| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Ahiaruhe Farm: Karen & Mick Williams Farm wellbeing – ‘Just get started’ Ange Davidson Winners of the 2022 New Zealand Arable Awards, Karen and Mick Williams, put their success down to an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, a journey that dates back to 1997 with the adoption of no-tillage cropping on Mick’s family farm, Otahuao. The award acknowledges Ahiaruhe Farm’s entire operation from the soil up and celebrates the couple’s dedication to finding the balance between a healthy environment, a healthy bank balance and their community. “Wellbeing on the farm is like a three-legged stool requiring good economic returns, an ongoing investment in the environment, and caring for our people and local community. Each is integral to the other and if one area is underperforming, the other areas can fall over,” says Karen. Farming 450 hectares of largely flat, alluvial river silt soils along the Ruamahanga River near Gladstone in the Wairarapa, Karen joined Mick at Ahiaruhe in 2001, armed with a Resource Management degree and local authority experience to create an environmental dream team. The couple made an early start on willow removal in creeks and streams and establishing native plantings. They safeguarded two hectares as a QEII block and are working their way around the farm planting riparian strips and under planting remnant forest. “We’re not only enhancing biodiversity on the farm but creating a beautiful landscape while sequestering carbon. We are attracting beneficial insects and even predatory birds that are helping drive away introduced species. We have Tui’s chasing away sparrows,” says Karen. “We’re really fortunate to be in a valley across from a nature reserve and to have great neighbours with a similar vision.” Years of no-tillage cropping means Ahiaruhe’s soils are more forgiving and better at retaining moisture which reduces the amount of irrigation needed at key growth stages for crops. “There’s a direct economic benefit with reducing the amount of irrigation needed and also by applying fertiliser and insecticide on a ‘needs basis’ through constant measuring and monitoring of the crop,” comments Mick. The farm has three gun irrigators for greater flexibility in accessing a variety of crop locations plus working around new native plantings. This year the farm cropped milling, feed and durum wheat, malting and feed barley, and harvested seed from peas, ryegrasss, red clover and pak choy. This summer will see greater cereal production to take advantage of the current high prices. Karen and Mick finish 7000 lambs and are a major supplier to Cabernet Foods, a processing plant 15 minutes down the road. The proximity to the farm means animals are less stressed by lengthy transportation, the carbon footprint is significantly reduced, and the abattoir is an enthusiastic supporter of the local school and community. It’s a circular economy in action. The farm also supports 200 head of cattle behind a significant buffer between river and pasture. The couple’s three children, Tom, Ollie and India are all products of the local school and are now either working or at high school. The children contribute to the farm, taking part in plantings and weeding, and other farm work. “It’s sometimes hard getting everyone out there but once we’re out and about, it’s really enjoyable and great for wellbeing,” laughs Karen. Along with family input, the farm employs one highly valued full-time team member, Daniel Giddens, and a summer student. It works closely with local contractors and is always keen to support school fundraisers and community initiatives in nearby Gladstone. This latest award joins an impressive line-up in the family’s trophy cabinet, including the Supreme Winners of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Wellington Region and Federated Farmers Biosecurity Farmer of the Year. Ahiaruhe Farm is successfully embracing environmental practises to enhance farming outcomes, and as the immediate past Vice President of Federated Farmers, Karen walks the talk. She is aware that there needs to be more dialogue between those that are legislating environmental changes and the people implementing those changes on farm, but that everyone can make incremental environmental changes. “There’s lots of support out there now from regional council and MPI funds, through to community catchment groups. My message is just get started!” Ahiaruhe Farm Proud to support : info@lala.co.nz Guilt-freewholesale meat direct from the farm ETHICALLY FARMED AND 100% NEW ZEALAND Proudly supporting Ahiaruhe Farm o ce@cabernet.co.nz 06 372 7882 www.cabernet.co.nz Contact Shane P: 06 379 5504 • M: 027 453 3505 E: grayscontractingltd@yahoo.co.nz - Large reduction in artificial fertiliser requirements - Eliminate effluent separating equipment - Minimise laneway & paddock damage - High flow rate for fast & efficient effluent discharge - Highly cost effective for emptying large ponds - Significantly less nitrogen loss to the atmosphere SOLVE EFFLUENT COMPLIANCE ISSUES ALL AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AVAILABLE Services · Driveways · Septic tanks · Farm excavations - drainage, tracks, metaling · House sites · Metal/Lime cartage · Drainage And More.... EXPERIENCED EARTHMOVING AND CARTAGE OPERATOR Contact us, We can handle any job large or small Photos: Karen and Mick Williams with sons Ollie (left) and Tom and daughter India. Daniel Giddens, Ahiaruhe Farm’s only permanent employee, working in in the yards. Mick and Karen assessing a cereal crop.
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