| 11 ‘Dream vision’ can become a reality Sue Russell RURAL PEOPLE » Castlepoint Station / Glenross Station Marcus Hildreth returned to the family ram stud at Glenross Station in 2016, having spent time overseas, including cattle ranching in Canada. He is Operations Manager at Hildreth Romneys which is a sprawling 830ha farm backing onto the Kaweka ranges with elevations from 300m – 650m, 40 minutes inland from Napier/Hastings in Hawke’s Bay. In this role Marcus is overseeing all aspects of the station and stud’s operation. His father, David, takes care of the processing of data to SIL who produce detailed information on the genetic worth of each ram eventually sold. “With advances in technology and research we’ve been significantly increasing our genetics year after year,” Marcus says. Farmers are constantly dealing with change and one on the forefront are the environmental issues impacting on weather phenomena. Marcus feels there’s an unfair amount of finger-pointing at farmers. “It’s hard when, as a primary producer you’re continually on edge when extreme weather patterns cause economic and emotional hardship, to then have to deal with public criticism. Farmers are doing their bit. There’s always room for improvement but I think it’s extremely difficult to be a global industry leader in a field and get told we are the biggest burden on NZ’s image/emissions.” Future challenges and direction in sheep breeding includes breeding-in lower input stock. “Costs are rising and don’t fluctuate like our revenue, they stay up and don’t come down.” Digital technologies in use • from page 10 the property and the inland farm boundary is next to substantial forestry plantings. Digital technologies are also used. The owners have embraced these developments to better improve recording, reporting, documenting all activities to help better inform future decisions. With staff located at each end of the farm, 25 minutes drive apart, it’s essential Jacques says that there are tools to aid communication and document activities. “We use Quip, which operates from a social media type base, where we can tag people, create and post photos. That’s how we communicate now and everyone knows what is happening, what jobs are done and what jobs aren’t.” With the owners, who moved to New Zealand from east coast US when the bought the Station, living on farm, Jacques says they are very involved “A lot of work has gone into enhancing the environment, fencing of and planting waterways and planting trees to support soil stability ...” The largest range of side by sides in the Wairarapa We service and repair all makes and models of ATV's, Side by Sides and Bikes. High St, Carterton | 06 379 7887 | sargentmotorcycles.nz at policy level. Collecting data is an essential part of how good farming policy and practice evolves. Jacques, who will leave his role after Christmas to advance his farming career into consultancy, describes Castlepoint Station as an iconic place. “It’s a really special place to work. A lot of work has gone into enhancing the environment, fencing of and planting waterways and planting trees to support soil stability and provide shade for the stock. I’ve enjoyed every moment working here.” Livestock Pregnancy Ultrasound I NDEPENDENT • EFF I C I ENT • ACCURATE Sheep ∙ Cows ∙ Horses ∙ Dogs Servicing all of the North Island • Local to the East Coast 027 878 2883 | sandy.campbell@hotmail.com Proud to support Glenross Station We can help you with: Direct drilling Conventional drilling Rotary hoeing Agricultural spraying Discing Ploughing Roller Drilling Rolling Ripping Tyne cultivate Power harrowing Plus plenty more agricultural services Phone Roger to discuss your requirements: P: 021 245 1472 E: hunterag@xtra.co.nz For all your agricultural cultivation and spraying requirements As a ram stud Marcus says they are very aware of the drench resistance situation and are moving more focus towards producing rams that will help that situation. “It’s not as simple as exposing the mob and picking the lambs with the highest growth rates. This would create a ticking time bomb. We’re aiming for stock that are reducing the farms overall worm population as well as performing well in weight gains. Sounds like a dreamers vision but we think it can be done.” Marcus also understands that good maternal flocks will always be essential in the farming system in New Zealand. A solid base that can handle the elements and produce good lambs in tough country. “Terminal sires certainly have their place in terms of quick growth and early to the market especially in summer dry areas with a summer/ autumn worm problem. But terminals need to go to good sound ewes and I believe it’s hard to beat the modern day Romney for consistency and hardiness.” Other pressures are continually impacting the sheep farmers’ bottom-line including the sad demise in the value of the wool clip. “If wool doesn’t lift in value then its likely more will turn to the shedding alternative but some serious genetic gains need to be made in these breeds to handle what our traditional sheep flocks have been battling for generations.” Facial eczema poses a continual threat most years and Hildreth Romneys is providing clients with high performance stock with the strongest FE background. “We’ve been breeding for this for the past decade and are really impressed with the look and performance of them.” Soon the flock will also be tested for methane emissions as Marcus says this issues is going to factor more and more into stock selection by clients wanting to lower emissions in accordance with government regulations. Each year Hildreth Romneys stands up about 1000 rams for sale. Data is supplied to clients on the breeding values of every ram sold. This year the sale gets underway on 14 November. “We’re really proud of what we put in front of the clients each year. A lot of work goes into producing and recording solid high performance rams and the positive feedback is hugely reassuring that they like both where we are at, and where we are heading” Marcus Hildreth is Operations Manager at Hildreth Romneys which is a sprawling 830ha farm and ram stud.
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