14 | Sue Russell Ben and Julia Collier operate a multi-generational sheep and beef farm which extends across 2500ha in Taranaki, some 30 minutes east of Eltham. The land tends to range from steep to steeper for the most part and is also home to a significant 450ha QEII convenented native block the family is very proud of. This is the second time in the space of two years that Rural North has had the opportunity to talk with Ben who says the farm management practices, stock numbers have not altered. “We still carry 5,500 or so mainly Romney sheep and 350 mixed age cows. We trade lambs, beef, have some forestry activity and produce and sell honey, so this is quite a diversified business which is a strength we feel,” Ben explains. ‘Bee & Flow’ honey came about when Julia, who originates from Mexico wanted to find a way to contribute to the farming enterprise. She undertook an extramural beekeeping course through Taratahi to gain the necessary understandings as to how honey is best produced. Today 100 hives are scattered over the property where they and their bee families remain happily content, staying put in an environment that supports them to live their best lives, producing honey, in a natural undisturbed situation. One of the wonderful aspects to the honey production activity is that the bees have access to manuka trees that have naturally reinstated themselves on parts of the farm that are marginal. So something of real value has come from areas on the farm that were not contributing to the business. RURAL PEOPLE » Collier Farm With what Ben describes as a lot of effort Julia has worked hard to get the brand known and accessible to retailers and established an online sales portal, full of information about the range of honey produced and the benefits they bring to the health and wellbeing of consumers. Selling through stores and at markets where, people who are interested in the story and provinance of a food source naturally gather, Ben says the enterprise is going well. “You can’t rush these things. It’s often a case of enabling people to try the honey and discover for themselves how good our honey is and share the experience with friends.” The decision to not move hives around has added value as well. Ben says bees are happier in a settled, known environment where they have access to a wide range of floral sources. This is just as nature intended. “It’s a system we’ve been doing now for about five years. We’ve cut out the labour costs associated with relocating hives and we’ve placed them in nice little spots we know the bees are happy in.” Looking after the hives, ensuring honey is left behind after extraction, to feed the bees is also important. Through autumn/winter every six weeks or so the hives are checked to ensure they have sufficient honey to keep the bees fed. “In Spring we have another check to ensure the hives are disease free and then the busy time begins when the Queen gets active laying eggs. It’s important to ensure there is enough space in each hive.” Ben says they have discovered a natural variation from one season to the next affects the honey’s antibacterial strength and flavour. Collier Farm has the ability to produce really high-grade honey. Honey is processed through an MPI registered plant and all products are approved for export. The QEII block is another source of interest and activity for the family who work in closely with Taranaki Forest & Bird Society who built and maintain a hut in the block. “Looking back over the last 30 years I can’t believe how much it has regenerated and matured. One day we’re hoping Kiwi will be released in the block. Another 100+ha block adjoining Collier Farm’s boundary is already home to a wide range of fauna including Kiwi.” Ben says the situation of Collier Farm is one of strength through multiple income streams. When one income bearing activity may be in a glut, the impact of that is off-set by gains in others. Ben and Julia Collier with some of their Bee & Flow honey products. ANGUS STUD – TE AKAU NZ CALVING EASE YEARLING BULL SALE: 21ST SEPTEMBER 2023 For more information please contact Roger & Susan Hayward Waipapa Station, 163 Clemett Road, Te Akau P 07 828 2131 M 027 6855 989 E twinoaksangus@gmail.com PROUD TO SUPPORT COLLIER FARM twinoaksangus.co.nz Diverse business has couple buzzing Honey production is part of a diverse business at Collier Farm. We’ve been helping farmers get the most out of their sheep and beef farming operations since 1966. • Maternal composite • Romney • Sheddmaster • Suffolk • Angus Stud • FE testing for 36 years, & above FE Gold Standard for 9 years • Romney sires tested at 0.72mg of Sporidesmin/kg of live weight & Maternal Composites 0.68mg • Ewes run in commercial conditions under no drench policy • Modern & prolific ewes lambing between 140-150% on hard hill country • All rams guaranteed for soundness & structure for 2 years • Romney & maternal Composites have a lifetime guarantee against FE www.piquethillfarms.co.nz william@piquethillfarms.co.nz Will Jackson 027 739 9939 Building Better Bloodlines. “Our Romneys & Maternal composites come with a lifetime warranty against Facial Eczema.”
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