Business Rural North Summer 2024

North Finding the most productive animals to suit Wairarapa’s summer-dry conditions is just part of a wider effort - Page 7 Improving sheep genetics SUMMER 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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Rural North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Aratiatia Farm - Landcorp �� 03 Glenlands Farm �� 04 Arohiwi Station �� 06 Arahura Genetics (Glenside Farm) �� 07 Greg McCullough and Buddhiya Alankarage �� 08 Kelso Genetics Ltd �� 09 Kotare Station �� 10 Kotu Station �� 11 Laurieston Farming and Lakeman Brew �� 12 Nathan Blake and Mahuri Farm �� 13 Paul and Lesley Grey �� 14 Paynes Holsteins �� 16 Peter and Caroline Foss �� 18 Rakaunui Farm �� 19 Silverton Pastoral �� 20 Te Karoa Farms �� 21 Te Uranga B2 Inc �� 22 Wharekauhau Station �� 24 AD Agriculture/Te Paiaka Lands �� 25 Black Stag Station �� 25 Andrew Russell �� 26 Dunsmore Gardens �� 28 Cheddar Valley Farm �� 29 Glen Nui Station �� 29 Hugh Ritchie �� 30 Northland Farmers �� 30 Scott and Rebecca O’Brien �� 31 Waihinga Farm �� 32 Collier Farm �� 33 ADM Stock Feeds �� 34 H & R Harvesting Ltd �� 36 Farm Chemical Supplies 2020 Ltd �� 38 Gisborne Country Veterinary Services �� 40 Paeroa Contracting �� 41 Hey Harvesting and Contracting �� 42 Farm IQ �� 43 Kaipara Farm Vets �� 44 McLarens Rural Services �� 45 Mike Kettle Contracting Ltd �� 46 Murdoch AG Contracting �� 47 Otiwhiti Station Land Based Training �� 49 Small Farm Services �� 50 Wheeler Contracting Ltd �� 51 Bay Motorcycles Waipukurau �� 52 Greer Groundspraying �� 53 Driver Laser Drainage �� 54 Vetsone �� 55 Campbell Machinery Services �� 56 JCL Contracting Ltd �� 57 Rukumoana Farm �� 58 Rocklea Stud �� 59 Dr Dig �� 60 20 | Embracing precision ag technology 40 | Opened its doors amid the chaos 50 | The Bray’s going strong four years in 09 | The Kelso story North OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Anne Boswell, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Tracey Edwardes, Randall Johnston, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright, Lindy Andrews, Bernadette Cooney. 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| 3 Applications open for Pamu Apprenticeships Aratiatia Farm Manager and overseer of the scheme Carl Carmichael. A passion for animals, commitment to safety, and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions is what Pamu Farms of New Zealand is looking for in its new apprentices. The Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme kicks off in January and applications for the first cohort of nine are open until 31 July 2025. Apprentices will live on Aratiatia in Taupo, one of 110 Pamu farms, and earn while they learn. Experience in the first year covers livestock, dairy and machinery and participants will be supported to work towards their Level 3 and 4 NZ Certificates in Agriculture qualification. In the second year, the apprentices get a placement within the Pamu farming network as a dairy assistant or shepherd general position. Aratiatia Farm Manager and overseer of the scheme Carl Carmichael says: “Farming experience is not a requirement. We can teach you the skills, but you have to come with the attitude. We want to hear from motivated young people who have a passion for animals or the rural sector. We envision that the scheme will appeal to school leavers, but we are looking for diversity and will consider anyone keen to work in agriculture over the age of 16. “This is a great opportunity to learn from experienced farmers and industry-specialist trainers who are committed to helping young people succeed,” he says. As part of the programme, apprentices will live in shared housing, repurposed from existing infrastructure on-farm, fostering a supportive community environment as they learn to navigate life and work. “We have a dedicated Apprenticeship Scheme Manager to help participants get used to the world of work and we’ll support learning.” RURAL PEOPLE » Aratiatia Farm - Landcorp 021 272 3646 126 Rakaunui Rd, Taupo, PO Box 547, Taupo O ice: 07 377 0868 Email: o ice@waterservicesnz.co.nz Mobile: 027 488 0621 www.waterservicesnz.co.nz • FarmWater Reticulation Systems, Design, Installation & Supply • Water Meter Installation/Verification • Effluent Systems • Water Reserviors • Trenching • Deepwell & Submersible Lifts • Domestic & Commercial Pumps • GPS mapping • Pipes & Fittings Supply (concrete, steel, PVC, Polythene all grades) “We are committed to growing and developing farmers. The Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme is not just about training young farmers; it’s setting them up for the future,” Carl Carmichael said. The scheme represents the State Owned Enterprise’s interest in growing the workforce of the food and fibre sector which is a driving force for the productivity of Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit https://www.pamunewzealand.com/apprenticeshipscheme

4 | An easier, more lucrative lifestyle Out of the couple’s daughters, Jorja,14, and Charlene,12, their youngest may yet be a fourth-generation farmer. Tracey Edwardes RURAL PEOPLE » Glenlands Farm Self-shedding sheep mitigate the hard graft - and can provide an easier, lucrative lifestyle. Glenlands Farm is a shedding sheep stud in the Esk Valley run by Dean and Antoinette Martin, who focus on the SheepMaster breed from Australia. They are off to the sale in November to look at the parent stud rams, in NSW Australia, and source more semen. “They’re more like little cattle, taking the labour out of the system,” says Dean. “No lice, fly, shearing or crutching. I’m in my 50s now. and can’t be running around crutching like I did in my 20s. “We tried Australian Whites alongside our SheepMasters, with the SheepMasters coming out on top, with hardiness and better worm tolerance than the Austrialian Whites over the last two extremely wet summers with higher worm challengers. All replacement SheepMaster hoggets are being FEC tested under a worm challenge before entering the stud flock. Now breeding SheepMasters with self-shedding Wiltshires, Glenlands has three quarters, halves and quarters on the Hawkes Bay farm. It is 245ha, 145ha effective, ranging from 40m to 280m in altitude on the first hill on the Napier-Taupo road. After the cyclone, lack of access to half the farm on the other side of the creek, made the 2023 breeding season a challenge and delayed the AI program. “To get the breeding ewes back to this side of the farm and into the yards, we ended up cutting fences and needing extra help to push them through challenging areas. Luckily fly wasn’t an issue as bike access across the creek didn’t happen until May - one less worry! The aftermath lingering more this year with all the infrastructure repairs. I bought a digger to fix ongoing issues myself, and have had to reinstate creek crossings, after rains, four times.” Up to three metres of silt and debris still remains on the creek flats, and planting Lucerne in some areas is on the cards. The farm practises self seeding for diversity - cocksfoot, prairie and paspalum grass, not just rye. “SheepMasters love browsing on the rough stuff, and leave the low-fibre lush spring grass and clover more than other breeds. The lambs love running over to eat the blackberry. The Shearwell business is delighted to be the tag supplier of choice and work with Dean and Antoinette to support their Australian White and SheepMaster breeding programme EID & visual tags for sheep & goats Tag well with Shearwell Aidan Ellims North Island 027 556 2256

| 5 Glenlands Farm is a shedding sheep stud in the Esk Valley run by Dean and Antoinette Martin. RURAL PEOPLE » Glenlands Farm These sheep graze a bit more like goats really. And when it rains, and they shed, they leave telltale circles of wool in the grass where they’ve slept, which then breaks down into the soil.” Dean says shedding sheep have a milder flavour and the kill-out percentage is better than traditional breeds. He will be spending more time looking at the eating quality. The Australians are working on scanning for intramuscular fat and tear strength on live rams, without killing them. “Our main lambing is late August to October. We experimented with a small mob of SheepMaster ewes lambing out of season in late January 2024, “Our main lambing is late August to October. We experimented with a small mob of SheepMaster ewes lambing out of season in late January 2024, were weaned on 25 April, and ram reintroduced at the same time.” Paul Morgan Providing legal solutions to Glenlands Farm ATTN13CLD06 www.carliledowling.co.nz e. mailbox.co.nz p. 06 835 7394 were weaned on 25 April, and ram reintroduced at the same time. These ewes started lambing 18 September 2024. We are on target to do 260% this year. “Once we have more aseasonal SheepMasters in the flock we will look at introducing an eight-month breeding cycle.” Out of the couple’s daughters, Jorja,14, and Charlene,12, their youngest may yet be a fourthgeneration farmer. “Charlene is a great help at reading the tags and helps me with the technology too.” Glenlands will have an on-farm Ram sale on November 28. • Hardy, tick resistant • Productive all regions • Aseasonal Reps Names – Genetics Tom Suttor 0274469967 | Auctioneer – SamWright 0272479035 Dean & Antoinette Martin | Glenlands Farm, Hawkes Bay, NZ Ph: +64 27 250 2850 | E: info@glenlandsfarm.co.nz | www.glenlandsfarm.co.nz Perfect width between front legs Strong Sire‘s head & long ears = fast growth Long muzzle = long body More muscle, less fat Strong bone and front leg structure Strong, broad brisket 100% shedding summer coat. Winter coat adapts to extreme cold and heat Perfect back leg structure, feet and hocks SILKY 100% SHEDDING • Fertility • Feet – walkability • Productivity • Easy manage • Early maturity • Drought tolerant Sustainability Profitability RAMAUCTIONAT GLENLANDS SHEEPMASTER STUD Gates open 12pm – Auction 2pm, 28 November 2024 1330 State Highway 5, Glengarry, Napier What makes a SheepMaster? No shearing | No crutching | No tailing | No ies Available on

6 | Unique model supports the community Arohiwi Station is a 1472 hectare beef and sheep operation. Karen Phelps Located at Puketitiri, an hour north west of Napier, lies a farm with a difference. Arohiwi Station, a 1472-hectare beef and sheep operation, stands out for its unique ownership model that directly benefits some of the most underserved members of the East Coast community. Owned by Arohiwi Station Ltd, with Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC) as the sole shareholder, this working farm channels its surplus proceeds into funding vital support services for younger disabled people, older people, children and families across the East Coast region. “It’s rewarding knowing where the money the farm makes goes and who it supports,” says Robbie Schaw, Arohiwi Station’s Manager, who has been at the helm for nearly four years and brings over a decade of farming experience in the Puketitiri district to his role. This unique ownership structure stems from a generous gift made around forty five years ago by Laura Mitchell, daughter of one of the original owners, John Holt. A woman of strong Presbyterian faith, Laura gifted half of her interest in the station to Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC) in 1978. After her passing, Laura’s family trust distributed her remaining shares to PSEC. In 2012 PSEC purchased the balance taking full ownership of the property and its comprehensive operations. The station’s journey from a family-owned farm to a charitable enterprise culminated on July 1, 2013, when Arohiwi Station Limited was formed, purchasing all the station’s assets from PSEC, which remains the sole shareholder. The farm runs a substantial operation, with RURAL PEOPLE » Arohiwi Station Robbie overseeing a flock of over 5,000 pure bred Romney ewes and 1,200 hoggets, alongside a herd of 400 Angus cows. Recent adjustments to the stock mix, shifting towards a more even split between cattle and sheep, demonstrate the farm’s adaptability to market conditions and environmental factors. “Having the trading component with the cattle gives us more flexibility in terms of being able to react to weather events and being able to move stock quicker.” The stock policy includes buying in around 160 Angus weaner steers in autumn with the better performing killed and the rest sold. In the spring the farm buys in around 600 100kg bulls to be also sold in the autumn. He says the station’s management takes a long-term view, implementing sustainable farming practices that ensure the land’s productivity for generations to come. A five-year environmental management plan was established by March 2021, outlining actions to enhance the farm’s ecological footprint. The station’s diverse landscape includes 133 hectares of plantation pines and over 161 hectares of native bush, with wetland areas in the process of being fenced. Robbie says this commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with PSEC’s ethos of community care and sustainable development. He says that the station’s unique ownership model brings an added layer of purpose to the day-to-day operations. Every decision made, from stock management to land use, carries the weight of its potential impact on the communities PSEC serves. This sense of purpose permeates the work culture at Arohiwi Station, creating a motivating environment for staff and contractors alike. Supporting Arohiwi Station from the ground up When it comes to Motorcycles Hastings Honda is your first stop in Hawkes Bay for Farm Quads, Side by Side's, 2 Wheeler's, Road Bikes, Motocross Bikes, Scooters & Commuters. Proudly supplying Arohiwi Station As Arohiwi Station continues to evolve and adapt to changing agricultural and economic landscapes, Robbie says its core mission remains steadfast. “By balancing commercial viability with social responsibility, the station serves as a model for how rural enterprises can contribute to community welfare in meaningful and sustainable ways.”

| 7 Two summer-dry, winter-wet farms Paul body condition scoring ewes. Aimee Wilson For over 20 years the Central Progeny Test overseen by Beef + Lamb New Zealand has given animal breeders the opportunity to contribute towards the genetic improvements of New Zealand’s sheep industry. Run under commercial conditions, the CPT operates at two sites; Glenside Farm - a commercial hill country property in the Wairarapa, and at AgResearch’s Invermay research station. The purpose of the CPT is to create genetic linkages across breeds that would not happen naturally in industry. These connections underpin the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation (NZGE) – the across-flock and across-breed evaluation that provides indexes and breeding values (BVs) to industry. Every year breeders or breeder groups nominate their flocks to take part in the CPT and the successful flocks are selected based on the benefit their connections will provide to industry. Nominations for CPT open in late spring and the successful flocks are named in December. Breeders have the summer to select rams which have been widely used to best represent their flocks and semen is collected for the CPT’s Artificial Insemination (AI) programmes. Arahura Genetics (Glenside Farm) is run by Paul Crick and Dayanne Almeida, and they also lease the neighbouring Arahura deer farm. Glenside is an 850ha sheep, beef and deer farm southeast of Masterton, Wairarapa, wintering 5000 sheep, 270 beef cattle and 750 red deer. Both Glenside and Arahura are summer-dry, winter-wet farms that receive between 9001000mm each year. Glenside was formerly leased and managed by Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. The couple took over most of the stock with the leases, plus the 520-head Central Progeny Test hill flock, which is one of four under the control of Beef + Lamb Genetics. This is managed alongside the couple’s own livestock. Paul has an extensive 35-year background in agriculture and education both nationally and overseas; from working and managing large-scale properties in New Zealand’s North and South Islands to farm consultancy in Chile and Brazil, along with developing the next generation of New Zealand farmers in his previous executive role of Director of Farms for Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. RURAL PEOPLE » Arahura Genetics (Glenside Farm Ltd) He’s been involved in various agricultural and social research projects in conjunction with Massey University, AbacusBio, Alliance Group, Beef + Lamb Genetics and AgResearch. Being familiar with the stock on Glenside has given him an advantage as they pursue their aim of finding the most productive animals to suit Wairarapa’s summer-dry conditions and their management. All of the 1400 ewes available across both testing sites (Glenside and Invermay) are allocated a sire. The technical team go to great lengths to ensure each ram is mated to an even range of ewe ages, sizes and body conditions. Lambs are born in September and while the data recording starts from birth at Invermay, it begins at tailing at Glenside. Call Arron Cook on 027 498 7104 Proud to support Glenside Farm Ltd Agricultural Contractors The sheep progeny test has been a long-standing and critical component of New Zealand’s sheep genetics system for many years. Beef+Lamb New Zealand then launched a beef progeny test in 2014 and a dairy-beef progeny test the following year.

8 | Buddhiya is setting his sights high The Alankarages’ journey began in 2010. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Greg McCullough and Buddhiya Alankarage Contract milker Buddhi Alankarage is setting his sights high this season, targeting 430kg of milk solids (MS) per cow on the farm he and wife Chamila work on near Rotorua. And with a strong start to the season they are well on track to achieving this goal. Buddhi and Chamila are in their third season of contract milking for Zoetermeer Agriculture Ltd, owned by Greg McCullough and Jose Franco. The 153-hectare property in Waitike Valley is home to a 520-cow herd. The Alankarages’ journey began in 2010 when Buddhi, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and several years of farming experience in Sri Lanka, moved to New Zealand to broaden his knowledge and experience. “Everything was totally different, and I basically had to start again. In Sri Lanka, we have small herds from 10 to 30 cows and employ a cut and feed system, whereas New Zealand is well set up for pasture-based dairy farming.” Since taking over the Waitike Valley farm, Buddhi and Chamila have focused intensely on increasing production. In their first season, they raised production from 197,000kgMS to 221,000kgMS through better pasture utilisation and a focus on fully feeding cows and improving animal health. Despite a slight dip in the second season due to fewer milking cows, this season has seen a 22% increase in production compared to the previous year. Buddhi attributes much of this success to improved farm management practices. “For example we’ve focused on cleaning drains to encourage better drainage and fencing off drains. This has encouraged better pasture growth,” he explains. As a result, he’s been able to reduce supple- mentary feed significantly, using only 36 tonnes of palm kernel expeller (PKE) compared to 90 tonnes in the previous three-month period of July, August, and September. Another area the Alankarages have excelled in is staff management, which was recognised at the 2023 NZ Dairy Industry awards, where Buddhi and Chamila were runners up with four merit awards in the Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year and took home the DairyNZ People and Culture award, Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership award, Sustainable Pasture Award and Farm Dairy Hygiene Award .The were named third in the Share Farmer of the Year at the 2024 NZ Dairy Industry Awards for Central Plateau and took home two merit awards. Boddhi credits the farm’s success to his team: “They work really hard and have a great attitude and commitment. It’s all about teamwork. I train my staff and look after them well, and make sure everyone gets long breaks over the weekend. When they are happy, they enjoy their work.” His commitment to his team extends to helping them progress in their careers: “I want to help them become contract milkers, that’s my target. They can learn from me and start their own businesses. I encourage and engage all the staff to learn Primary ITO and help them with this,” he explains. Buddhi is also a new committee member for Taupo-Rotorua Federated Farmers: “I am looking forward to developing my leadership skills and giving back to the region.” The couple’s success is a family affair. Chamila, who works as a preschool teacher in Papamoa, lives in Tauranga during the week with their children, Senuka, 16, and Seneli, 9. They all pitch in during weekends and holidays. “Our plan is to be sharemilkers within two seasons,” says Buddhi, “then work towards farm ownership.” “We’ve focused on cleaning drains to encourage better drainage and fencing off drains.” 021 148 0322 | bluffcountry.co.nz | karl@bluffcountry.co.nz like us on Ph: Proud to support Greg McCullough and Buddhiya Alankarage Agricultural contractors servicing the greater Rotorua region

| 9 The Kelso story traces back to the 1970’s Kelso Genetics focus on creating a sheep for the future, a healthy and efficient animal. Karen Phelps Healthy sheep and healthy farmers are the Kelso Genetics difference. “We want animals and people to be healthy. Both are highly valued for our business so their wellbeing is really important too,” says Kelso Genetics co-owner and director Matt Holden. The story of Kelso Genetics traces back to the 1970’s when Roger Marshall, a Rangitikei sheep farmer, pioneered the modern crossbred sheep breeding on his farm, Tutu Totara. Matt says this has had a massive influence on fertility, growth rate and meat yield and overall, a positive impact on the New Zealand sheep industry. From that beginning today the Kelso breeding programme is managed by Hamish and Kelly Bibby, which is based on the Bibby family farm, Lunesdale in Ongaonga Central Hawkes Bay. Matt’s official job title at the company is ‘people’ reflecting the big focus Kelso Genetics places on this part of the business. This has seen Matt run Mates of Mates for Mates events, with the support of Kelso, partnering with TV journalist Matt Chisholm, to shine a light on mental health and the Rural Support Trust. “I’ve had my own mental health battles so I know personally just what farmers are going through and it’s great to be in a position to be able to help. It’s about working closely alongside our farmers to help their wellbeing and also, through our social media, providing them with material that puts a smile on their face. I like to brighten up people’s day.” He says this segues nicely with Kelso Genetics’ focus on creating a sheep for the future, a healthy and efficient animal. “Health has to come first as then they will do better and every business is looking for efficiency and animals are no different,” says Matt. Animal health is under a huge amount of pressure from the likes of worms and facial eczema to name but two. So worm resistance and FE tolerance are a focus along with body condition score to have a healthy efficient ewe.” Breeding for high growth leads to the sheep spending fewer days on farm is a big contributor to Kelso Genetics’ overall goals. RURAL PEOPLE » Kelso Genetics Ltd “We see growth rate as a health trait as lambs are basically worm factories so the less time they are on farm the less time they have to contaminate the farm with worms and it also leads to less drenching. Fewer days on farm also contribute to reduce methane emissions as the longer an animal is on the farm the longer it’s emitting. It’s a circle so that’s why growth is such a key trait and part and parcel of the whole picture.” Kelso Genetics is involved in the Beef+Lamb Cool Sheep® Programme with animals put through the AgResearch specially designed portable accumulation chambers (AgPAC), which measures the methane emissions of sheep. This allows for selection of low methane animals with PAC data will be combined with sheep genotyping to provide a methane breeding value. Rams are on nProve, with rams sold having a clear measure of their predicted impact to lower methane 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. Testing for Invermay Agricultural Centre,176 Puddle Alley, Mosgiel 9092 0800 DNA LAB (362 522) | genomnz@agresearch.co.nz | www.genomnz.co.nz Sheep Genomic The premier product developed for the New Zealand sheep industry. on all progeny prior to weaning. counting in GHG calculations, providing a further selection tool. Both support the wider use of genomic information in the national breeding flock, providing additional benefits for national genetic gain. He says that importantly what Kelso Genetics has seen since being involved in the programmes is that methane is not a production-limiting trait. “So we can make gains in production traits while lowering methane emissions. At Kelso Genetics we see methane reduction as part of the bigger picture. We have to listen to what our consumers in the market are asking for. They want to know what we are doing is best practice and programmes like New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) Plus are highly valued. If we can produce sheep with a low methane output it’s a win-win as part of our environmental footprint also includes the food we eat.”

10 | Kotare station moves to liquid fertiliser The transition to liquid fertiliser involved investing in a liquid fertiliser spreader with a cyclone mixer from Chaos Springs. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Kotare Station In challenging times of economic uncertainty and rising costs, farmers across New Zealand are seeking innovative ways to maintain profitability while promoting sustainability. Henry and Sofie Gaddum of Kotare Station, located an hour inland from Gisborne at Matawai, have found part of the solution by switching from solid to liquid fertiliser guided by the expertise of soil scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendram who has over 35 years of experience and a Ph.D. from Waikato University. “We were putting on urea in the spring and autumn to give us a lift at the edge of the season,” says Henry. “Gordon told us he was getting the same result using 30-40% of what we were putting on in granular fertiliser in liquid form.” This shift has led to significant cost savings for Kotare Station. “We are saving around half of the cost of what we were doing before and getting a similar result,” says Henry. “All the product is getting utilised to the maximum and there’s less risk of run-off, so it has environmental benefits as well.” For Kotare Station, the transition to liquid fertiliser involved investing in a liquid fertiliser spreader with a cyclone mixer from Chaos Springs. Henry says the equipment allows for more precise application, ensuring that the nutrients are delivered exactly where they’re needed most. The Gaddums, who are parents to Guy, 4 and Frankie, 3, are third-generation farmers on the 767ha mixed sheep, beef, and deer farm. The farm runs 1750 Romney ewes, 100 Angus cows plus 25 calving as R2s, 320 yearling bulls and 200 Red velvet stags. The Gaddums have also started buying in 50-100 Friesian bull calves at four days old and rearing them to lower the average buy in price. The move to liquid fertiliser is just one of several innovative approaches the Gaddums have taken. Kotare Station is also part of a pilot program with Toha, a unique global marketplace focused on climate and environmental impact. “We were concerned about the blanket planting of pine trees across the region,” Henry says. “We got introduced to Toha and wanted to show alternative or better solutions to what the ETS is currently pushing.” The pilot program aims to measure and prove the benefits of New Zealand’s native bush. Steve Sawyer from Ecoworks NZ has completed baseline measurements on around 150 hectares of the property, focusing on fenced-off bush, gullies, and freestanding natives. “We’re worried about what environment our kids will grow up in,” says Sofie. “Current settings are steering our regions towards a blanket of monoculture exotics, wiping out some of the best parts of rural New Zealand. The Gaddums believe that biodiversity is key and that New Zealand’s native bush could be a FERGUS RURAL LIMITED M: 027 421 1653 E: luke@fergusrural.co.nz www.fergusrural.co.nz Luke Bates Proudly supporting Kotare Station significant carbon sink. They’re not just talking about it; they’re actively working towards this goal on their own land. With part funding from the Natural Heritage Fund at the Gisborne District Council, they’ve recently cleared weeds out of a wetland, fenced it off and planted 1000 natives, to add to the 12,000 natives planted over the last 5 years. “We want people to know that the ETS in its current form is not the only way forward, and there is great work being done to provide alternative solutions,” says Henry. “We need to press pause on mass plantings of productive farms into exotics and focus on bringing value to what New Zealand already has and the work being done on the land around biodiversity.”

| 11 Restoring the farm’s infrastructure The recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle is still very much an ongoing process at Kotu Station. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Kotu Station Kotu Station stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation. Farm Manager Simon Stevens is leading the charge in not only recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle but also in future-proofing the 1420-hectare property against the increasingly unpredictable climate. “We’re getting more extreme seasons and are prone to drought, so we have to be prepared,” he says. “We’re keen to future-proof the property in terms of stock water reticulation. It will also help stock health by providing better water.” The farm has already constructed a large dam last spring and plans are underway for two more. Simon says the aim is to alleviate pressure on existing dams, which are constantly battling silt and sludge accumulation. The recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle is still very much an ongoing process at Kotu Station. Simon and his team have been working tirelessly to restore the farm’s infrastructure and productivity. “We’ve been working pretty bloody hard, and we’re well on our way to recovery,” he says. The cyclone’s impact was extensive, affecting everything from water sources to pastures. Simon says that most of the dams on the property have been cleaned out, with some larger ones requiring up to three days of work to remove accumulated mud. Farm tracks have been re-established, and 90% of fencing has been completed. However, the challenges persist. The farm has had to reduce its stock numbers due to land conditions. “We’ve dropped some ewes – from 4500 to 4000,” Simon explains. “Pasture growth is still low. With the pugging and slip damage from the cyclone we were behind the eight ball plus there has been a lot of rain since Cyclone Gabrielle then dry weather, which turned the soil to rock hard. So the ewes haven’t caught up. The cows haven’t been as badly affected meaning we couldn’t carry the numbers of sheep through so we sold down to a sustainable level. There is a recovery but it’s been slow.” Innovative approaches have been key to the farm’s recovery. Immediately after the cyclone, the decision was made to sow grass seed and fertilise affected areas. “Most of the slips are still covering, mainly in rye and clover. The grass seed has helped to keep a lot of the weeds down on the slips. On the flats and creek banks, there’s been every weed imaginable coming through the silt but we have already recultivated around 20 hectares of flats, with another 20 hectares planned for this year.” In a stroke of fortunate timing, Kotu Station’s 30-year-old forest plantation has matured and been logged along with an additional 13 hectares of younger pines. This has provided a much-needed financial injection, especially crucial given the recent plummet in lamb and meat prices – traditionally the station’s staple income. In addition to sheep, with genetics sourced from Meldrum Romneys, the farm also runs 160 Angus cows, plus replacements. The farm’s infrastructure continues to require attention. The entrance bridge, built in the late 1950s, has been repeatedly submerged due to changes in the creek bed. While raising it isn’t feasible due to cost and potential damage from debris flowing down the river in a storm, plans are in place to re-deck it to handle increased heavy traffic post-cyclone. Simon says the farm’s team, including a Growing Future Farms student, has been key to the farm’s rapid recovery. It’s also provided learning opportunities. “It’s put pressure on the student with the extra workload, but she’s seen a farm getting re-developed and has been a great help. It’s been character-building for her.” Proud to Support Kotu Station : info@lala.co.nz • Export Stock • Store Stock • Wholesale Stock • Valuations • Clearing Sales • Advice Proud to be supporting Kotu Station in all livestock transactions For a prompt and reliable service Contact Craig Nelson Mobile 021 457 127 • Office 06 377 7105 Email craig@crnelson.co.nz • www.crnelson.co.nz

12 | ‘Closed-loop system’ working well What makes this beef special is the Coopers’ commitment to quality and sustainability. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Laurieston Farming and Lakeman Brew Jimmy Coops Lakehouse burger bar, which opened its doors in 2021, is not just another eatery – it’s the culmination of a closed-loop food system that begins on a nearby farm and ends on diners’ plates. James and Elissa Cooper, the farmers behind the enterprise, have transformed their farming business into a diverse operation that also includes craft brewing. “Our customers at Jimmy Coops Lakehouse know exactly where the beef has come from and that it’s all top quality fresh local meat,” says James. Back in 2009, the Coopers faced significant challenges when Environment Waikato implemented nitrogen input caps to protect Lake Taupo’s water quality. With their farming business becoming marginal due to these restrictions, they knew they needed to diversify. Their first step was the creation of Lakeman Brewing, now an award-winning brewery supplying customers across New Zealand. The brewery, situated in the middle of their farm, became a crucial link in what would eventually become a closed-loop system. The next addition to the business portfolio was Jimmy Coops Lakehouse, a joint venture with local hospitality experts Vaughan and Leanne Nairn, that serves burgers, toasties, salads, snacks, and desserts, all featuring beef from the Coopers’ farm and beer from their brewery. What makes this beef special is the Coopers’ commitment to quality and sustainability. They raise Simmental cattle, known for their excellent meat characteristics. “Simmental meat is really suited to this as we have worked hard on delivering quality meat for the burgers,” James explains. “The mince is especially designed for the burgers in terms of mix ratio and cuts. The taste from the grains gives it a slightly sweeter, juicier taste.” The grain he refers to is spent malt from the brewery, fed to young cattle on the farm. “It’s a bit like having hot porridge on a cold winter’s morning,” says James. “It not only provides nutrition for the cattle but also reduces waste from the brewing process.” The influence of Kerrah Simmentals, the Coopers’ chosen supplier of bull genetics, plays a significant role in the quality of their beef. “John Knauf from Kerrah Simmentals comes to Jimmy Coops Lakehouse and tastes the beef occasionally,” says James underscoring the close relationship between breeder and end product. “It’s the maternal side of things we focus on with our genetics. If you have a good cow, that’s your base. Kerrah Simmentals have good cows that are productive even in tough times and turn grass into profit quicker. We’re producing a leaner meat and by feeding the grain, the flavours really come through resulting in a beautiful tender, juicy steak.” The success of Jimmy Coops Lakehouse has been remarkable, especially considering the current economic climate. “People keep coming back and it keeps growing,” says James. www.cprefrigeration.nz 022 684 9443 “People comment on the fact we have what they consider the best burgers, value for money, and consistency.” And the Coopers aren’t content to rest on their laurels. November will see the launch of a lamb burger using lamb from their farm. “There’s heaps more I’d like to do,” says James. “I’d love to grow our own vegetables for Jimmy Coops Lakehouse, for example, but it’s one step at a time.” Proudly Supporting Laurieston Farming & Lakeman Brewing At Malteurop, we do more than malt; we support brewers in making the best beers, distillers the best spirits and food companies the best products. We connect farmers, who dedicate their lives to Nature, with life lovers, who share authentic moments around natural drinks & food. 06 327 0077 www.malteurop.com Marton Office

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