66 | Slew of big awards for Kamahi Farm Purchased in 2016 Kamahi has been transformed from what was once an underperforming property into a productive and environmentally focused farming business. Karen Phelps ON FARM » Kamahi Farm A commitment to producing high-quality protein and protecting the environment earned Taranaki and King Country sheep and beef farmers Gavin Jordan and Julie Fleming a raft of accolades at the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the region. The couple’s 288-hectare Kamahi farm was recognised for combining environmental stewardship, strong business management and long-term succession planning taking home the Hill Labs Agri-Science Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award and Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award. Purchased in 2016 Kamahi has been transformed from what was once an underperforming property into a productive and environmentally focused farming business. The farm operates alongside the wider Jordan family farming enterprise, which now includes six properties across Taranaki. Explaining the philosophy behind the operation Julie says the goal is simple. “It’s about growing good protein in a sustainable and economical manner. Our systems are robust but always evolving guided by the principle that we leave the land better than we found it.” That approach has seen Kamahi invest heavily in environmental improvements including extensive riparian planting, fencing waterways, protecting native bush, renewing pastures and improving farm infrastructure. Technology also plays an increasing role through precision pasture management, animal health monitoring and digital farm management systems. Environmental gains have gone hand in hand with livestock performance. The farm’s income is split between sheep (60 per cent) and cattle (40 per cent) which sees the farm finish thousands of lambs annually alongside Angus cattle with a strong focus on genetics, animal health and consistent production. Kamahi also places considerable emphasis on its people investing in health and safety, staff wellbeing and ongoing education and preparing the next generation to lead the business into the future. The judges also recognised the operation’s willingness to embrace innovation with future plans including solar energy, further technology integration and continued improvements in environmental performance. Strong relationships with trusted suppliers such as Brandt have also played an important part in the farm’s success. “It’s important to have suppliers you can rely on who understand what you’re trying to achieve,” says Gavin. The award reflects years of careful planning and investment but Gavin says the journey is far from over. He says the family remains committed to continuous improvement, adopting practical innovations that strengthen both the environment and the business while ensuring the farm remains economically sustainable. “Ongoing research & development results in superior products & performance advantages including; more yield, faster milking, no slip and no teat end damage.” Succession planning has also been central to the family’s vision. “We’ve tried to set all the boys and Julie up to have farms independently at the end if I move on first,” says Gavin. That commitment has resulted in each of the Jordan family’s farms operating with its own autonomy but still being connected through shared resources and common values. For Julie, whose background is in dairy farming before moving into sheep and beef, restoring Kamahi has been particularly rewarding. She says transforming a farm that had become neglected into one that balances productivity with environmental care has been one of the couple’s greatest achievements. “Our journey is one of whānau, resilience, and stewardship,” says Julie, “values that echo the principle of caring for the land as guardians for future generations. Our journey is one of continuous improvement, always striving to balance economic viability with environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.”
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