Business Rural North Winter 2024

Farm cadetship programme that stretches back to 1931 still going strong - Page 53 Next generation of leaders North Winter 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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| 3 Cyclone was an ‘absolute disaster’ Alcuin Station comprises 2400ha of medium-to-steep hill country. The Johnsons have carried out a huge programme of development since they took the place over in 2008. Hugh De Lacy ON FARM » Alcuin Station It’s still not clear what the long-term effects of Cyclone Gabrielle will be on the ravaged easterncentral North Island, and environmental awardwinning farmers Jane and Mark Johnson of Alcuin Station, 100km east of Gisborne, think it will be some time before a clear picture emerges. “The cyclone was an absolute disaster, and it’s going to be an ongoing thing for farmers and the waterways – for example, is planting of the main waterways the right thing to do? “In the future is it going to cause more problems by clogging the waterway and pushing the water elsewhere?” Mark asks. “In some places they’re cutting the willows out of the riverbed to make the streams run freer, but up here we’re planting – so is this right or wrong? “Cyclone Gabrielle saw a phenomenal number of planting dollars wash down the waterways. “The recommended practices of fencing off the waterways are contributing to a lot more weed control and fencing workload after rain events – especially Cyclone Gabrielle – but at the same time making farm management easier.” Alcuin Station comprises 2400ha of mediumto-steep hill country, about 1600ha of it effective, carrying 15,000 stock units at a cattle/sheep ratio of 60% to 40%. It straddles the Motu River, and the Johnsons have carried out a huge programme of development since they took the place over in 2008. That was 20 years after Cyclone Bola caused similar damage to the Gisborne hinterland but it was still fresh in everyone’s minds, and it strongly influenced the Johnsons’ efforts to get their lowfertility station up to productive scratch. While the damage from Cyclone Gabrielle was by no means confined to farms, Mark believes it had a negative effect on the public’s view of farmers as environmental guardians. The Johnsons themselves were “put on a bit of a pedestal” after last year winning the East Coast Balance Supreme Award for environmental custodianship, “but I think that’s waning a bit, and a lot of people see farmers as one of the major contributors to climate change,” he says. “That’s a perception that rankles with farmers who are investing hugely in making their businesses environmentally sustainable, and I don’t think the public fully appreciates that.” In Alcuin Station’s case, fencing both sides of the Motu River, and planting 28,000 native trees in the riverbed, actually took no less than 36ha out of production, and had a direct negative effect on the station’s bottom line. “People seem to forget that three times a day – at breakfast, lunch and dinner – they’re entirely dependent on farm production. “We get measured and are held accountable on everything.” That shows up in the increasing amount of book-work farming requires: “The paper work is killing us,” Mark says. While in two minds over the previous government’s Three Waters plan, he says it’s vital that control of waterways rest with regional authorities, and not devolved onto central government or mega-regional authorities. “We know our own waters and we know how to manage and protect them,” Mark says. People helping people achieve their dreams www.bdo.nz As a trusted adviser, BDO Gisborne have valued the opportunity to work alongside Mark and Jane Johnson of Alcuin Station, providing accounting and advisory services to support the diverse needs of their growing farming business. Ideas | People | Trust Proud to support Alcuin Station Power Farming Gisborne | 06 868 8908

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Ahiweka Station Fencing the main priority post cyclone Slips taking out fences caused the bulk of the damage at Ahiweka Station. Storm damage from Cyclone Gabrielle (top) and after repairs were carried out Sue Russell Ahiweka Station is situated near Flemington, in central Hawke’s Bay, 35 minutes from Waipukurau. At 900ha (830ha effective), the property carries an array of stock. Manager and co-owner Michael Gunn has been in the role two years, since he and two other owners purchased the block. “We liked the situation of the farm. It had scale and a good balance of finishing and breeding and while hot in summer is summer-safe,” Michael says. Of the effective area, approximately 450ha would be described as steep, or very steep with the balance a mix of easier hill country, with 300ha cultivated. The station is situated at an elevation of 300m – 730m. Working with Michael is one shepherd and on a day to day basis stock work is the main activity. “Stock performance takes priority. We are doing a lot of fencing at the moment. Repairs from the cyclone early last year. Our aim is make better use of the land, so we’ve focussed on subdivision to control feed to the animals.” Ahiweka Station is mainly a breeding property with 3,500 ewes and 120 Angus cows. A Charolais bull is put over the Angus. Replacement heifers are bought in. In terms of trading stock, the property finishes around 200 Friesian bulls. “We finish all our own lambs and we also trade another 2000 lambs. We’ve made quite a few little changes, mainly bringing in the trading component. It gives us the opportunity when lamb prices are poor to make good income trading them.” Mating hoggets was another breeding programme that’s been introduced of late. The historic Romdale is changing now to straight Romney, a better type of sheep Michael says, for the situation of the farm. Asked how the cyclone affected the station Michael says the bulk of damage was in the form of slips with these taking out fences. “We also had a couple of dams blow out but as we were going into winter we could work around the water-source dam. Fencing was the main priority.” Michael says it took about 3 months or so to get some sort of structure in place, but fences are still being worked on over a year later. Three students from Lincoln helped with the repair work, with materials made available through Rapid Relief, which Michael says, was very well organised. Grants from MPI were also accessed. Fences have been relocated to ridges where, Michael says, they should have been positioned, so while there’s been disruption and a lot of work, ultimately the farm now is in a better situation than before the cyclone. “Where we are, in the greater scheme of things, we were not impacted as badly as other parts of the region. We are rebuilding our dams and putting in better spillways to future proof the Station’s water supply.” A farm environment plan is guiding where and what is being planted to enhance Ahiweka’s environmental footprint. Plans are to undertake more native planting and also retire some areas. “Everything in farming takes time. andersonreisima@gmail.com Proudly supporting Ahiweka Station Ben 027 819 2792 1237 Ugly Hill roadWaipukurau 4282 It’s about steady incremental improvement to ensure the outcome is sustainable.” Reflecting back on his farming journey Michael says he was pleased to be in the position, after many years of hard work managing a station in Tolaga Bay, Gisborne. “It’s taken 10 years or so to get to the position where I could invest in this property. This is certainly where I intend to stay and mark my own footprint on the land and farming systems.” sweatwork@gmail.com 021 066 0274

| 5 Mustering at Ahiweka. Inset: Patience, Wilbur, Archie and Michael. RURAL PEOPLE » Ahiweka Station Proud to supply Ahiweka Station with hill country genetics

6 | Now operated by Sam and Kate Biddles, the farm encompasses almost 500ha of coastal country. The Kaipara Hereford herd was started in the late 1940s by Sam’s grandfather Hugh Biddles. Kim Newth Kaipara Herefords are renown for their calm temperament, and that is testament to 70 years of handling and breeding by the Biddles family of Northland. Now operated by Sam and Kate Biddles, the farm encompasses almost 500ha of coastal country on Northland’s Pouto Peninsula, and its successful breeding programme aims to sell more than 100 of its best yearling bulls into the dairy industry every year. Operating a closed herd policy, Kaipara Herefords are acutely aware of their clientele, producing and selecting the correct traits that they are looking for. Buying yearlings and two-year old bulls, they aim to sell 90 15/16 month old bulls in the Spring and 30 ‘rising’ two-year olds in Autumn. “We’re balancing the need of an easy calving bull that still produces sound progeny,” Sam said. “Everyone is trying to breed a low birth weight animal. There is a lot of other things that go into it, such as the structure of the animal and length of neck to name a few.” In 2024 they dropped their cow numbers back from 448 to 420 - after experiencing four unseasonably dry years where they learnt the importance of having a buffer. “We never knew what the cow carrying capacity on the farm was,” he said. Forced to reduce their herd, and still concentrating on breeding cows, it has been a whole new world for Sam, who started out as a rural bank manager before playing professional rugby in New Zealand. But he believes his background has enabled him a reasonably pragmatic approach to farming. On returning from overseas with his wife Kate in 2011, he farmed alongside his father Kim to make up for the time he spent away. In 2013 they leased the property off his family enabling Kim to semi-retire. He now operates the two run offs 20km away. The Kaipara Hereford herd was started in the late 1940s by Sam’s grandfather Hugh Biddles. While the herd began as a horned herd with sires bought from Edgar Cliff’s stud, as the farm became established, registered polled bulls were bought from Portland Herefords, followed by registered bulls from Te Puna and OK Studs in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1982 half the breeding herd was purchased by Sam’s father and since this time, registered bulls have been sourced from a variety of studs, including Koanui, Matapouri, Otengi, Moana, Mahuta, Arahou, Streamlands, Big River and Karamu. Since purchasing the herd, Sam and his family has introduced fresh genetics from both Craigmore and Koanui studs. Sam loves the freedom of farming and how it works in with his family’s lifestyle. Breeding high quality Hereford cattle for more than 70 years We sell 15 month Hereford Bulls and Rising 2 year Hereford Bulls 027 566 6558 srkrbiddles@gmail.com 170 Schick Rd, RD 1, Te Kopuru, 0391 An easy calving bull with sound progeny RURAL PEOPLE » Kaipara Herefords Gunson McLean Ltd CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Servicing all types of farming business with: • Financial Reporting • Taxation • Succession & Estate Planning • Business Structures, Valuation & Financing Accounting Practice of the Year 2018 Gunson McLean are proud to support Kaipara Herefords Vinery Ln, Whangarei & Edward St, Dargaville | 09 438 1001 | admin@gunsonmclean.co.nz Looking to the future, Sam said they were never immune to the advent of pressure on farms for regulatory compliance and land use change. Groundswell NZ are many farmer’s ‘unsung heroes’ that have successfully lobbied Government, along with industry bodies such as Beef + Lamb and Federated Farmers. “Unless we create sensible strong noise, you aren’t going to get any traction,” he said.

| 7 Kiri Tapsell of Pukenga Farms. Source: New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. Aimee Wilson 01 BFEA Compact Brand Guidelines V1.0 FEB 2022 Proud to Partner with Pukenga Farms INDUSTRY LEADERS IN: Frost Protection & Irrigation | Agricultural & Horticultural Remote Monitoring & Control Automation | All types of Pumping Applications | System Integration CONTROL TECHLTD www.controltechltd.nz 07 219-0661 0800NZSEED Talk to the experts or email us enquiry@pastoralimprovements.co.nz Evolving from sheep, to dairy, to kiwifruit RURAL PEOPLE » Pukenga Farms The diversification of ancestral land on Pukenga Farms Ltd from sheep and beef to dairy, and now kiwifruit, has earned the family business a Ballance Environment Farm Award for (Bay of Plenty). Kiri Tapsell grew up on the family farm at Te Puke, which was previously run by his grandfather - who developed the land for Maori affairs. His grandfather ran the land as a a sheep and beef farm, “with a tiny bit of dairy for cream like everyone did,” and then it moved into full time dairying and beef under Kiri’s parents. “All along we’ve been trying to find the best land use for the best type of land, and finding that sweet spot of what to do with it all.” Retiring low-lying areas from grazing and planting 17ha of kiwifruit on the higher land - the climate in the orchard works well, being warm and elevated. Kiri’s parents had 7ha of orchard and Kiri has grown it to 17 ha. Starting with traditional green kiwifruit and moving into gold and now red varieties, they have been moving toward using a low vigour system. This has resulted in a huge change in sustainability, from stringing all gold and red, “and this year we’re hoping we won’t be using any at all,” he said - except when developing new blocks. The amount of string waste is a fraction of what it was. The orchard will also be grafting a further 3ha of red kiwifruit over the coming winter months. As well as the kiwifruit there are 80 beef breeding cows farmed on 125ha along with 80 calves, 80 R1’s & 80 R2’s approx 50% split between sexes. The judges were impressed with water management on the property, with all drains fenced, and stock entirely excluded from artificial watercourses. Kiri explains that because 100ha of the land wasn’t suitable for kiwifruit, they had to make the best of what they could with the 17ha - which was proving to be the most profitable part of the business. They have moved beef into Autumn calving only this season so when the prime beef schedule is high the animals will be three months older, and therefore heavier and worth more. The decision to move away from dairy farming was an environmental and financial one - and when his parents bought the neighbours farm that came with green kiwifruit. But Kiri’s father died in 2016 and before he did he understood that environmentally the dairy unit would not be viable within a couple of decades. They started planting more kiwifruit and since 2020 stopped dairying altogether. “Staying compliant by upgrades in effluent and feed pads was the final push they needed to stop dairying and move to beef, and more kiwifruit.” Kiwifruit worked because there was enough ground water to irrigate and enough skilled labour to set it up - Pukenga Farms now contracts ‘Prospa’ for its orchard management, and as a result Kiri will only needs to spend 30% of his time on that part of the business. “Staying compliant by upgrades in effluent and feed pads was the final push they needed to stop dairying and move to beef, and more kiwifruit.”

8 | Building on the work of multiple generations Part of the wetland on Mahana Farm. Karen Phelps Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Mahana Farm 2024 New Zealand Farm Environment Trust East Coast Finalists Caroline and Duncan Kirk are building on the work of multiple generations as custodians of the land. “It’s good to be recognised in the awards,” says Caroline. “We don’t like the limelight but lots of people talked us into putting our names forward. We prefer to truck on and do our thing but it’s nice for people to see what we’re doing as well.” The couple are third-generation farmers and operate Mahana Farm of which they own 195ha of the 642ha (580ha effective) property, with the remainder leased from neighbours. Caroline’s grandfather Jim Nelson purchased the initial land in 1932 and her mother grew up on the farm with her parents eventually purchasing the property in 1995. Caroline and Duncan bought 90ha next door in 2002 and took over the running of the whole property in 2005, progressively purchasing and leasing the land. The farm today is predominantly a finishing sheep and beef business with around 7000 stock units, supported with dairy grazing they’re also developing a small block of oak and hazelnut trees. The farm has a 35ha QEII National Trust Covenant block that has been progressively fenced off over the past two decades and now boasts some large native trees including matai and totara. “We’ve planted thousands of trees,” says Caroline. “My parents started fencing this area off and undertaking possum control. Working for farmers, providing uncomplicated Independent Parasitology Advice using the latest technology. www.parascope.co.nz | admin@parascope.co.nz | 027 351 8575 Congratulations Duncan and Caroline Kirk on being finalists in the East Coast Ballance Farm Environmental Awards. SAVE TIME • INCREASE PROFITABILITY Congratulations to all the finalists. We are proud to support Kiwi Farmers with all their Animal Health needs. 06 873 3611 www.ahdltd.co.nz sales@ahdltd.co.nz

| 9 Children Liam, Milly and Lorna. Their animal health programme emphasises worm drench resistance and they constantly monitor stock and test for this. Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Mahana Farm It’s now pretty much possum free and that has made a massive difference to the health of the bush.” The farm also includes a 4ha restored wetland and all waterways have been fenced and planted. It’s part of the couple’s goal to create a balance of a high production farm and creating an environment that can be enjoyed by their family. Judges noted they were impressed with the farm’s monitoring systems, efficient use of water and grazing management. The farm has a gravity fed water system with a monitor on top of the tank so the couple knows it’s full and alerting them of leaks. Quality pasture is a priority that is tailored to the land class. Although quite hilly country, the couple have renovated any areas they can, which Caroline says has also had a big impact on animal health – another priority. “We do a lot of grazing depending on markets with 200 dairy heifers but other stock classes can vary depending on the weather. We mostly sell stock rather than buy in extra feed.” She says this also helps to mitigate against challenges such as droughts and extreme weather conditions and additionally means they can take advantage of markets and make quick decisions. Their animal health programme emphasises worm drench resistance and they constantly monitor stock and test for this treating animals accordingly. This is particularly important as they trade a lot of lambs and buy them in from other properties. They provide extensive shade and shelter for stock. Duncan and long-term full time employee Hamish Dalziel run the farm day-to-day. Caroline works full time off farm and helps out as needed. She says they are proud to be continuing the work of previous generations to be good custodians of the land. BFEA Compact Brand Guidelines V1.0 FEB 2022

10 | Top stag takes out Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Canes Deer Products With a wry sense of humour, Central Plateau deer farmers Malcolm and Kathy Cane have a penchant for naming their trophy stags after alcoholic beverages and this year a four-year-old named Tennessee delivered outstanding success at the deer industry’s Rising Stars National Velvet and Hard Antler Competition. The Rising Stars competition looks for the country’s best one, two, three and four-year-old hard antler heads, and two-year-old velvet heads. Tennessee won the four-year-old Hard Antler award, as well as the People’s Choice – Hard Antler across all classes, and went on to win the Supreme Trophy Award for both Velvet and Hard Antler. “Tennessee had a total score of 1040 inches of antler (IOA), which takes into account all the tines, beam circumference, the spread and length of the antler, and the length of all points,” says Malcolm. “We mostly breed our own trophy stags through AI and ET (Embryo transfer) programmes, but do buy in the occasional sire stag if we feel it will add some value to our genetics. You’re trying to amalgamate different traits to get the perfect stag. It has been said that you’re designing antlers by matching certain traits whether that be length or width, beam or points.” As for why the spectacular animals are named after alcohol ... “Well,”’ says Malcolm, “sometimes farming can drive you to drink.” Malcolm and Kathy’s deer farming enterprise started in 1985 with a few deer for venison, before purchasing 80 hectares in Reporoa, between Taupo and Rotorua. Over the next decade they farmed for the velvet market till the velvet buyer suggested they grow a few stags out for the trophy parks. “We grew half a dozen out, had a bit of luck with them and thought this was a great way to make a dollar,” says Malcolm. “From there we started buying hinds with top trophy pedigrees and went from there really.” Now encompassing 190 hectares and located in the eastern slopes of the Reporoa Valley, the farm is home to 330 hinds and their progeny, and 900-1000 velvet stag two-years-old and older. Kath and Mal Cane with Lockie. Their four-year-old stag delivered outstanding success at the deer industry’s Rising Stars National Velvet and Hard Antler Competition (below). Are you getting a cane-ing from the IRD? Reach out to the M&L rural tax specialists for a free consultation and tax review. Proud Chartered Accountants and advisors to Kathy and Malcolm Cane. hello@murphylandrigan.co.nz | www.murphylandrigan.co.nz D Burmeister ACA | K Landrigan FCA | M Landrigan CA | P Landrigan CA | T Mohammed CA

| 11 multiple awards at Rising Stars comp RURAL PEOPLE » Canes Deer Products Malcolm and Kathy have amalgamated their respective passions to establish a diverse and successful deer farming operation that encompasses venison, velvet, velvet capsules and trophy stags for safari parks around the country. While Malcolm’s heart lies in working with deer and the challenge of producing big antlered stags, Kathy’s background in healthcare draws her to the nutritional benefits of velvet and velvet capsules. The Canes produce over 10 tonnes of velvet each year. Some is sold as raw product with the remainder being processed into their own capsules, Canes Deer Velvet, primarily sold online throughout the world. “I enjoy offering the benefits of velvet to those people who need them,” Kathy says. “Because velvet is in fact fast growing bone cartilage/nerve supply/blood supply/skin it has all the nutrients to support joint health, immune system, circulation and sports performance.” Last February the Canes made a change to their wintering regime by building a wintering barn. The main driver for the investment was to get the weaners into the barn for 100 days over winter, instead of running around on the paddocks where up to 70% of the valuable feed was trampled and lost. “Well ... sometimes farming can drive you to drink.” • to page 12 • Post & Batten • Electric Fencing • Post & Rail • Deer Fencing • 20+ years experience • 3x Tractors & Post Rammers • 1x Bulldozer & Post Rammer • No job too big or small! For a free, no-obligation quote, call S&S today! Steve 027 717 6264 / Sarah 027 253 5388 Find us on Facebook fb.com/Reporoa1 Lynne Rhodes AI specialises in the arti cial insemination of Red Deer and Elk Use the proven professionalism, skill and experience of Lynne Rhodes AI Ltd to improve your herd genetics. Lynne proudly supports Canes Deer Ltd Mobile 0274 952 461 | E-mail lynne@deerai.co.nz | deerai.co.nz

12 | New wintering barn and feed troughs. “We bought a mixer wagon and mix lucerne, some really nice grass chicory silage and palm kernel, and feed it in the wintering barn where the weaners utilise 98% of it. Weaners on a deer farm eat or trample all the best feed between March and the end of September. By having them inside you take so much pressure off the rest of your farm, and I think we can now carry another hundred velvet stags for that reason, and those extra hundred stags pay for the capital cost of the barn and mixer wagon.” This year the Canes altered their feed crop from 15 hectares of swedes that the velvet stags graze on over winter, to 10 hectares of maize and built a new silage bunker, filled with maize on one side and lucerne on the other. “We chose Archway Group to do the construction work. They were just superb to work with. We prepared the site, and four days after they came in it was all finished.” • from page 11 RURAL PEOPLE » Canes Deer Products 20% off first order with code RURAL20, valid until 31/8/24 Farmers just want to keep farming.... We can help with that! "At last, something that works!" - Wes Parkes

| 13 Embryo transfer programme in full swing The farming business also includes a bed and breakfast which allows visitors to enjoy the farm. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Forest Road Deer Farm Forest Road Farm is in the thick of the first embryo transfer programme completed on farm. Owner Grant Charteris says that Forest Road Farm had once before dabbled in embryo transfer, sharing a stag with another farmer, and the results prompted the family to invest more heavily undertaking their own programme. “We harvested the velvet off those two-year-olds last season and were pleased with the consistency and result. That was the push we needed to do a bigger programme on our own,” he says. Forest Road Farm has selected eight top hinds chosen for their proven ability to breed consistent sales stags. The hinds were super ovulated and artificially inseminated with top semen from around the country. The farm has prepared 67 recipient hinds and a Mike Briggins, who works in AI and embryo transfer programmes across America, Mexico and New Zealand, will complete the process with his team. “The semen sires that have been selected for this programme have been chosen to try and create a velvet sire stag that has different bloodlines and is a bit unique as an industry our bloodlines are becoming closely related and repeated,” says Grant. Forest Road Farm is producing three-year-old velvet sires, for its own use and for breeders, with a focus on big heavy beamed tidy clean velvet. Grant says that because velvet has a highly heritable trait quick genetic gain is possible. “Twenty years ago any stag that cut over 5kg of velvet was considered sire stag material. Now they have to cut at least that at three years of age to stay in the velvet herd. We want to continually strive to build our reputation as a recognised velvet stud in New Zealand and work with our clients, listening to their feedback, to make sure we are producing what they and the market wants.” Forest Road Farm’s annual velvet harves typically totals about 3.5 tonnes and the main market for the velvet is South Korea and China. Grant has been managing the farm for over 20 years, which covers 327ha of Class 6 hill country at Tikokino, on the eastern flank of the Ruahine Ranges, central Hawke’s Bay. It was in the late 1970’s that his late father Bruce started farming deer and today the farm runs 500 breeding hinds, 500 velveting stags and about 400 young stock. There are also around 65 Hereford cattle and 200 sheep, which are mainly used as lawnmowers to maintain pasture quality for the deer so the deer can express their genetic potential. Everything is single-sire mated, apart from the yearling hinds that are multi-sire mated to the very best two-year-old velvet stags. Fifty per cent of yearling hinds are sold at the on-farm auction mid-December. Environmental stewardship is a big focus of the operation and the farm is a past winner of the Deer Industry New Zealand Elworthy Premiere Award. “Our philosophy is that when we look at areas to fence off and plant it has to also make farm management better as environmental sustainability has to work hand in hand with profitability. We are getting close to having 100% of waterways fenced off on the farm and with over 25,000 natives over the past six years I get a real buzz from driving around the farm and seeing the biodiversity and enhancement.” The farming business also includes a small bed and breakfast, run by Grant’s wife Sally, which allows people to enjoy the land. The couple have two children Harry (10) and Lottie (8). “The bed and breakfast helps tell the story of what drives our business and us as people,” says Grant. “It’s been very popular and we really enjoy having it as part of our business.” Sally and Grant Charteris with family Harry and Lottie. Mobile: Andrew 0272 458 906 | Graham: 0274 432 437 Email: cultnsow@xtra.co.nz For all your cultivation requirements

14 | Tracts of native bush a farm feature Robert Cashmore repairing some roadside fencing at Kiripaka Station. The 1200ha property includes three large tracts of native bush. Richard Loader An hour southeast from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD, Kiripaka Station is owned by the Cashmore family and managed by Robert and Rachel Cashmore. Translated from te reo, Kiripaka means ‘hard as flint’ and reflects the manganese seams that run through the 1200-hectare property, which has been in the family for five generations. Of the 1200 hectares, about 750 hectares is effective, with stock excluded from the balance, which includes three large holdings of native bush that Robert’s predecessors had the foresight to protect. “Those tracts of native bush have been virgin bush forever and include beech, which is very uncommon this far north, large holdings of kauri, rimu, totara and matai,” says Robert. “We do have pockets of native bush for shelter in just about every paddock on the farm. There are also some wetland areas. We’re doing what we can to fence off wetland and patches of bush, but money has been tight and that has prevented progress.” Robert says the station policy is to allow gullies prone to erosion from heavy rainfalls reconvert back to bush so that the native vegetation holds pasture up either side of the gullies, preventing tracts of water from destroying it. About 300 hectares of Kiripaka Station is flat to rolling with the remainder steep country rising from an altitude of 200 metres up to 600 metres above sea level, the highest privately owned farmland in Auckland. RURAL PEOPLE » Cashmore Farms The station’s capital stock includes 3000 Romney ewes, 850 replacement hoggets, and 204 breeding Angus cattle. Fattening stock includes 50 R2 bulls, 23 R2 steers, with 17 R2 heifers remaining from the original 50 Robert started with this year. As of this season Robert and Rachel have changed their stock policy and now trade lambs over autumn and spring. “We have 2500 trading lambs on farm at present, with the intention of trading 5000 lambs. All progeny from our capital stock is stored off the ewes as well. I have no lambs on farm over summer, only replacements. Come autumn I start buying in lambs and do trades from March to July, and then July to October. “ As a breeding and finishing farm we were not getting the margins required to keep up with inflation, so we are going to be running our capital stock on the more marginal country, but are uncertain what capacity we will have feed wise going into winter, so may have to lower numbers.” Genetics from Turanganui Romneys in South Wairarapa are used because of their bloodlines, better fertility, and a frame size that suits the farm’s topography. “We’ve tried different breeders and we always seem to go back to Turanganui – the sheep just seem to do better on our farm. Turanganui also breeds for facial eczema (FE) resistance, and test genetically for FE tolerance, rather than sporidesmin, which many ram breeders do. “I’m also breeding my own sire bulls through an AI programme, which is a bit different to the norm. I get Angus semen and AI my replacement heifers, and keep` the progeny, to go over the mixed age cows.” While Kiripaka didn’t suffer from a major rain event when Gabrielle swept through the region last year, extreme winds did blow down many poplar trees, and damaged the woolshed, sheep yards, and small cattle yard nearby. “When the poplars came down they created wind tunnels that destroyed our stand of lusitanica trees, that fell over our driveway. That took a month or so to clean all that up. There is still some roadside fencing that needs to be done, but in terms of operational facilities we are OK.” Mike Warren 027 446 5312 or 06 307 7841 Guy Warren 027 848 0164 WilliamWarren 027 824 9327 Turanganui Romneys 33 Coles Crescent PO Box 72-016, Papakura 2244 T 09 299 6596 E reception@robbix.co.nz • Business Advisors • Rural Specialists • Chartered Accountants Proud to be associated with Cashmore Farms Ltd Empowering freedom, clarity and purpose in business

| 15 RURAL PEOPLE » Cashmore Farms Extreme winds took out many trees that damaged the woolshed and sheep and cattle yards. Glen Anthony Simmentals is proud to be one of only two original studs in New Zealand to be selling Simmental 50 years on. The stud was registered in 1973 and is based on purebred Simmental genetics. Starting in Switzerland as a dual-purpose breed, Simmental is now the most numerous breed of cattle in the world, mainly through large numbers in Europe, Russia and America. “We’ve got a lot of satisfaction from having helped to introduce the Simmental breed to New Zealand,” says Glen Anthony Simmentals owner Tony Thompson. Glen Anthony Simmentals is situated on 96ha of rolling country eight kilometres east of Waipukurau. The stud has built up a reputation for breeding good-framed cattle with plenty of leshing. Tony’s background as a veterinary surgeon, including studying embryology at Cambridge University and specialising in embryo transfer and semen work in cattle, has proved invaluable in expanding the genetics in his stud. This is evidenced in the success the stud has achieved at national bull sales, on farm bull sales and A&P shows since 1978. “Our record at showing up to 20 entries at A&P Shows around New Zealand is second to none. Our cattle have won so many Meat & Wool cups it is quite unbelievable. What an amazing ride,” says Tony. Since 1988 Glen Anthony has held an annual bull sale with the 36th sale scheduled for 14 June 2024. It will be held on farm at 825 Farm Road and o er 17 two year old mainly polled bulls. Glen Anthony Y-arta semen will also be o ered plus semen from imported Texan bull Saint John Gatton, a heterozygous polled fullblood Simmental that is unique in his design and pattern. Glen Anthony Y-arta’s accomplishments are hard to beat. He was Supreme Champion Simmental and Meat and Wool Cup winner at the Auckland Royal Easter Show in 2014 and 2015 and is also notable for having sold over 1000 straws of semen in Australia with one resulting bull selling for $160,000. “Dairy farmers looking for easy calving, short gestation and to add value to bobby calves need look no further than Glen Anthony Y-arta,” says Tony. “His EBVs have placed Glen Anthony Y-arta as the best bull for easy calving in the whole of the Simmental breed in Australia and New Zealand and in the top 5% for short gestation length. Glen Anthony Y-arta is also producing calves that can increase the worth of a dairy farmer’s operation with four day old Simmental cross bull calves selling for top prices.” Proud history continues w 50

16 | Top bull’s progeny creating a stir Elgin Stud bull sale includes the first batch of offspring from top-selling two-year-old Angus bull Karahau Olympic Q327. Karen Phelps This year’s sale will be an especially exciting one for Elgin Stud’s bull buyers. It will include the first batch of offspring from top-selling two-year-old Angus bull Karahau Olympic Q327, which Elgin Angus owns with Tapiri Angus. At $106,000 Karahau Olympic holds the on-farm sale record across all beef breeds in New Zealand. “His progeny are a stand out with great bodies, put together well and an unbelievable nature – just like their sire. They have a powerful presence about them,” says Sam. Also featuring at this year’s sale – to be held 3pm 11 June on farm – are sons of Taimate (a thick set, big boned South Island bred bull with an impressive data set), KayJay Steakhouse, Rangatira 592 and Karahau 610. The sale will also be live-streamed on Bidr. With over 70 years of breeding behind it, Elgin Stud gives clients and bull buyers certainty in what they’re buying, says Sam. Sam and wife Sarah are the sixth generation on the 340ha farm in Elsthorpe and in their seventh year of ownership. The stud has a proud family tradition, started by Sam’s grandfather Jock in 1952 and carried on by Sam’s parents Mick and Barb. The farming enterprise also encompasses calving 140 cows and heifers and lambing 700 ewes. Sam also trades anywhere between 400-800 lambs per year along with growing 15-20ha of peas for McCain Foods. The family focuses on producing good functional cattle that are easy doing, produce plenty of meat and have a good temperament with a nice head and jaw. The female side is given just as much importance and Sam is particular about which females he chooses to keep. “The females are just as important as the males in the breeding. RURAL PEOPLE » Elgin Stud We look for a moderate frame that can rear a good calf and get back in calf. “The cows are definitely not pampered. They are run on the hills and get a bit of hay and baleage in winter and that’s about it. We want to produce hardy cattle that can be a natural forager,” explains Sam. Sam and Sarah are always looking to improve and do things better but at present recovery work after the cyclone is the priority. They have been busy clearing drains and silt from the flats. “The cyclone caused flooding with 60-80ha under two metres of water. RURAL ADVICE HERE TO HELP TIME ACCOUNTING MEANINGFUL INFORMATION HUMAN CONNECTION REAL REAL REAL LEADERS BM Accounting Ltd | Havelock North 06 876 7159 | Central Hawke's Bay 06 857 8901 | www.bm.co.nz BUSINESS ADVISORS AND ACCOUNTANTS Tony Mossman . Kate Laugesen . Alan Maxwell The silt has done the most damage and getting the land back into shape is taking a while. We removed some of the silt and are continually cropping and getting dry matter back into the soil again. “We are also trying to get drainage sorted. The yield was down with the peas this year and we still have paddocks we need to cultivate and re-sow. We are short of a bit of feed too and haven’t been able to trade as many lambs.” Sam and dad Mick are the main workers on the farm with Sarah helping out as well on her breaks from her teaching position. “She’s my head shepherd in the holidays and also does the data input for the stud,” says Sam. The long-term goal for the couple is to buy or lease more property in the area to grow the scope of their operation.

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