| 5 The farm bounds the Ngaruroro River and the Kaweka Forest Park. RURAL PEOPLE » Awapai Farm Ltd 06 858 9060 www.vshb.co.nz OUR COMMUNITY, OUR ANIMALS Vet Services are proud to work closely alongside many sheep farms with a shared goal of improving animal health & performance. Our sheep conveyor allows us to provide additional vet technician and sheep handling services to clients across Hawkes Bay, Get in touch if you would like to find out more or to make a booking. country that includes a centre pivot, to steeper hill country. Judges from the awards were impressed with their use of innovation, technology and modern ideas, all implemented within the framework of a well-established and enduring family business. Examples include utilising drone technology for spreading seed and fertiliser, and genomic testing of replacement heifers to increase the speed of genetic improvement. The family have positioned themselves to achieve premiums for their meat and wool products through producer supply programmes, which demand high environmental and biodiversity outcomes. The business is heavily invested in a successful lamb programme with Atkins Ranch which supplies Wholefoods supermarkets in the United States. Accreditation through the Savory Institute has meant they have supplied regenerative pelts for Ugg boots which is a useful value add item. While the previous generation was very good at cutting down kanuka, there is still plenty of mature kanuka that provides shade and shelter on the farm. A huge amount of riparian planting has taken place along waterways in an attempt to improve water quality, as well as increase biodiversity. There is just over 100ha of exotic forestry comprising radiata, redwoods, eucalyptus and cypress that serve to diversify land use. There is also over 400ha of regenerating native bush on the property that contributes to biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The property features an impressive five QEII national trust covenant blocks. Looking to the future, Awapai continues to explore the opportunities of regenerative farming practices, increasing biodiversity while decreasing their carbon footprint, and understanding how to remain profitable in a challenging farming environment. “We normally try to fly under the radar and do our own thing, but we are constantly looking for new ideas, and happy to share what we are doing,” Hugo said. A former civil engineer, Hugo spent time working in London before heading home to the family farm, and will bring his forward thinking to the role of farm owner, acknowledging his father has always moved with the times in farm innovation and technology. 0800 436 723 | waterforce.co.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS. WaterForce provides industry-leading knowledge, technical expertise and experience. IRRIGATION PUMPING WATER MEASUREMENT WATER FILTRATION SERVICES Contract Your local WaterForce Branch 0800436723 or visit waterforce.co.nz CLOSED GATE FENCING 027 586 6322 Congratulations to the entire Awapai Team for their success in the Balance Farm Environment Awards and their ongoing management plans that enhance both this fantastic property and the environment it is surrounded by. Shane Tilson and the Closed Gate Fencing team are a local Rural Fencing Company specialising in Rural Fencing and Stockyard Handling Facilities and are proud to be involved in the QEii project fencing and wider fencing projects on Awapai. 192 Shanley Road, Crownthorpe, Hastings admin@closedgatefencing.co.nz
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