Business Rural North Spring 2023

North Grassendale Genetics is totally committed in their drive to produce the perfect ram for their clients - Page 56 Raising resilient hill country sheep Spring 2023 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. 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 effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company 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 Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company 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 in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise Rural North 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 issue of Rural North. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cut off time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. 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 of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in Rural North are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Rural North welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Rural North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Women in Pamu �� 03 Anthea Yule �� 04 Anui Stud �� 05 Atihau - Te Pa Station �� 06 Awapapa Station �� 08 Tuatahi Farming Partnership �� 09 Carlos Delos Santos �� 10 Charbelle Holsteins �� 12 Charwell Polled Herefords �� 13 Collier Farm �� 14 David and Adrienne Wordsworth �� 15 Douglas Giles - Federated Farmers �� 16 Finnis Farm �� 17 Gilbert Timms �� 18 Glendonald Station �� 19 Gleniti Romneys �� 20 Waimutu Polled Dorsets �� 21 Tapahia Angus �� 22 Heather Gee-Taylor �� 24 John Gerke �� 26 John and Mary Allen �� 28 Karere Holdings Ltd �� 29 Kia Toa Charolais �� 30 Kinross Partnership �� 31 Koanui Polled Herefords �� 32 Kotu Station �� 34 Farm Without Harm - PAMU �� 36 Romani Farms Ltd �� 38 Mark and Rose Candy �� 39 Maungahina Stud �� 40 Rosemount Charolais �� 42 Turihaua Angus �� 43 Moeraki Station �� 44 Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands �� 46 Nick and Rebecca Barclay �� 48 Peter and Caroline Foss �� 49 Raupuha Stud �� 50 Stokman Angus �� 51 Poporangi Farm �� 52 Premier Cattle Company �� 53 Puketotara Stud �� 54 Grassendale Genetics �� 56 Shadow Downs Polled Herefords �� 58 Golden Grain Ltd �� 60 BFG Kiwi �� 62 Hineora Orchard �� 63 Living Foods �� 64 Williamson Kumara. �� 65 Pellow Produce �� 66 Agritech NZ �� 68 Agvice �� 70 Charteris Choppers �� 71 Eastern Airwork �� 72 Grainhub Ltd �� 73 Kaweka Contracting Ltd �� 74 S&S Fencing Contractors �� 75 Shed It Ltd �� 76 Wairoa Spreading Services �� 77 Rural Connectivity Group �� 78 Nutritech International �� 80 40 | Breeding the best stock ‘in the blood’ 54 | Puketotara Stud can clearly see the benefits of FE tolerance in their romneys 56 | Totally committed to producing the perfect ram 12 | Breeding cattle is imbedded in Annabelle Scherer’s DNA, and she is working hard to bridge the gap between commercial and registered Holsteins and Jerseys North RESEARCH & MARKETING Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins Mandi King, Lisa Moffat, Colin Morais, Catherine Norton, Chris Pearce, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson. sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Ann-Marie Frentz, Alissa Crosby. OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz 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 Paul Mein paulmein@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Ange Davidson, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Tracey Edwardes, Russell Fredric, Rachel Graham, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright.

| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Women in Pamu Women forging ahead with Pamu Regional Business Manager Kathryn Broomfield. Kim Newth New Zealand’s oldest and largest farming company is also proving to be one of its most progressive, with considerable progress being made on closing the gender pay gap and growing opportunities for women to succeed as farm leaders. In 2022, the national gender pay gap was 9.2 per cent but Pamu is getting much closer to eliminating that difference altogether with a gender pay gap in 2022 of only 2.91 per cent. Other industries lag much further behind, with a 25 per cent gender pay gap for workers in Financial and Insurance Services. Pamu has recognised that farming needs the best people available at the farm leadership level and that many women are well-equipped for leadership with their extensive knowledge of land, animals and production systems and plenty of on-farm experience. Within Pamu, 15 per cent of dairy farm managers are women, and that percentage is rising each year. “If they see that you have potential, then they really support you to grow and develop,” says Napier-based Kim Douglas, who has a split role as a Pamu business analyst for North Island livestock farms as well as serving as a business manager for two farms. After finishing school, Kim pursued her interest in farming by completing an agricultural science degree at Massey University, picking up practical experience along the way in sheep and beef and dairy goats. At the end of her degree, she successfully applied for a dairy business analyst role with Pamu on the South Island’s West Coast and started with the Weka Complex in 2018. Only six weeks into the job, a change in personnel saw her also covering the Westport Cape Foulwind Complex. Essentially, her portfolio doubled in the first year to that of business analyst for all of the West Coast, but Kim says she was wellsupported to meet the challenge. “The manager there, Cameron Walker, was an important person for me – I learned a phenomenal amount from him.” Last January, Kim moved back to her home stamping ground in Hawke’s Bay to take up the North Island livestock business analyst role, also supporting two farms as their business manager, and is relishing the opportunity Pamu has given her to gain sheep and beef experience. “With Pamu, there is plenty of mentorship and leadership training. I have spent a lot of time shoulder-to-shoulder with other business managers in the North Island doing farm visits with them and learning from them. I’ve only been in livestock for a year so there is still heaps to get my head around. Full credit to Ross Shepherd, [Head of Farming - North Island Livestock] who has mentored me a lot over the past year. My goal is to be a confident and proficient business manager in both dairy and livestock farming systems.” Based in Taupo, Kathryn Broomfield is another highflier with Pamu, working as a business manager supporting seven livestock farms. Kathryn grew up in Hawke’s Bay and, for 15 years, sharemilked with her husband on a family dairy farm in Reporoa. The couple left the farm 18 months ago, with Kathryn’s husband making a career change. Kathryn remains fully engaged with agriculture as she continues her career with Pamu that began eight years ago. “I started as the office girl on the dairy side of the business at Reporoa and then went across and helped with ex-forestry conversions before taking over the operations manager role. When I put my hand up for that role, the response was ‘absolutely’. Pamu has always been so supportive.” Three years ago, Kathryn moved to a business analyst role on the livestock side. Coming from a dairy background, switching to livestock has been a whole new learning curve but she has grabbed it with both hands and since stepped up to her current role as business manager with a full farm portfolio. This year, Kathryn is taking part in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme to further extend her knowledge and networks and is in the throes of writing a report on how technology can be harnessed to achieve sustainable agriculture in New Zealand. Summarising her career with Pamu, Kathryn says she has been encouraged every step of the way to achieve her ultimate goal of being a thought leader who can support farmers to adapt and succeed through change. “It has been a great experience.” WELL DRILLING EXPERTS FOR OVER 70 YEARS • Domestic and irrigation water wells • Bore services and development • Bore security • Camera inspections • Ground water surveying - SES • Full consultancy services available 06 844 2167 | admin@baylisbros.co.nz | www.baylisbroswelldrillers.co.nz 0274 835 027 m.webster@xtra.co.nz We can help you from hanging up a picture frame to building your dream home! Do not hesitate to contact us today for any rural work too. Waipuna Maternal - Highlander Genetics is a productive, efficient FE tolerant and resilient sheep, with proven results whether it’s on tough hill country or excelling as a very high performer under easier farming conditions • Ewe Efficiency Moderately sized ewe that rears multiple born lambs with a total weaning weight equivalent to her own live weight • Milking Ability OUTSTANDING IN ADDING VALUE Maximizing your grass into dollars Waipuna Maternal Highlander Genetics Waipuna Maternal has a great ability to milk, ensuring good growth rates of her lambs until weaning and more lambs prime off mum • Hoggert Fertility Enabling you to commercialize financial returns from ewe hoggets onwards • Excellent Reproduction Despite harsh mating conditions she maintains good pregnancy scanning results • Facial Eczema Tolerance Industry leading FE tolerance programme - we test 80 ram hoggets from 16 sire lines annually and Waipuna Maternal is the most tolerant composite sheep in industry Norm Alderson 0274 469 884 Dr. Dani van der Linden 021 771 014 Value@allinsolutions.co.nz Donald and Liz Polson 0274 933 814

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Anthea Yule Hawke’s Bay infrastructure simply failed A new ravine has emerged. Sue Russell The last time we spoke with Anthea nearly three years ago, the region was just coming out of a devastating drought and this time, the weather was very much still a subject for discussion. Anthea farms sheep and beef next to the Ngaruroro River, half an hour north-west of Hastings. “Hawkes Bay has taken a beating over the last 8 months. But so has Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Gisborne, Tararua, Wairarapa and parts of the Manawatu,” says Anthea. Cyclone Gabrielle caught many off guard and people feel let down. “There is a strong sense among the residents of Hawke’s Bay that our infrastructure failed. The stock banks have not been maintained, the rivers have not been dredged and the drains and culverts that run along the roadsides have not been cleaned out for years. Spraying the drains once a year is not cleaning the drains.” The out-sourcing of what many see as the core functions of council has caused confusion among rate payers for years. People feel disenfranchised and Anthea thinks we have reached a tipping point. “We need more localised planning and delivery. Catchment groups could be a great vehicle to bring about this much needed change. “New Zealanders have stood by and watched local and central government give enormous power to their employees. Council staff, civil servants and contractors make decisions every day that affect our lives. And these decisions are not always made for the right reasons, or in the best interest of the community. These people are never around to pick up the pieces when things go wrong.” And the people of Hawkes Bay will pick up the pieces, like they have many times before. dairy Proud to support Anthea Yule 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. Proud to sponsor Paranui. Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06879 5553 The soils that grow the fruit, vegetables and finish livestock have been built up over the last millennia. The challenge for Hawkes Bay is going to be how the rivers are managed going forward. The rivers that separate the region. The rivers that have caused so much destruction. It may come as a surprise to many readers, but Hawke’s Bay was the third highest revenue gathering province in New Zealand last year. The country needs the region up and running as soon as possible. But the adrenaline has worn off and people are tired. Anthea thinks farmers were tired before Cyclone Gabrielle. “Morale was getting low amongst sheep and beef farmers by the end of January this year. We had all been facing cost inflation, interest rate rises, falling schedules, supply challenges and skill shortages. We had also been dealing with drowned out crops, weed problems and animal health issues brought on by the excessive amounts of rain last year. Wearing wet weather gear every day and pulling vehicles out of the bog was not much fun either.” It’s the relentless nature of the weather impacts that is most crushing now. Anthea says she knows of farmers who are on their second attempt at reinstating culverts, clearing tracks and fixing fences. Some have watched a lifetimes’ work wash away. For this reason, it was great to see so many farmers attend an event at the Hawkes Bay Show Grounds organised by the Rapid Relief Team, Anthea says. Fencing material was donated and most people went away with a ute or trailer load. The opportunity to connect with local support services was well received, and the free coffee and food was excellent. Farmers enjoyed their time talking to like minded people. The ability to share problems, discuss options, and work towards solutions is the aspect of Federated Farmers that Anthea enjoys the most. Anthea is on the Meat and Wool Council and is Vice President in Hawkes Bay. “We have had a lot thrown at us over the last five years. The need to push back for all farmers has been huge. I strongly urge anyone who is not a member to reconsider. The benefits to your own business are enormous, and now more than ever, farmers need to stick together.” GLENANTHONY 2024 - 50yrs of Breeding Simmental Cattle Enquiries to Tony Thompson 027 280 6148 Glenanthony Y-arta DAIRY FARMERS: Y-arta Semen Available: BEEF FARMERS: Gatton bulls next sale 6/6/24 • Easy calving, short gestation • Extra value 4 day old calves • Easy calving • Extra liveweight at weaning • Extra liveweight at finishing

| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Anui Stud Right genetics, right results at Anui Anui Romneys caters to the demands of both meat and wool producers. Karen Phelps As Anui Romneys prepares for its upcoming ram sale the stud’s commitment to utilising the right genetics has paid off handsomely this year, says Willie Philip, as the ewes have achieved great scanning results with mixed-aged ewes scanning at 200% and two-tooths at 180%. The commercial Romney flock of 3500 sheep scanned at 180%. The breeding program at Anui Romneys focuses on important traits such as WormFEC, facial eczema resistance and fertility. The stud carefully selects sires with facial eczema testing scores of at least 0.6 and prioritises worm-resistant genetics. While focusing on these critical traits, Anui Romneys has not overlooked the importance of wool quality in the rams, says Willie, catering to the demands of both meat and wool producers. Because the stud’s SIL records are integrated with those of other stud breeders in the southern part of the North Island Willie says this enhances the accuracy and reliability of the data. The stud has also been employing DNA genomic testing through Zoetis. This advanced analysis not only helps identify parentage but also allows for the more accurate prediction of future performance using DNA markers. Farmers can leverage the tests to better assess the genetic merit of their flock, thereby improving selection, retention, and overall management strategies. Additionally, the results obtained from genomic analysis can help identify genetic trends and provide valuable insights for future breeding strategies, says Willie. “It’s about trying to do the basics well and keeping conformation and soundness correct as well along the way. We introduce one or two new sires each year to keep the gene pool ticking over,” says Willie. Philip Land Company, the family-owned business behind Anui Romneys, operates on two properties. Willie oversees the 200-hectare Anui farm in Dannevirke, while his brother John, along with John’s son George and George’s wife Laura, manages an 870-hectare hill country block in Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke. The combined properties run 3500 commercial Romneys at Mangatuna, 700 stud Romney ewes, and 300 Dorset down ewes at Anui. Additionally, the family runs a 250-cow Dandaleith Angus Stud at Mangatuna, showcasing their versatility and expertise across different livestock sectors. Anui Romney Stud traces its origins back to Willie’s uncle, Don McDonald, who initiated the venture. Willie purchased the stud in the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his father Bill, who primarily farmed Romneys while also maintaining a flock of Dorset Downs. Anui Romneys also manages a ram lamb trial for Dorset Downs involving measuring growth S P R I N G P A DDO C K S A 2 Y E A R A N D Y E A R L I N G B U L L S A V A I L A B L E 1 0 2 L AWS R OA D , DA N N E V I R K E I N S P E C T I O N S W E L C O M E Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz @AnuiStudLivestock George Philip 923 Mangatuna R Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 S P R I N G P A DDO C K S A L E S 2 Y E A R A N D Y E A R L I N G B U L L S A V A I L B L E 1 0 2 L AWS R OA D , D N N E V I R K I N S P E C T I O N S W E L C O M E Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz @AnuiStudLivestock George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road,Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 G I VE U S A CA L L TO ARRANGE AN I N S P E CT I ON . - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA tested for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road,Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 G I VE U S A CA L L TO ARRANGE AN I N S P E CT I ON . - Fully SIL & Studfax performanc recorded - Stud ewes far ed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA tested for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place A N U I S T U D L I V E S T O C K R OM N E Y | D O R S E T D OWN | T E F R OM - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 A N U I S T U D L I V E S T O C K R OM N E Y | D O R S E T D OWN | T E F R OM - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA test for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place sweatwork@gmail.com 021 066 0274 063747701 27HighSt, Dannevirke rates from weaning time until March to identify the best-performing lambs. The selected lambs have demonstrated growth rates of up to 800 grams per day, and other traits such as skin thickness for improved lamb survival and eye muscle scanning are carefully evaluated. To ensure a consistent supply of quality lambs, approximately 2500 lambs are brought to Anui Romneys for fattening from the commercial flock at Mangatuna. The goal is to raise the lambs to around 43 kilograms, and thanks to the Dorset Downs’ exceptional growth rates, this can be achieved within 100 days. This capability proves valuable in mitigating the impact of adverse events such as drought. Anui Romneys also implements a re-grassing program that includes the cultivation of summer crops, which are used to fatten the lambs. Anui Romneys typically offers around 100 Dorset Downs and 200 Romney ram hoggets for sale on the farm at Anui from late November. Privately sold, these rams represent the pinnacle of the stud’s breeding achievements, says Willie, and offer buyers the opportunity to enhance the genetics and performance of their own flocks.

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau - Te Pa Station 10 years of Te Pa Station cadetship Te Pa’s cadetship programme has been running for 10 years, with 4 of those under Jimmy’s leadership. Sue Russell Successful farming always comes down to seizing opportunities and adjusting to changing shifts in the market and for Jimmy Doolen, Manager at Atihau Whanganui Incorporation’s Te Pa Station 10 minutes from Ohakune, in the central North Island, that’s very much the case, as new activities on the 5,700ha effective property, begin to evolve. The impressive property, which is the result of Pah Hill and Omerei Station’s joining employs 5 permanent staff, though at any time there will be more working on the property as it also offers a cadetship programme, providing young people new to farming, the opportunity to dip their toes in the water to discover if farming is their calling. “We typically have three in the cadetship course and they do their first year here before moving on to other farms where they may begin to specialise more into a particular farming type,” says Jimmy. This is not the first time Rural North has caught up with Jimmy, who says his plan is to remain long-term at Te Pa Station. “I love every part of what I do and the interaction with new cadets is a big part of that. We have a very good board that we report to and no two days are the same. The interaction with those new to farming is always interesting.” Te Pa’s cadetship programme has been running for 10 years, with 4 of those under Jimmy’s leadership. Asked how he evaluates each cadet Jimmy says it becomes obvious fairly early on in their stint on the station just who has the purpose of David Hildreth - 027 468 0281 Marcus Hildreth - 027 353 0405 www.hildrethromneys.co.nz Guaranteed Quality & Performance HILDRETH ROMNEYS TAIHAPE 06 388 1211 taihapesales@tthonda.co.nz 89 Hautapu Street, Taihape PROUD SUPPLIER TO ATIHAU TE PA STATION

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau - Te Pa Station “We do a shortlist process having received the questionnaires from potential cadets. The open day is usually around docking time and we try to get them to stay two nights on the farm.” Block manager Nick Dieghton, Te Pa manager Jimmy Doolan, Cadet Ben Waiwai, block manager Wes Johnson, Federal General Foti Ioannidis, block manager Josh Chrystall. mind to make a go of the opportunity. “We just see this time for them as a valuable experience in itself, enabling them to discover things about themselves, to work as part of a team, take instruction and grow a good work ethic that will see them in good stead in the future.” Potential cadets find their way into the programme initially by making contact through a facebook page, which invites interested prospective cadets to a farm open day along with completing a questionnaire. “We do a shortlist process having received the DA WINDLE LTD Raetihi for all your livestock transport needs phone kerry on 027 222 3431 questionnaires. The open day is usually around docking time and we try to get them to stay two nights on the farm. Te Pa Station has also diversified its activities somewhat, beyond lamb and beef finishing as its core income streams. (Jimmy can you please write in here the new farming activity involving the 75 cows Atihau was offered, the DNA testing regime and what you hope to see become of this new development for Te Pa Station – thanks!). Te Pa Station is home to 17,000 ewes and 1,200 cows and currently breeding and finishing accounts for about 75% of the farm’s income streams and main activity. “We take the cattle through from breeding to leaving the farm having reached 270kg for heifers and 330kg for steers. We chase the marbling game, with our stock hand-picked through Alliance. At the moment we’re sitting at about $2,200 per beast. Our cattle is generally smaller framed but we get the premium for the marbling.” Jimmy whakapapa’s back to the Station. His Grandmother is a shareholder of Atihau. “I treat it like my own given this relationship and that’s a nice feeling. Just waking up every day and being at Te Pa is wonderful.” Proud to offer Shearing Services to Atihau -Te Pa Station For a quality service, call now to discuss your requirements Delwyn 027 537 9469 | Hanatia 021 188 2318 d.h.shearing@gmail.com

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Awapapa Station Trees save farm long-term damage Alex and Megen Campbell on horses they have bred. Awapapa Station in recent years showing the extensive planting. Ange Davidson Early adoption of farm forestry has seen Awapapa Station near Gisborne survive the worst of Cyclone Gabrielle when it made landfall in February this year along the East Coast of the North Island. The severe weather emergency event left much of the area decimated by floodwaters and landslides, leaving the rural community with excessive damage to farm and public infrastructure and livestock losses. Following the foresight of his father Jim, Alex and Megen Campbell have continued extensive plantings, up to 1000 poplars a year, since they bought the family farm after Cyclone Bola in 1988. The original Awapapa station 360 hectare farm now has 30% tree canopy through a mix of species from pine, natives and exotics. Alex and Megen manage a further 170ha of adjoining land bringing the effective grazing area to 440 hectares,supporting approximately 10 stock units per hectare. “There is absolutely no doubt that trees saved Awapapa from significant long-term damage and production loss during Cyclone Gabrielle. Currently scientists from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are quantifying the damage on Awapapa and preliminary findings indicate that we had 1.6 slips per hectare at Awapapa compared to our neighbouring block with younger, less established tree plantings which suffered 3.6 slips per hectare,” says Alex. “Awapapa Station regularly produces Gross Farm Income above the district average which makes Awapapa a great story. Environmentally and financially, we’re better off because of trees. It is very affirming that amongst all the chaos Awapapa had survived the worst, and that all our plantings and foresight had come to fruition,” he says. Predominantly slips occurred on Awapapa where there were no plantings. There were significant losses within some radiata woodlots on steeper areas indicating pine plantings are unsustainable on some of those steeper land classes. The most successful plantings on the farm were slower growing exotics and wide spaced poplars which are pruned in grazing areas and enhance the property’s environmental footprint by improving animal welfare, reducing soil erosion, offsetting carbon emissions and providing Alex Campbell with Texlea ST Oliver. Oliver is the only fully licensed Purebred Cleveland Bay Stallion in the Southern hemisphere recently imported by the Campbells from Australia. Proud to support Awapapa Station Power Farming Gisborne | 06 868 8908 393 Gladstone Rd PO Box 1247 Gisborne 4040 Ph: 06 869 1234 E: post@grahamdobson.co.nz www.grahamdobson.co.nz Our Services: Farm Business Administration • Personnel Recruitment Specialist knowledge in Farm Accounting • Human Resources Management Investment Advice and Business Advisory Services Your Business Our Services Your Success ‘You have the vision, let us help you get there!’ future timber income. Alex and Megan have significantly reduced stock numbers in the interim and are progressively restoring Awapapa’s grazing infrastructure of 175 paddocks. The overall plan is to be back in full production by this coming spring. Adversity is not a new experience for Alex and Megen who have farmed through many financial as well as climatic events, culminating in the sale of Awapapa to Swiss investors. Alex and family remain on the farm as managers and trading partners. “We’ve hung in and kept on going. It’s a story of resilience, you just can’t give up, there is always something positive that can be made out of any situation. Although we don’t own Awapapa anymore we have still been able to continue the legacy of sustainability, and still function very well as a family,” believes Alex. It is the environmental and family resilience story that saw Awapapa as a finalist in this year’s Ballance Farm environmental Awards. Adding to this are Alex and Megen’s efforts to preserve valuable bloodlines of station bred sport horses. The couple now have the Southern Hemisphere’s only herd of purebred Cleveland Bays, a versatile breed with a great temperament. “The Cleveland Bays have added a dynamic dimension to our farming life. Farming is work but it’s also a pleasure and a great life. It’s what you make of it,” believes Alex.

| 9 Virginia Wright Perfecting the art of breeding & finishing RURAL PEOPLE » Tuatahi Farming Partnership Limited 168 Totara St, Manunui 3924 Ph 07 895 8492 • Mobile 027 418 670 Fax 07 895 7687 •ongaruetransport@xtra.co.nz Proud to be associated with Tuatahi Farming Partnership i i i i i For all your fence contracting needs PROUDLY SUPPORTING TUATAHI FARMS 027 266 0437 | daniel.woodney147@gmail.com Pat Lacy Livestock Ltd Pat Lacy 027 495 35 64 nyanza@xtra.co.nz Buyer and seller of store stock & fat stock Sheep, Cattle & Deer Proudly supporting Tuatahi Farming Partnership l i i i i Mananui Station and neighbouring block Moerangi combine their 1700 and 2500 effective hectares to comprise Tuatahi Farms. Mananui Station’s Farm Manager Carlos Segura started working there around ten years ago and worked his way up. It lies just east of Taumaranui not far from where his wife Amanda’s parents live. Carlos grew up in Mexico so, as well as enjoying everything the job has to offer, they’re loving that their two children Nila (16yrs) and Vitali (12yrs) now live within reach of their New Zealand grandparents. Mananui Station and neighbouring block Moerangi combine their 1700 and 2500 effective hectares to comprise Tuatahi Farms and the two blocks collaborate to make the most of what their land has to offer. Moerangi is both a breeding and finishing block but concentrates primarily on breeding and breeds all Mananui’s replacement ewes, whereas Mananui finishes all of its progeny as well as buying in cattle to finish. Although all the breeding now happens at Moerangi, once this year’s six year olds go to the works they will all have had at least one cross with an FE ram thanks to a program Carlos put in place a few years ago after a particularly bad season for facial eczema. “About 3800 ewes will go to an FE ram at Moerangi. We end up with between 1500 and 1600 female lambs as our replacements,”says Carlos. Moerangi’s own ewes go to a different ram as their incidence of facial eczema is significantly less thanks to their higher elevation. Over the last year Mananui Station has turned its focus very deliberately not only towards producing more lambs but lambs with a higher yield. “To start with we’re going for high fertility. We went from 160% scanning to 185% this year with the high fertility of the Coopworth FE ram so that means more lambs on the ground. They then go to a terminal ram chosen for higher meat yield and higher growth rate: more lambs, faster growing lambs, early markets and so on,” explains Carlos. “If you have a slower maternal ram that doesn’t finish until early February you have to take what you can get at market, whereas the faster growing lambs you can kill late November early December when the market’s just starting. With the higher demand you make better money and they don’t cost you anything if you time it so they go straight from mum. That’s what everyone looks for: as many lambs off mum at weaning as possible.” To achieve their goal they’re trying two blackfaced terminal ram studs known for their fast growth and high meat yields to see which stud copes better with the Mananui environment. With the steady purchase over a few years of the stud line that proves the most resilient Carlos aims to have a healthy 80 terminal black-faced rams covering his 5200 ewes. He’s hoping that if they achieve the early finishing they’re after the lambs will be gone by the time FE hits in early autumn. The other string to Mananui’s bow is the terminal cattle they buy in which are then carefully managed to hit various contracts to Silver Ferns with an eye to any premiums they can achieve. “We buy in straight beef, no Fresian crosses. We kill all year round with Silver Fern but whenever we can we work with their programs. This winter we’re supplying one unit each in July, August and September which is 40 Angus Pure, Rising 3’s fattened on farm only on grass to around 300 to 340 kilos carcass weight,” says Carlos. They manage the need for traceability in some of Silver Fern’s markets by being transparent that the animal killed by Tuatahi was purchased from a registered breeder which means the animal’s history can be traced back to the original paddock. Of the 1500 or so cattle they finish each year about half go to the Silver Ferns Reserve Program which requires pure beef without the pedigree and traceability. Of those around 300 are heifers which can be finished lighter at around 270 – 300 kilos. As Carlos puts it “they give me another lever to pull” as he manages the vagaries of the weather and what it does to the pasture. Given the seemingly non-stop rain that has fallen in recent months having lighter cattle has been a blessing. Ask Carlos what he’s looking forward to and the answer is quick and simple. “For it to stop raining and the sun to come out.” “We went from 160% scanning to 185% this year with the high fertility of the Coopworth FE ram so that means more lambs on the ground.”

10 | Delos Santos family success well-earned The Carbernz Farming Limited team Carlos Delos Santos, Harkean Pajares, Neil Ohoylan, Nathaniel Palanca, Malcom Padilla, Harren Pajares. The farm employs five full time staff. Claire, Cara, Bernice and Carlos Delos Santos. Kelly Deeks RURAL PEOPLE » Carlos Delos Santos LY R PROUD SUPPO TING Carbernz Farming Ltd The road to farm ownership may be long and challenging, but it is achievable according to Carlos and Bernice Delos Santos, who are currently 50/50 sharemilking 1000 cows at Hamurana near Rotorua, and they aim to buy their first farm in the next four years. Carlos and Bernice have been in the dairy industry for 22 years, working their way up from relief milkers, through lower order sharemilking, and continuing to grow their business and their herd. “The advice I got from my accountant many years ago was ‘live miserable’,” Carlos says. “When you come from wages to lower order or contract milking, you get a lump sum pay from milk solids produced every month and you can afford to spend this on nice things like vehicles, phones, and furniture, and it can be easy to lose focus on why you are doing it in the first place. For our first few months lower order sharemilking, my wife and I ate noodles and rice to get through and never really spent anything. We focused on building our equity and saved enough to purchase some cows. We remember quite clearly how excited we were when we bought our first 30 cows in 2008.” In 2017, Carlos and Bernice were 50/50 sharemilking 300 cows at Ngakuru and entered the Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards with a view to improving their business. As well as the title of Central Plateau Sharefarmer of the Year, the couple walked away from the competition with a firm plan for how to achieve farm ownership. They immediately started grazing all their young stock off farm, enabling them to increase their herd to 360 cows, and they worked out how many cows they needed to be milking each year in order to get to 1000 cows. “The whole idea of growing our herd is to be able to sell the majority of our cows and put that into the deposit for our farm,” Carlos says. “We knew 300 cows wasn’t going to cut it, and we were going to have to keep moving on to get the numbers.” Carlos says he and Bernice are fortunate to have their current position, as large herd sharemilking jobs are like hens’ teeth. There are not many larger sharemilking jobs, and a second sharemilking job with 500 or 600 cows would likely go to a dedicated sharemilker rather than an absentee one. “The next opportunity for us is to rear more replacements with the idea to sell our main herd in two, three, or four years’ time then milk all heifers on our first farm. 1000 cows will get us a farm, but there will be a few obstacles on the way so we still need to be mindful of our expenses.” Anyone starting out lower order sharemilking with a view to farm ownership should keep their “The next opportunity for us is to rear more replacements with the idea to sell our main herd in two, three, or four years’ time then milk all heifers on our first farm.” eyes on the prize, and get good people around them. “Some would say farm ownership is not achievable any more - stay away from those people. Remain focused - it’s not going to happen overnight and you’ve got to be patient enough to keep working hard every day, all year for the next few years. There are a lot more challenges than good years, but surviving those challenges will stand you in good stead. We never gave up on our dream, and now it’s only a few years away.”

waterfordpress.co.nz

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