Business Rural North Summer 2025

North Auckland-based environmental consultancy team are all about finding science-driven solutions for farmers - Page 61 Working towards a greener future SUMMER 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents Balle Bros Group �� 03 Big Hill Station �� 04 90 Mile View Station Simmentals �� 06 Gralyn Farms �� 08 Higgins Poultry Farm �� 10 Jesse and Sharon Bagley �� 13 Hinau Station �� 14 Manawa Dorset Downs �� 18 N & J Farming Ltd �� 19 KayJay Angus �� 20 Limestone Downs Station �� 22 Mahaanui Farm Farmstay �� 23 Paengaroa Horticulture �� 24 Rock-End Polled Herefords �� 26 Tawanui Herefords �� 27 Te Aratipi Station �� 28 Tokerau Forestry �� 30 Waimakariri Lands Ltd �� 32 Westview Farming Partnership �� 33 Woodleigh Farm Trust �� 34 Hinenui Genetics �� 36 Drumpeel Farms �� 37 Nikau Coopworths �� 38 One Stop Ram Shop �� 38 Puketotara Stud �� 39 Ramaroa Farm Partnership �� 40 Stuart Farms �� 41 Awapapa Station �� 42 East Coast Farm Vets �� 43 Egmont Seeds �� 44 Kaiser Ag Ltd �� 46 Kemin Industries NZ Ltd �� 48 Kliptank NZ �� 49 Northern Rural Haulage Ltd �� 50 Northland Rural Mechanical Services �� 51 OC Aerial �� 52 Sentinel Homes - Taranaki �� 54 Otiwhiti School of Agriculture �� 55 McQuinn Spreading and Cartage �� 56 Woodwards 2008 Ltd �� 56 CPC Fencing �� 57 Fence Force �� 58 Tulloch Contracting Ltd �� 59 PG Smith Topdressing Ltd �� 60 Terra Pura Consulting �� 61 Specialised Structures - Waikato �� 64 20 | Genetics in high demand in NZ & Australia 32 | Turning negative into positive 55 | Outstanding outcomes for graduates 04 | Elite Romney rams driving improvement North #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. 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| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Balle Bros Group ‘A humbling accolade to receive’ Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells (far right) at the awards. Kim Bowden When Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells heard his name announced at the 2025 Potato Industry Awards in Christchurch, he admits it felt a bit surreal. The 30 year old, who is more often out in a paddock than in the public eye, took home the Shining Star Award, recognising his leadership potential and contribution to advancing New Zealand’s potato industry. “It was quite a humbling accolade to receive, especially from my peers,” he says. “It was a really, really nice feeling to know what I’m learning in the industry is being recognised, and it just further drives me to keep learning more.” Jamie’s career has been firmly rooted with Balle Bros, one of the country’s largest vegetable producers. He joined the Auckland-based company straight out of Pukekohe High School in 2012, after meeting one of the company’s directors, who encouraged him to give it a go. What began as a summer job evolved into a career. He worked full-time while studying by correspondence through Massey University, completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Horticulture) in 2019. “I felt like I was able to learn what I was getting taught in the classroom and put it into practical use out in the field,” he says. “Seeing what actually works from the books into real-world situations.” Now a senior agronomist, Jamie advises farm managers across the Franklin and Waikato regions on crop management. Balle Bros’ operations span roughly 3,200 hectares nationwide, growing potatoes, carrots, onions, brassicas, spring onions, and cereal crops. “We go from the top of the North Island for our washed salad potatoes to start the season, and then we work further down the country towards Canterbury for seed production,” Jamie says. “It gives that all-year-round crop supply into the supermarkets.” Jamie also plays a key role in mentoring younger people into horticulture. A founding member and first chair of Potatoes New Zealand’s Youth Council, he’s been part of efforts to connect high-school students with the industry. Other farming careers – dairy, in particular – seem to steal all the limelight. “We want to change that narrative,” he says. “There’s a plethora of opportunities available in our sector, and we definitely need more people to come on board.” He acknowledges that the industry faces headwinds, particularly around increasing regulatory demands. Then, there is the complication of different expectations put on growers by different buyers. “Everyone seems to want to have their own guideline of how they would like product produced,” he says. “I think there needs to be a bit more symmetry. “It seems like it’s doubling the paperwork when it’s not necessary.” Despite the challenges, he finds the work endlessly rewarding. “Every year is never the same. You’ve always got to keep learning, and that fuels the mind a bit,” he says. “What I really enjoy about it is making a crop that’s going to go to market that provides goodness and nutritional benefits to people around the world.” And he still likes a good feed of potatoes himself – something his mates don’t let up about. “Some of my mates from high school call me spud boy, but I still do enjoy a potato,” he says with a bit of a laugh. “I guess I have in the back of my mind keeping the industry going every potato I have for dinner or lunch - just doing my little bit.” 09 237 0430 sales@sfnz.nz www.sfnz.nz From industry-leading products and protection systems, to hands-on, expert advice, you can count on Seed & Field to deliver great results from paddock selection and sowing to harvest. Despite the challenges, Jamie finds the work endlessly rewarding.

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Big Hill Station Elite Romney rams driving improvement Kim Newth Seeking out genetic improvement is always a long game. In Hawke’s Bay, sheep and beef farmer Sam Glazebrook has been patiently waiting to see what comes from spring lambing this season, having purchased 10 rams last year from St Leger Superior Genetics’ Romney stud. At the time of writing lambing was about to start at Big Hill Station, which has been in Sam’s family now for three generations. “This has been our first year mating with these really good rams, so we’re feeling excited to see the progeny on the ground,” says Sam, who is focussed on traits like survival and lamb growth. Sam says another big drawcard of Gisborne’s St Leger stud is that it has one of the largest FE Gold flocks in New Zealand and their elite rams are prized for being highly FE tolerant. He suspects FE may have contributed to low scanning percentages in their two-tooths at Big Hill Station. Moving forward, he’s targeting ongoing genetic gain on FE tolerance. “Andrew Savage [who purchased the St Leger stud in 2015] does a really good job. He doesn’t just breed for facial eczema tolerance but also parasite resistance and those core production traits. Their ewes and rams have such great conformation and structure.” St Leger runs a traditional Gisborne hill country operation, with a sheep to cattle ratio of 60/40. Sam says it’s a good recipe for a property like Big Hill Station. “Our ratio is pretty similar. We’ve got 3500 ewes lambing this year with around 1200 replacement hoggets. We have 335 Angus cows calving including first calving 3 year heifers; 100 R1 and R2 heifer replacements; 200 friesian bulls of each age group as well as some trade steers/heifers and trade hoggets. All up we try and winter around 12,500 stock units.” Sam and his partner Sophie, a lawyer, got married last November. Sophie grew up a city girl in Wellington but is now relishing the opportunity to get stuck in on the farm. “It’s a whole new adventure for her and she’s really keen to learn and get started,” says Sam. Through this summer and autumn, Sam, Sophie and their team will be aiming to try and finish all their lambs. As Sam observes though, that’s entirely dependent on the feed situation and prices. Meanwhile, there have been some big changes in the shepherding team since last year. Their new head shepherd Harrison Wilkshire started at Big Hill Station in April 2025, bringing with him a lot of local farm experience. Junior shepherd Harry Pike started with them this spring. Originally from the UK, Harry worked on another farm for six months before joining Big Hill Station. “We’re lucky that Harrison is so keen and capable and he’s happy to help Harry where needed, whether it’s dogs, horses or general skills. We all work really well together.” Sam and Sophie also plan to recruit a student under the Growing Future Farmers programme this summer. This is a two-year programme dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled farmers through real-world, on-farm training. “It’s really awesome to see all these young people who are keen to get into farming in New Zealand. We want to be a part of that and help kickstart someone into the industry and teach them as much as possible while they’re here.” Ramguard tested at .66 2025 PROUD TO SUPPLY RAMS TO BIG HILL STATION Sam says another big drawcard of Gisborne’s St Leger stud is that it has one of the largest FE Gold flocks in New Zealand.

| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Big Hill Station St Leger runs a traditional Gisborne hill country operation, with a sheep to cattle ratio of 60/40. www.bm.co.nz HAVELOCK NORTH 06 876 7159 WAIPUKURAU 06 857 8901 Proud to be supporting Big Hill Station Alan Maxwell, Kelly Millar, Kate Laugesen, Melissa Horsefield and Tony Mossman Supporting Hawke’s Bay businesses with smart, practical accounting and advice, we are committed to helping rural and commercial enterprises thrive and succeed. Local experts Business-savvy solutions Personalised service 027 276 0963 021 124 4 926 manawatu.shearing@gmail.com . . Call us today! Manawatu Shearing Top Service Competitive Rates Covering Manawatu, Rangitikei &Wairarapa areas Sam and Sophie also plan to recruit a student under the Growing Future Farmers programme this summer.

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » 90 Mile View Station Simmentals Next gen stepping up to help on the farm Weaner calves. Karen Phelps Far North commercial beef farmers Reubin and Lisa Wright of 90 Mile View Farms are proud that the next generation is starting to take a more active role in the family business. With their children Will, 16, and Josie, 15, stepping up to help on the farm, the business is entering a new phase. “They are both definitely showing signs of trying to take the reins off us one day,” says Reubin with a laugh. The couple own a 90ha farm where they live and lease an additional neighbouring of 35ha. Around five kilometres away there is another farm totalling 260ha - 190ha effective and another 70ha in native bush. Across both properties they run 440 breeding cows of Friesian-Hereford, Friesian-Angus and Simmental cross genetics, all of which are calved to Simmental bulls. Reubin says that, in his view, other breeds simply cannot compete with the Simmental’s growth and structure. “We’ve been using Simmental genetics for around 15 years and purchase around five bulls annually. It’s a breed that’s always interested me as it’s a leading terminal sire breed. It is a breed that has many positive traits, from fast growth and stature to quiet temperament and exceptional muscling. On the maternal side, Simmental cross females excel in milk and mothering traits, further boosting the weaning weight of their progeny.” Calving ease is a trait of the Simmental breed but Reubin doesn’t specifically select low birthweight bulls. “Calving issues in Simmental are non-existent in my opinion,” he says. “I can’t get a big weaner from a small calf.” The proof is in the pudding and Reubin says that from doing nothing different than before, apart from using Simmental genetics, the results are palpable. “I try and buy bulls that are in the top 10 to 15 per cent of Simmental genetics in Australasia. By doing that my weaners are gaining 40 kilograms more body weight, which relates to 10 to 15 per cent heavier weaners.” He favours genetics from two studs in particular - Beefit Simmental Stud in Kaikohe, and Kerrah Simmentals in Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay. “Both studs have big cow numbers, so everything they put up for offer are the best of the best. I find these genetics both deliver growth, survivability and temperament,” says Reubin. The herd calves from 25 July for 42 days, with the operation targeting top 200 day growth. With Simmentals reaching their optimal carcass weight before their second winter, they are well received at the sale yards. “I sell 200 heifers annually at the Tuakau Weaner Sale, and I’m part of a syndicate that puts up a total of 550 Simmental bulls at the Peria Annual Weaner Sale each year,” says Reubin. “The heifers go to Tuakau on the first Monday of March annually, while the bulls are sold by private treaty or go to Peria Weaner Fair on the second Thursday in March. We sell around 210 to 215 bulls and the same of weaners.” Lisa handles the bookwork for the operation, keeping the business running smoothly and Reubin also has an off-farm job working as a stock agent for Carrfields for 30 years. “It can be difficult to balance with farmwork but the kids are stepping up, which really helps,” he says. “Farming wouldn’t be achievable without the off-farm income at times. So my stock agency and farmwork grew together. This year, with beef prices being at an all-time high, we’re having a really good season.” R2 Bull Auction - Tuesday 19th May 2026 www.kerrahsimmentals.co.nz 1350, Hereheretau Rd, RD6 Wairoa 4196 Ross Mitchel l Fergus Rural 027-404-8965 Nate Lamb PGG Wr ightson 027-275-9836 Jon Knauf - Vendor 021-027-97922 jsknauf@gisborne.net .nz Quality yearling bulls available upon request Docility Growth Performance recorded Where performance meats phenotype MANGONUI HAULAGE Livestock - Logs - Ready Mix - General · Livestock · Bulk Cartage · Water · Readymix Concrete · General Cartage Kaitaia / Mangonui / Waipapa 09 406 0087 | mangonuihaulage.co.nz “I try and buy bulls that are in the top 10 to 15 per cent of Simmental genetics in Australasia.

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » 90 Mile View Station Simmentals “I sell 200 heifers annually at the Tuakau Weaner Sale, and I’m part of a syndicate that puts up a total of 550 Simmental bulls at the Peria Annual Weaner Sale each year.” It is a breed that has many positive traits, from fast growth and stature to quiet temperament and exceptional muscling. 09 408 1950 33-35 Matthews Ave, Kaitaia e: sales@kaitaiamotorcycles.co.nz www.kaitaiamotorcycles.co.nz

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Gralyn Farms Knowing your numbers inside out ‘critical’ Sam Ebbett of Gralyn Farms has just spent his first year on the Federated Farmers executive team. Aimee Wilson Contract milker Sam Ebbett of Gralyn Farms has just spent his first year on the Federated Farmers executive team, and has learned a lot about the industry nationally. As the national sharefarmer chair, he said it has been good to mix with farm managers, herd owners and other contract milkers within the wider dairy industry. “It’s given me insight into what’s happening in other parts of the country, not just in Taranaki,” he said. He and his wife started contract milking 630 cows at Gralyn near Inglewood two years ago, which has enabled him to also spend time on the executive team, being an advocate for others in the dairy industry. Gralyn Farm is 300m above sea level and experienced extremely high rainfall - up to 3.5m annually, “which presents its own challenges,” he said. Education is high on the list for the Federated Farmers executive, and in November will be holding workshops around the country, in conjunction with Dairy NZ, targeting contract milkers and those looking at the next steps into sharefarming. “We’ll be talking to those that want to have a successful relationship - especially where sharefarming is new to them,” he said. Contract milking has been on an upward trajectory the past 10 years, but it was also important that the partnerships recognised boundaries and their importance, and for farm owners to know when to take a step back from the business, he said. Sam said knowing your numbers inside out was critical to succeeding in sharefarming and continuing to progress through the industry. He’s seen too many contract milkers, in particular, get into trouble because they haven’t done the financial groundwork beforehand. Sam believes for some farm owners, it may be financially viable to look at a variable order arrangements instead of contract milking, to provide more pathways for younger people. That way the farm owner retained ownership of the herd and the land, with the variable order sharemilker providing labour, equipment and paying for certain operating costs like power and consumables in the milking shed. “The ones that go contract milking to herd ownership within five seasons are a success story,” he said. Everybody wants to be their own boss with freedom and flexibility, but you still had to do all the work. “For some people it’s their first experience, and to share that with your family is really cool.” Sam has just signed on another two years contract milking with the owners of Gralyn, and also has plans one day for herd ownership - as well as continuing in his role for Federated Farmers, eventually seeing himself progress with his leadership. The Federated Farmers executive team was a good balance of both governance and operational, and enabled him to give back to the industry. “It’s a unique industry that we are in, that people who farm in it, can help shape it.”

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Gralyn Farms 1914 Mountain Rd, Inglewood, Taranaki | 0274 479 232 | bjbishoptransport@xtra.co.nz maketawa.co.nz Saturday - Sunday: 10am to 5pm or by appointment. Maketawa Museum Take a step back into the world of John Deere at the Maketawa John Deere Museum. B J Bishop Transport are pleased to be associated with Grayln Agri LTD www.energyvets.co.nz enquiries@energyvets.co.nz ENERGY VETS TARANAKI LTD Inglewood Clinic (06) 756 7228 Waitara Clinic (06) 754 8791 www.westownhaulage.co.nz 06 753 6611 180 Cowling Rd | New Plymouth WESTOWN HAULAGE LTD Proud to support Gralyn Farms Sam has just signed on another two years contract milking with the owners of Gralyn.

10 | The new barn shed will deliver a 25 per cent increase in barn production. RURAL PEOPLE » Higgins Poultry Farm now we’re only grading three days a week, so it’s given us the ability to provide capacity for substantial growth,” explains Dave Higgins, CEO of Wholesome NZ and Higgins Poultry, representing the third generation of the family to run the operation. The upgrade forms part of broader expansion plans that will see the farm increase production by 50 per cent over the coming period. Currently producing 50,000 dozen barn and free-range eggs weekly, the business aims to increase production to 75,000 dozen. The new barn shed will deliver a 25 per cent increase in barn production. Dave says the farm’s focus on cage-free production aligns with growing consumer awareness of animal welfare issues, positioning the farm well for future market developments. “Happy hens produce the best eggs. We are totally committed to colony cage-free and cage-free farming and completely endorse the SPCA Investing in state-of-the-art facilities Karen Phelps Higgins Poultry Farm in Wanganui is experiencing steady growth, prompting the business to invest heavily in state-of-the-art facilities and plan expansion targets. It has recently completed construction of a new facility equipped with an automated egg grader and has a new barn under construction. “We were running seven days a week grading eggs, programme, which ensures the eggs are produced in the most humane conditions possible”. This standard requires the farm to be approved and audited by the SPCA, giving our eggs the highest level of credibility. There are strict regulations governing pasture, shelter and welfare. On top of all this, we carefully manufacture the hens’ feed on the farm itself, ensuring these Wanganui feathered creatures do indeed live in chicken paradise. Nationwide Commercial & Agricultural Design & Build Specialists Fast Build. Fixed Price. No Drama. With 35 years of experience, Steelpac delivers turnkey commercial, industrial and rural projects nationwide. We take projects from design through to completion — saving clients time, money, and eliminating third-party markups. 022 1748 771 craig@steelpacconstruction.co.nz steelpacconstruction.co.nz

| 11 It’s a true family-run enterprise. RURAL PEOPLE » Higgins Poultry Farm For all your poultry farm requirements: Buildings & Structures Nest systems & Aviaries Feeding & Drinking Equipment Lighting, Ventilation & Heating Egg packers & Egg handling Silos, Augers & Feed systems 2 5 8 2 S T A T E H I G HWAY 2 6 , MOR R I N S V I L L E P H ) 0 2 7 5 5 3 0 7 1 0 I N F O@S ONOMA . N Z WWW . S ONOMA E N T E R P R I S E S . CO . N Z Our quality brands include: P r o u d t o s u p p o r t H i g g i n s Po u l t r y F a r m Our barn hens live in a 3D environment where they are free to stretch and fly from level to level, just as nature intended, or scratch and dust bathe at floor level, protected from the elements and predators. Our free range hens are farmed in 5000 bird flocks, with each flock having access to 2.5 ha paddocks dotted with trees and spacious nesting, feeding and sleeping quarters which are protected from the elements.” Higgins Poultry Farm already supplies major retail chains under its company Wholesome NZ, including Progressive Enterprises, which operates Woolworths and Fresh Choice stores, as well as Foodstuffs outlets including Pak’nSave, New World and Four Square. The expansion will enable increased sales within these existing partnerships while potentially opening new distribution channels. The farm’s eggs reach consumers through multiple brands, including Wholesome Organic, Higgins Free Range, which features size seven and jumbo eggs, Natural Free Range, Hen’s Choice Barn, and the Wholesome Barn range, ensuring coverage across different market segments and price points. The 100-acre Westmere farm was established in 1951 by Dave’s grandfather, while his great-grandfather arrived from the UK over a century ago, farming chickens amongst his livestock. It’s a true family-run enterprise. Dave’s father, Ian, who previously managed the operation, now describes himself as ‘the hawk’, hovers over the business, ensuring everything runs smoothly while implementing a succession plan that has seen Dave become the majority shareholder. The family tradition continues with Dave’s children actively involved in farm activities, maintaining the multi-generational connection to poultry farming that began over a century ago.

12 | The family tradition continues with Dave’s children actively involved. (From left to right ) Ava, Jane, Corey and Dave. RURAL PEOPLE » Higgins Poultry Farm Trusted since 1915 For three generations, Higgins Poultry Farm (Wholesome NZ) has been putting care into every egg, with SPCA certi cation to back it up. Nutritech are proud to support their passion for happy hens and wholesome eggs. For more information on this subject call... Call 0800 REMEDY (736 339) www.nutritech.co.nz

| 13 Ongoing commitment to improving the farm In 2023, the farm completed a major upgrade with the installation of a flood-wash system for the 600-cow concrete feed pad. Nicki Woodlock Jesse and Sharon Bagley are share farmers at Tupehau, operating as 50/50 equity sharemilkers while also contracting milk to the partnership. They milk 1,150 Kiwi-Cross cows, with total stock numbers reaching 1,800 including young stock. Tupehau Dairy, is a Te Waka Pupuri Putea Trust-owned property near Kaitaia, New Zealand, and is managed by Te Rarawa. Its operations and ongoing development are guided with support from industry mentors and advisers, including DairyNZ. The farm team includes three full-time staff on the dairy platform, a full-time team member on the support block, along with Jesse and Sharon. As part of their ongoing commitment to improving the farm, the Bagley’s undertook a 2022 project to retire 20 hectares of unproductive land, replanting the area with natives including tea tree, cabbage trees, flax, manuka, and kanuka. In 2023, the farm completed a major upgrade with the installation of a flood-wash system for the 600-cow concrete feed pad. Using green water, around 50,000 litres of recycled effluent are used to clean the pad. A slope screen separator was also added, separating solids from liquids, alongside the construction of a 600 m3 bunker (20 x 10 x 3 metres) to store effluent solids. Manure collected in the bunker is applied to maize crops, reducing fertiliser costs and improving nutrient recycling on the farm. At the same time, new stock yards were also built. In 2024, the farm’s feed storage bunkers were extended for the second time, following an earlier expansion in 2022. The latest upgrade increased capacity from 1,100 m² of concrete to around 2,000 m², and a new calf shed was also built alongside the project. These improvements now allow the farm to store more feed in one central location and feed leachates are contained to the effluent system. The Bagley’s are now exploring new technology options for the farm, considering systems such as CowManager, Allflex SenseHub dairy monitoring collars, Halter collars, and GEA CowScout collars, as well as auto-drafting gates from a range of manufacturers. The farm owners are looking to install an autodrafting gate to boost efficiency when managing stock. RURAL PEOPLE » Jesse and Sharon Bagley With this technology, a cow’s number can be entered into the system, and as she passes through, the gate automatically drafts her into a separate pen. They are considering auto-drafting gates that operate using electronic identification (EID) tags, and others that work in conjunction with collars. Currently, the brand that ticks all of the boxes for the Bagley’s for both monitoring smart collars and auto-drafting gates is Allflex. They favour Allflex for its cost-effectiveness, user-friendly app, and seamless integration with Minda - where all of the farm animal records are stored. Using Allflex also eliminates the need to enter data twice, saving time and reducing administrative work. Jesse says: “We don’t want to pay for data that we’re not going to use. It has useful data that we’ll use. We also don’t want to create more work for ourselves”. The Bagley’s are in no rush, wanting to ensure any new purchase is the right decision. All farm technology requires alignment and agreement from the Iwi, with the board making the final decision for the gate and the 50/50 equity partnership decision for the wearables. For accounting services call us on 0800 438 393 or visit www.sumpters.co.nz Tax Compliance Corporate Governance Maori Organisation and Iwi Services Specialised Advisory Services FarmAccounting and Agribusiness Commercial Property Management Proud to support Jesse & Sharon Bagley P.G. Smith Ltd. TOPDRESSING  Topdressing  Orchard Spreading  Fertiliser & Lime Helensville 09 420 7079 Wellsford 09 423 8372 Whangarei 09 437 1116 Kaikohe / Kerikeri 09 405 2229 Kaitaia 09 408 6666 Email: of ce@pgsmithltd.co.nz Proud to support Jesse and Sharon Bagley Sharon and Jesse Bagley are share farmers at Tupehau, operating as 50/50 equity sharemilkers while also contracting milk to the partnership.

14 | Highly productive sheep and beef property Stock Manager Joel Williamson with partner Haana Kilmister. Located near Rangiwahia in the Manawatu– Whanganui region, Hinau Station is a highly productive sheep and beef property. It’s operated by Hinau Station Ltd - a Henderson family-owned Trust– which also includes two other properties; Crosby in Ohingaiti and Awapiri in Cheltenham. Livestock are balanced across the three farms with progeny finished on-site. Hinau is 1,400ha (1280ha effective) and considered the engine room for the business. RURAL PEOPLE » Hinau Station “With our prime steers the Whiteface are first out the gate.” - Patrick Henderson HINAU STATION 2ND JUNE 2026 SUPPLYING HINAU STATION QUALITY SIRES FOR OVER 30 YEARS Stuart Robbie 027 8484408 James Robbie 027 5263727 FULLY GUARANTEED FREE DELIVERY Proud to Support the Hinau Team Patrick Henderson – son of owners John and Sally Henderson is the managing director of the business. Hinau Station itself employees a stock manager Joel Williamson and a full time shepherd. The farm winters 6300 Romney ewes and a mix of 350 Angus Hereford cattle. The major focus over the last couple of years has been improving the genetic performance of the flock, which Patrick admits is still very much a work in progress. Another focus has been quality bull selection across both Hereford and Angus breeds to chase that hybrid vigour and see improvements on the hook and achieving those growth rates at a faster pace. The farm grow a number of crops including kale, mixed clover and plantain as well as hay to supplement stock feed. Hinau Station was purchased by the Henderson family in 1999. It was traditionally a sheep, beef and deer operation, with the deer being phased out to focus on sheep and beef production. There’s been a large focus on strong farm infrastructure including a central 4 km laneway linking most paddocks, six smaller yards with direct paddock access, a network of farm sheds and covered yards, natural dams supplying stock water, and an efficient track system. In 2023 a new woolshed was constructed to replace the original one and ensure sufficient wool storage for the wool that’s currently sold through Wools of New Zealand. • to page 16

| 15 Sophie and Patrick Henderson with Walt (2), Rupert (4). RURAL PEOPLE » Hinau Station Professional Personable Lawyers We are an experienced legal firm working with national and international clients from our bases in rural New Zealand. • Succession and Estate Planning • Buying and Selling Farms • Rural Leasing and Grazing agreements • Ownership Structures • Refinancing • Farm Debt Mediation • Sharemilking Agreements • Share farming Agreements • Forestry Rights • OIO Applications • Subdivisions • Solar farm leasing We support our rural community with: Marton | Hunterville | Feilding | Wellington 06 327 7159 www.ehw.co.nz Proudly Supporting Hinau Station

16 | Patrick Henderson on farm with Hinau Stock Manager Joel Williamson. RURAL PEOPLE » Hinau Station Contact: Andy & Emma Martin Ph: 02102707255 www.glenbraestud.co.nz Annual Bull Sale 28th May 2026 ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited 08/25 23603 anz.co.nz We’re commi ed to supporting excellence in farming. To find out how ANZ can help you achieve your goals, contact Edwina Simcox (Regional Manager) 021 644 865 or Sam Couper (Senior Relationship Manager) 027 445 8541 ANZ is proud to support Hinau Station Hinau Station Ltd is an active member of the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme with both Crosby and Awapiri achieving FAP+ Gold accreditation. Hinau is set to follow in the coming months. All properties are Global Animal Partnership (GAP) • from page 14 accredited through their supplier Silver Fern Farms and the farms remain active in their relevant catchment groups; the Manawatu River Catchment Collective (MRCC) and Rangitikei River Catchment Collective (RRCC). Patrick’s wife Sophie oversees the office administration and compliance requirements for the various programmes as well as the annual planting commitments to support environmental and biodiversity aspirations as outlined in their Integrated Farm Plans. Patrick grew up on the family’s Crosby Farm before completing a Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln University. He then spent several years shepherding, later returning to Crosby to work as a shepherd, before stepping into his current role. Alongside Joel and the Hinau shepherd, Patrick is also supported by Crosby stock manager Micheal Florence and senior shepherd Phil Matthews at Awapiri. He notes that the business has set aspirational goals for the future and is confident in the team’s expertise to drive the productivity and performance he envisions.

| 17 Patrick Henderson with Hinau Stock Manager Joel Williamson. “There’s been a large focus on strong farm infrastructure including a central 4 km laneway linking most paddocks, six smaller yards with direct paddock access, a network of farm sheds and covered yards, natural dams supplying stock water, and an efficient track system.” RURAL PEOPLE » Hinau Station Shearing contractors providing clean and reliable shearing and crutching services to the wider Rangitikei region. 027 811 7982 hardingshearing@gmail.com facebook.com/hardingshearing The team at Rangitikei Mobile Crutching are proud to support Hinau Station Shane Smith 021 264 0519 Contact Us: Mitchell Smith 027 622 4310

18 | “The Dorset Down’s vitality, stature, and ability to grow have always impressed me.” RURAL PEOPLE » Manawa Dorset Downs High-performing Dorset Down genetics Ewe and twins. Alexia Johnston Manawa Farm, in Kairanga, is proving its worth as a leading producer of high- performing Dorset Down genetics. The fast-growing, efficient sheep breed has been delivering consistent results for commercial farmers across the North Island, including the Wall family at Manawa Farm. Nestled between Palmerston North and Feilding, in the Manawatu, Manawa Farm is a 127 hectare intensively run sheep breeding, beef finishing, and dairy grazing operation, managed by Andrew Wall and his partner Jo Kerslake. Alongside the Dorset Downs stud, they buy in 120 weaner Friesian bulls and Friesian-cross steers each spring and graze 60 dairy heifers on contract. Andrew says diversity helps the business thrive, including cashflow while reducing risk by not having all their eggs in one basket. The Wall family has been on Manawa Farm for more than 100 years, with Andrew representing the fourth generation. After 15 years working as an agricultural scientist through Massey University and AgResearch, he returned to the family property in 2017. Andrew says the area is a fantastic location for farming, with diverse land classes, a kind year-round climate, and a vibrant rural community. Manawa Farm’s Dorset Downs stud is the oldest registered flock of its kind in the North Island, established by Andrew’s late father, Chris Wall, in the early 1970s. “You could say they’re in my DNA as I’ve grown up with them,” Andrew says. After trialling several breeds, Chris was impressed with the Dorset Down’s ability to produce fast-growing, high-quality prime lambs. “The Dorset Down’s vitality, stature, and ability to grow have always impressed me,” Andrew says. Today, the stud runs 165 breeding ewes, mated to rams from New Zealand’s Sheep Improvement Limited (SIL) database. Each year, about 60 ram lambs are retained and sold as two-tooth terminal rams to commercial sheep farmers across the western and upper North Island. “Growth rate is important for our clients,” he says. “We select lambs that have both a high weaning liveweight and post-weaning growth rate to get them to a killable size as soon as possible.” He says feedback from farmers is consistently positive with many impressed by the early lamb picks, the size and shape of the lambs, and the quality of the meat. The stud also prioritises practical traits such as low dag scores, mothering ability, and structural soundness, factors that support animal welfare and on-farm efficiency. Andrew and Jo are now aligning their breeding goals with changing environmental conditions. “With the climate predicted to get warmer and wetter in the North Island, we’re starting to select for internal worm resistance and are involved in the Beef+Lamb NZ facial eczema study,” he says. They’ve also introduced new maternal genetics from The Gums Partnership (Stevenson Genetics) dispersal sale to add further depth to their breeding programme. Each year about 50 carefully selected two-tooth rams are available for sale, offering proven, fast growing genetics backed by over 50 years of refinement. As Andrew reflects on the season ahead, he says there’s no better time on the farm than late spring, when it is often “cranking along”, with plenty of grass, and stock weight gains, and this year is no exception. Manawa FarmDorset Downs “We aim to provide rams that produce easily identifiable lambs that reach a prime weight quickly and efficiently with less workload for you.” • 50+ years of improvement • Fast growing genetics • Less dags • A strong constitution and structural integrity Two-tooth rams available from November For more information call Andrew Wall M 021 055 9270 A Kairanga, Palmerston North Take advantage of terminal rams with: We provide a broad range of accounting solutions including Financial Accounting & Taxation Services, Business Development & Support, Software Solutions, Farm Accounting and Payroll & GST Management PO Box 273, 184 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North 4410 Phone: (06) 356-5303 Email: team@watsonadvisory.co.nz

| 19 Plans to move into full share-milking Joban, Navdeep and their two children Ekam Singh and Arzoi Kaur. Alexia Anderson RURAL PEOPLE » N & J Farming Ltd Navdeep Singh’s agricultural journey covers arable fields in India to large-scale dairy operations in New Zealand, where he has established N & J Farming Ltd. “Born into a family involved in arable farming, I developed an interest in tractor operations and crop management,” Navdeep says of his career path. After finishing high school, he moved to New Zealand in 2013 intending to pursue a career as a veterinarian, but instead started working as a farm assistant in Reporoa. He progressed his way up through the industry, and today leads N & J Farming Ltd, running two lower-order sharemilking operations supported by runoffs, with plans to move to full sharemilking within the next two years. Life on the farm is both rewarding and meaningful, he says. “Living in quiet nature and providing real food for the community is a rewarding lifestyle for us as a farmer. Sharemilking is a practical step toward farm ownership, which I have always aspired to.” Navdeep’s current operation is spread across two dairy farms, complemented by two support blocks. One of the farms milks 620 cows on 193 effective hectares of pumice soil, using in-shed feed, summer turnips, and autumn fodder beet under a system three “grass first” approach. The second farm milks 600 cows through a 42-aside herringbone shed on 198 effective hectares of rolling hill land, also operated as a system three. The two support blocks, covering 65 and 70 hectares, provide flexibility. “Support blocks play a critical role in the management of our future dairy cattle, providing optimal care for both young stock and wintergrazing cows for approximately four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and drought factors.” Navdeep says strong financial planning has been key to N & J Farming’s growth. Building sound relationships with advisors, bankers, and industry programmes such as DairyNZ’s Mark & Measure has provided valuable guidance. While farm ownership remains a key goal, Navdeep says in the short term, he hopes to manage a larger sharemilking business of 1000 to 1400 cows to gain further experience. Like many in the sector, staffing and environmental expectations are a key focus. “We manage staff challenges by using technology, such as installing collars last year,” Navdeep says. He has also lowered stocking rates by 10% over three years while maintaining production targets, supported by efficient use of fertiliser and improved herd genetics. Sexed semen for top cows and high-genetic heifers has boosted efficiency and created opportunities to rear beef instead of bobby calves. In regards to sustainability, he highlights progress in milk production per cow, increasing from 390kg milk solids to 440kg. He has also taken part in pasture and crop renovation programmes and uses minimal nitrogen. Farming is a family effort for Navdeep, who is supported by his wife Joban. Joban works as relief staff and a part-time pharmacy technician while also caring for their two young children, Ekam Singh and Arzoi Kaur. “No matter how stressful or tiring the day is, the children’s smiles always bring joy upon returning home.” For Navdeep, farming brings purpose, community, and connection with the land, and through sharemilking, N & J Farming Ltd is building both resilience and a future within New Zealand’s dairy industry. “Living in quiet nature and providing real food for the community is a rewarding lifestyle for us as a farmer. Sharemilking is a practical step toward farm ownership, which I have always aspired to.” 07 348 3628 | 19White St, Rotorua | www.abcmilkingsolutions.co.nz

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