we provide students with opportunities to put their learning into practice and to see how there are many approaches that can be adopted.” He’s also pleased that schools, such as St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton, pioneered AgriBusiness courses at secondary school level. These have now spread to other schools with over 3,000 students each year engaged in farming learning. “We think of New Zealand as having lots of farming land but actually the country is one of the most urbanised in the world. We need to ensure there is a good relationship between rural and urban communities and that the next generation understands the importance of our primary sector .” John says anyone contemplating farming in the district will nd themselves well supported with the service sector. “We’re fortunate to have very good legal, nancial, farm advisory, and trades, rural services and merchandise businesses , this brings the added bene t of plenty of opportunities for gainful employment in the region. The majority of these service providers also live in the district.” It’s important, he says for farmers to use their local service providers, ensuring the district’s economy is well supported. “Everyone gains from this and a community thrives. Farmers have a big part to play in making that happen.” Born and reared under Perendale conditions on the eastern side of the Puketoi range. Constant genetic improvement results in the bar continually being raised. To ensure genetic gain in both the Hautere flock and also Ram Clients flocks, only 2th ewes and rams with a “NZ Maternal Worth plus Meat Index” above 2000 on the “SIL NZGE Across Flock Analysis” are retained or offered for sale. In 2021 all ram teams sold were in the top 20% of the above analysis, and three quarters of those were in the top 5% John Henricksen Ph 06 374 3888 Korora Road R.D.1 Dannevirke 4971 j.henricksen@inspire.net.nz “HAUTERE PERENDALES” www.pumpn.co.nz 40 Turongo St, Otorohanga | 07 873 8673 | www.pumpn.co.nz
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