| 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
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