38 | Farms lost to trees worry for rural communities Sue Russell Libby and Nathan Blake own and operate Mahuri Enterprises Ltd, a farming business they established in 2018, buying their farm in 2020 from Nathan’s parents. The sheep and beef farm is near Taumarunui, in steep, challenging country. The property is 608ha (520ha effective), with a 30ha native bush block fenced off. The intention Nathan says is to retire and fence other patches of native bush in time. Flat to rolling land constitutes about 20ha in total with the balance medium to steep. “When we took over ownership of the farm we decided to switch to a breeding system. We now have 1600 ewes, 400 hoggets, 50 mixedage cows, 15 R2 heifers and 30 R1 heifers,” says Nathan. Genetics used is mainly Ruapuha perendales and Storth Oaks Angus. Approximately 80% of lambs bred go store at weaning, averaging 2930kg while steer calves weighing 190kg are sold at the Te Kuiti weaner fair in March. Nathan says the choice of using Ruapuha perendale genetics from well regarded breeder Russell Profitt came down to their ability on the hills, moving well. “His rams have high FE tolerance and very good fertility. Our terminal rams are also from Ruapuha, they are a mix of Suffolk and SufTex rams.” Storth Oaks Angus bulls are used given they are well muscled and carry good temperaments, with top EBVs, proven on the hills. “They produce nice calves that don’t need to be assisted at birth and grow on well.” For the first three years that Nathan and Libby took over the farm they had to deal with droughts and facial eczema. A priority was to upgrade fencing and in improving soil underfoot through fertiliser applications. In terms of pests, feral goats are a constant problem, as there are large stands of pine forest nearby. Reducing goat numbers is an ongoing task as they are prolific breeders. Mahuri Farm features one main waterway that runs towards the middle of the property and Nathan says a good chunk of this has been fenced off. With the couple looking forward to welcoming their first child, life is full on. The sale of store lambs amounts to 65% of the farm’s income. Over time weaning weights have been increasing. “We’ve done this by using better genetics and by providing better pasture feed through fertilising. RURAL PEOPLE » Mahuri Farm: Nathan and Libby Blake When we first took over the farm there was 150ha of sheep proof paddocks and that’s now increased to 250ha, so we’re heading in the right direction long-term.” An interest that takes Nathan off the farm on occasions is his role as the Ruapehu province Meat and Wool Chair for Federated Farmers. One key responsibility is to try to help farmers understand new regulations before them. “If I can’t answer any questions I know there’s a great network of people within the Feds team that will be able to help me get accurate information. I’m also the voice for our region on any issues related to meat and wool of particular concern to our area.” An example of practical ways the organisation helps is in the Farmy Army mobilising to help farmers impacted by the cyclone get back on their feet. “We talk about regulations that are proposed and provide feedback on how they could be changed to make them more practical for farmers. The Feds national and regional policy team can submit changes to the government on incoming regulations.” A local worry is the number of whole farm conversions to trees and the negative impact this has on communities and issues like the control of wild deer, goats and pigs, along with the ongoing management of boundary fences with carbon farms. “We’re very concerned about the impact on local services and the local economy when employment on traditional sheep and beef farms is lost.” Nathan says he hopes greater understanding by the general public as to issues, such as these, on our food producing sectors, will begin to spur a productive conversation and resolution to matters such as this. Despite the issues facing the sector, Nathan says he is happy with how their farming business is tracking. “Farmers tend to be very optimistic people. They are always looking for solutions to improve their farming and aspire to leaving the land in improved condition generation on generation.” The choice of using Ruapuha perendale genetics from breeder Russell Profitt came down to their ability on the hills. %PP 6EQW WSPH [MXL E *) -2()<
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