| 43 A legacy of sustainable farming The Williams family. Karen Phelps Fifth-generation farmers, Paul and Sarah Williams, have reason to celebrate, as they took home not one but two awards at the 2023 Ballance Farm Environment Awards just a year after taking over ownership of Turihaua Station. The couple were recognised for their outstanding achievements in sustainable farming practices and their commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. The awards they received were the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award and the East Coast Farming for the Future Award. “My parents Hamish and Angela deserve some of the kudos,” acknowledges Paul. “They’ve farmed and worked the land here for over 35 years leaving the property in an exceptional state for us to take over and to continue their vision into our generation.” Located in the heart of the East Coast, the station has been a part of the Williams family legacy since 1897, making it one of the oldest Angus studs in Australasia. Spanning 1,066 hectares, with 961 hectares effectively utilised, the station is not only home to a thriving Angus stud but also encompasses sheep breeding and lamb finishing operations. Paul and Sarah’s vision for their farm is deeply rooted in environmental stewardship. Their philosophy revolves around putting the environment first, understanding that a healthy and prosperous future is built on the foundation of healthy soil. A notable aspect of Turihaua Station’s approach is its commitment to biological farming. For 13 years, the couple has been using naturally occurring products rather than chemical fertilizers to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Through close monitoring and measuring of their farming practices, they have been successful in developing better root depth, increasing organic matter, soil carbon, and enhancing bacteria and worm numbers. This focus on soil resilience has allowed them to weather both dry spells and wet periods with greater stability. Since 2016, 26,000 native trees have been planted, including along the 4km length of Turihaua Stream and on water reservoirs – significantly improving biodiversity. “There was foresight in previous generations to plant extensive poplar and willow plantings on areas at risk of erosion on the farm as well as retiring blocks with three QEII blocks totalling 40ha on the property,” says Paul. RURAL PEOPLE » Turihaua Angus 183 Carnarvon St, Gisborne. 4010 FREEPHONE: 0800 428 429 P: 06 867 9811 | F: 06 867 3963 E: office@ehinsurance.co.nz www.ehinsurance.co.nz • Commercial • Farm • Livestock • Forestry • Insurance • Domestic • Marine • Liability • Travel PREMIUM INSTALMENT OPTIONS REAL PEOPLE HONEST ADVICE Monthly PremiumOptions available TRUSTED AS THE LEADING PROVIDER OF INDEPENDENT INSURANCE SOLUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY GISBORNE | 743 Gladstone Rd | 06 867 9405 | gisborne@evs.co.nz WAIROA | 46 Freyberg St | 06 838 6099 | wairoa@evs.co.nz www.evs.co.nz Proud to be supporting Turihaua Angus “After the two cyclones this year and extensive flooding the land has been incredibly stable. We’re tending more towards native trees long term now but the exotic trees still have a place in the system. Right tree right place is key. It was business as usual for us after the cyclones compared with other neighbours and farms in the region that were much harder hit.” This long-term planning and sustainable land management stood out to the award judges as a shining example of environmental resilience, setting Turihaua Station apart. “We want to be leaders and show people that the environment is a critical component of farming businesses going forward,” says Paul. “We need to look after the land, and you can do this while still running a successful business, but you need to think really long term.” Part of their dedication to environmental restoration is evident in their active participation in the Whangara Community Catchment Group. Recognising that restoring just a portion of Turihaua Stream and conducting isolated pest control efforts were not enough, they have taken a regional approach to environmental restoration, contributing their zoology and hydrology backgrounds to the cause. In addition to their commendable work in environmental conservation, the Williams family’s Angus stud has garnered acclaim for providing high quality, hill country sire bulls to commercial beef farmers. Their genetic selection process focuses on producing animals with robust health and reduced labour costs, in line with their sustainable farming practices. “It was rewarding to us to be successful in that category. With the Angus stud we are managing, the genetic component of the herd has to be moulded in parallel with the environment. We need constitution in the genetics of our animals that can thrive in this environment on the East Coast. We’ve been farming here since 1897, with the stud registered since 1906, so we have a pretty good handle on what works in our environment - moderate framed animal with good structural integrity, deep round body with good width and good feet and legs that can forage on hill country. Good fertility is important with cows that can breed successfully in different seasons. We’ve found you don’t want to step too far away from what’s worked. We’re constantly moulding and improving on particular traits we’re measuring.” As they move forward, Paul and Sarah’s goal is to carry on their family legacy of sustainable farming, ensuring that Turihaua Station remains a thriving centre for generations to come. With their three young boys, Max, 9, Patch, 7, and Charlie, 4, already showing a passion for the land and the farm, the Williams family is poised to leave a lasting impact on the East Coast farming community, inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices and prioritise the environment in their agricultural pursuits. “The competition was a really great opportunity to showcase and celebrate what we’ve achieved over time. That was more important to us than winning the awards.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=