30 | RURAL PEOPLE » Hugh Ritchie / Northland Farmers Diversity breeds resilience Farming & community John Blackwell. Maize crop. Karen Phelps Karen Phelps In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle and amid fluctuating market conditions, Hawkes Bay’s Drumpeel Farms stands as a testament to the power of diversification in agriculture. Spanning over 2000 hectares across two units, the mixed farming operation is led by Hugh and Sharon Ritchie. “A diverse farming profile is the key to success, whether it’s surviving lower commodity prices or challenges such as weather events,” says Hugh, the 2023 Arable Farmer of the Year. While the farm works towards recovery after Cyclone Gabrielle it’s also grappling with cereal grain pricing. “Creating a profit out of cropping is tricky at the moment. International pricing competition and reduced demand from the dairy industry for supplementary feed due to lower payouts has helped create the pressure. It’s great we are a mixed farming operation as the livestock has gone well, which offsets the lower grain prices.” The farm’s long-term emphasis on strip tillage and direct drilling played a crucial role in mitigating flood damage. While some soil loss occurred, these techniques helped stabilise the soil, preventing more extensive erosion. However, the floods left behind unique challenges, including silt deposits and craters filled with sandy material lacking structure and organic matter. Rather than removing the silt, the Ritchies chose to incorporate it into the existing soil, focusing on rebuilding organic matter. This approach has yielded positive results for larger crops, though fine In Northland’s Kaipara district John Blackwell manages a thriving 550-hectare sheep and beef farm while juggling multiple off-farm roles that contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural community. This balance of responsibilities showcases the modern farmer’s diverse skill set and commitment to both land and community. John Blackwell’s farm, soon to expand by an additional 50 hectares, is a testament to successful family farming. “We run Wagyu, bull beef, and Coopworth sheep, totalling 5,000 stock units,” John explains. “The operation comprises 800 ewes, 260 ewe hoggets, and over 900 cattle, with an annual lamb crop of about 1,500. There is also a forestry component with an 8 hectare forestry block due to be harvested in November and replanted in June 2025.” But the farm’s success isn’t a solo effort. With three generations now on the farm, including grandchildren Nathan, 11, and Blair, 6, the future of the family farm seems bright. John’s wife, Lurline, is an integral part of the operation, helping out regularly. Their son Peter manages a 200-hectare block of the farm while also running Blackwell Contractor Fencing, a diverse business that undertakes residential, farm, and forestry fencing in the region. Another son, Kevin, lends a hand when needed. Peter’s wife, Sophie, also contributes to the family business while managing a dental centre in Dargaville. The farm also benefits from full-time staff member Shontel Cook, who came via a training scheme. “It’s worked really well. The students learn, and Shontel is fantastic,” John says. The scheme, spearheaded by the A&P Society and backed by Federated Farmers, aims to breathe new life into Northland’s sheep and beef industry. “It’s about getting new people into the industry, especially as we felt that we weren’t getting graduates with the right skills from agricultural HAWKES BAY’S LARGEST RANGE OF TRACTOR TYRES! ON FARM SERVICE 9 DONNELLY ST. HAVELOCK NORTH www.havelocknorthtyres.co.nz | sales@havelocknorthtyres.co.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT HUGH RITCHIE Teamplayers make for better results Our Teamproudly supports John Blackwell Dargaville | p. 09 439 8385 www.myaccountants.co.nz Joanna Ewenson CA | Joanne Biddles CA | David Cutts CA training courses,” John explains. “When they leave here, a farmer can employ them with the assurance they are work-ready.” Beyond the farm gate, John wears multiple hats in service to his community and industry. He serves as a councillor for the Northland Regional Council, sits on the committee of Northland Federated Farmers, and acts as treasurer for the Northland Field Days. Balancing these roles with farm management requires careful time management reflecting his deep commitment to both his farm and his community. John’s off-farm roles give him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Northland’s agricultural sector. Recently, he’s seen positive changes in freshwater regulations. “The government has indicated they want to change the rules, and I am hopeful of a more practical solution going forward. It’s been very unsettling for farmers,” says John. The Blackwell farm, like many in the region, faced challenges from Cyclone Gabrielle. “It took out a lot of poplar trees on the farm due to the wind and made a mess,” John recalls. “We’re still recovering from that and tidying up. Despite losing a shed, which has since been rebuilt, and damage to a pine plantation, we continue to move forward.” The family’s focus at present is on incorporating the newly purchased 50-hectare block into the farming operation. This expansion will be used to finish Wagyu heifers and steers, further diversifying the already robust operation. seedbeds like carrots have faced quality issues due to the silt’s clod-like nature. They are continuing with more cultivation to continue to incorporate the silts and level things out as the ground settles. As it’s been a dryer season this year they are seeing water stress, showing up earlier than in other local areas that don’t have land recovering from the flood. “Because of less organic matter and the soil type being more sandy there is less ability to hold water so crops run into water stress,” explains Hugh. “Where we have variable rate irrigation (VRI) we will apply more water. Where we haven’t got this type of irrigation we’ll have to get through those blocks quicker, with a faster water return time, being careful not to overwater as well. We could put VRI on these areas but it wasn’t required pre cyclone so we don’t want to over capitalise that equipment.” Hugh estimates it will take 5-10 years to restore the soil to its pre-flood resilience. Drumpeel Farms is involved in soil trials monitoring different damaged areas, with the aim of gaining knowledge for the future. Long term Hugh sees potential for innovation in the grain industry. With half of New Zealand’s grain currently imported, Hugh sees an opportunity to create demand for local grain through a ‘New Zealand story’, which could help stabilise prices. “Long term there will have to be thinking about how to establish a better resilient cropping enterprise in New Zealand. It could be creating demand for specifically New Zealand grown grain. Half the grain in New Zealand is imported so there is probably an opportunity in the grain industry to create demand for local grain via a New Zealand story. This would help put stability into the price.”
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