Business Rural North Winter 2025

North James Robbie wins the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Award for the East Coast Region - Page 13 First time entrant wins big WINTER 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents Blackburn Ridge �� 03 Limestone Downs Station �� 04 Aratiatia Farm - Landcorp �� 06 Cashmore Farms Ltd �� 07 Kohitiata �� 08 Mangaotea Farm �� 09 Alcuin Station �� 10 Paul Koopal �� 12 Otapawa Station �� 13 Matangi Ltd �� 14 Palliser Ridge Station �� 16 Richard Webby �� 18 Scott and Rebecca O’Brien �� 19 Salty River Farm �� 20 Storth Oaks Angus Stud �� 21 Smedley Station �� 22 Te Uranga B2 Inc �� 24 Tokorangi Farm �� 26 Tuit Farm �� 27 Wairakaia Partnership �� 28 Broadmeadows Farms Ag �� 29 Wayne Taylor �� 30 Whitestar Station �� 31 Whakatohea �� 32 Wijesooriya and Stuart �� 34 Black Pond Farm �� 35 Drumpeel Farms �� 35 Oraka Deer Park �� 36 Hiamoe Farm �� 36 Greg Ingrid McCracken - Te Hana �� 37 Springvale Herefords �� 37 Pukemiro Station �� 38 Kaweka Contracting Ltd �� 38 Waikato Vintage Tractor Club �� 39 Waipa Ag Services �� 39 Culture Drones �� 40 Johnston Spreading Ltd �� 42 MyNoke �� 43 R & L Drainage �� 44 Drone Spray Northland �� 46 Hunter Ag Services Ltd �� 48 Need a Shed Ltd �� 49 Eastern Airwork �� 50 FBT Spreading �� 51 Inter-weave �� 52 Zoetis NZ �� 53 Central Transport Ltd �� 54 Jones Trucking �� 55 Charteris Choppers �� 56 GCW Engineering & Machinery �� 57 Haunui �� 58 Heather Gee-Taylor �� 59 Whangara Angus �� 60 Ludlow Farms �� 61 26 | The start of a new era at Tokorangi Farm 40 | Ag drones are the way of the future 51 | Even more precise fert applications 14 | The vision of two Hawkes Bay families 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 WRITERS Anne Boswell, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Randall Johnston, Russell Fredric, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright, Lindy Andrews, Bernadette Cooney, Nicki Woodlock, Emma Bailey, Kim Bowden. 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| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Blackburn Ridge An innovative agri-tourism venture Blackburn Ridge is positioned approximately one hour from Hawke’s Bay Airport. Karen Phelps A Central Hawke’s Bay farming couple has diversified their agricultural operation by launching an innovative agri-tourism venture that offers visitors a luxurious multi-day walking experience on their working sheep and beef farm. Blackburn Ridge, created by farmers Mickey and Clem Trotter, provides what the couple describe as Central Hawke’s Bay’s only fully catered, private multi-day walking experience, combining private walking tracks, e-bike adventures and premium hospitality without the need for guests to carry equipment or share facilities with strangers. “We wanted to offer an experience where people could enjoy the beauty of rural New Zealand without any hassle - just turn up, and everything is here for them,” says Mickey Trotter, who alongside husband Clem manages 2,500 hectares of sheep and beef hill country across Hawke’s Bay. The exclusive retreat welcomes groups of up to ten guests who stay in a beautifully renovated historic homestead while exploring the surrounding farmland on foot or by e-bike. With panoramic views of the Ruahine Ranges as a backdrop, guests are treated to farm-to-table meals featuring locally sourced ingredients. The decision to diversify comes amidst challenging times for the farming sector. The Trotters’ livestock business, which operates across three blocks - their own 1,000-hectare property in Ongaonga and two leased properties in Puketapu and Putere - has faced significant headwinds recently. Like many farmers in the region, they’ve been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, rising interest rates, issues with parasite resistance in livestock and volatile market conditions. In response, the Trotters have reduced ewe numbers from 11,000 to 8,000 across their properties and introduced shedding sheep, which naturally shed their coats without requiring shearing. These challenges encouraged the couple to explore alternative revenue streams. They says that what sets Blackburn Ridge apart is its exclusive nature - only one group can book at a time - and its combination of adventure with luxury. Guests explore private walking tracks that wind through hill country farmland, native bush, and creek beds, with highlights including a 120-year-old stand of giant redwoods and ridgetop vistas across the countryside. When they return to the homestead, visitors can relax in an outdoor wood-fired hot tub before enjoying gourmet meals. The five-bedroom accommodation features wool carpets, 100% wool duvets, and homemade linen drapes, while bathrooms are stocked with environmentally friendly Real World products. The venture also reflects the Trotters’ commitment to sustainability. The property features bioloo composting toilets, fenced-off waterways to promote biodiversity, extensive riparian planting, and solar pumps that reticulate water around the farm. These initiatives align with Mickey’s involvement in the Upper Tukituki Catchment committee, which works to achieve environmental and community goals in the region. Blackburn Ridge is positioned approximately one hour from Hawke’s Bay Airport, making it accessible for both domestic and international visitors. The venture officially launched earlier this year and is now accepting bookings. 49-51 Takapau Road, Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay 06 858 9109 manager@millshonda.co.nz We are proud to support Paul Franklin Blackbu n Ridge www.bm.co.nz The BM team provide accounting expertise and business advice to many rural and commercial enterprises in the wider Hawke’s Bay region. Proud to be Locals. HAVELOCK NORTH 06 876 7159 WAIPUKURAU 06 857 8901 Proud to be supporting Clem & Mickey Trotter - Blackburn Ridge Alan Maxwell, Melissa Horsefield and Tony Mossman

4 | Taking a proactive approach to the species Sheep and beef are spread across 1700 hectares. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Limestone Downs Station Kikuyu grass is a bugbear for many coastal farming properties. Limestone Downs near Port Waikato is aiming to take a proactive approach to the species adjusting its stocking policy to try to stay on top of it. “Kikuyu likes a coastal environment. It gets long and stalky and sheep and younger stock can’t eat it. Once it grows it is quite matted and nothing can get through. We need bigger mouths to keep it down to let ryegrass and clover through,” says Justin Lamb, sheep and beef manager at Limestone Downs.” Usually maintaining a 70-30 sheep to cattle ratio, Limestone Downs is now transitioning toward a more balanced approach. “Traditionally it’s been 70-30 sheep to cattle ratio and moving to 60-40 or even 50-50 to see how that goes for pasture control and reduce the worm burden for the lambs by running more cattle,” says Justin. Sheep and beef are spread across 1700 hectares with approximately 7,000 ewes and 2,000 hoggets. Roughly half the ewes are bred to terminal sires, either Suftex or Poll Dorset, with Romney forming the maternal base of the flock. The farm aims to finish as many lambs as possible, though seasonal conditions typically result in about half being finished on-farm with the remainder sold as store lambs. Justin and his team of two full-timers are adapting to the coastal farm’s tendency toward summer dry conditions. “Being a coastal environment it gets quite dry during the summer. So we are focusing on finishing lambs earlier to have the majority sold by Christmas. We need to be feeding the ewes better and having the lambs heavier at weaning, which is why we also need to keep the kikuyu down,” explains Justin. The cattle side of the operation comprises approximately 1,200 head including around 350 beef-cross calves sourced from the adjacent dairy farm. The dairy farm maintains a strict ‘no bobby calves’ policy, with Limestone Downs aiming to finish every animal on the adjacent sheep and beef unit. All livestock on the property are raised to approximately 24 months of age before being sold. An Angus cow herd numbering around 240 forms another cornerstone of the cattle operation, with expansion currently underway to build the herd up to 400. “We are building up the Angus herd for pasture control to keep on top of the rank feed and kikuyu grass to create some decent quality feed for the sheep,” says Justin. Parasite management represents another significant challenge, with drench resistance in sheep also driving proactive approaches to pasture and livestock management. “Our drench status is pretty good at the moment and we want to keep it that way,” says Justin. Limestone Downs’ rich history dates back to 1926 when Charles Alma Baker acquired the then- isolated 3,200-hectare property. Following Baker’s death in 1941, the estate passed to his daughter Judy Pottinger, who died childless in 1976. The trustees subsequently established the C Alma Baker Charitable Trust in 1981, partnering with Massey University to transform farming practices on the property. This collaboration introduced intensive management techniques including electric fencing, smaller paddocks, reduced flock sizes, rotational grazing, and higher-performing livestock. The property underwent further significant development between 2012 and 2013, when extensive drainage work on the coastal flats supported conversion of approximately 300 hectares to dairy production. Today, alongside its commercial farming operations, Limestone Downs maintains approximately 800 hectares of fenced native bush for natural regeneration and conservation purposes, reflecting a balanced approach to production and environmental stewardship as it continues to adapt to the unique challenges of coastal farming in New Zealand. hillcroftangus hillcroftangus.co.nz Fraser Crawford with and top 2-year-olds yearlings selected for heifer mating low birth weight 2-year-old herefords For all your Excavating requirements give Steven a call today! Servicing Matira, Ngaruawahia, Te Akau, Waingaro, Waikaretu & Huntly areas Steven Brooks 0273361366 • Matira Rd, Ngaruawahia SW Brooks Contracting Limited EXCAVAT I NG , TRUCK CARTAGE & S I LAGE SERV I CES

| 5 Usually maintaining a 70-30 sheep to cattle ratio, Limestone Downs is now transitioning toward a more balanced approach. RURAL PEOPLE » Limestone Downs Station ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited Our commitment to agri and walking the talk has earned us the trust of farmers across New Zealand. Visit our Agri Specialists at site D61 at Fieldays, 11-14 June 2025, Mystery Creek, Hamilton – we’d love to chat about how we can support you. Here for farmers. Here for Fieldays® .

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Aratiatia Farm - Landcorp “For me, it’s about building confidence and self-belief in these young people. This programme isn’t just about farming - it’s about helping them develop as individuals.” Cultivating top agricultural talent The first year offers a broad foundation before apprentices specialise in either dairy or livestock in their second year. Pamu has announced the commencement of its Apprenticeship Scheme, designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture. The nine apprentices, many of whom were in high school just last year, have begun settling into farm life over the past two weeks of onboarding at Aratiatia Farm in the Central North Island. Donning their high-vis uniforms and work boots, the apprentices from diverse backgrounds and geographies, are adjusting to their new roles. The first cohort of apprentices brings a wealth of enthusiasm and aspirations to the programme. From aspiring head shepherds to future farm owners, each apprentice is eager to learn, contribute, and grow. The scheme offers apprentices a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both dairy and livestock farming while working toward Level 3 and 4 Primary ITO qualifications. Apprentices will gain practical skills including animal husbandry, stock rotation, pasture management, and vehicle operation. The first year offers a broad foundation before apprentices specialise in either dairy or livestock in their second year, with a guaranteed permanent role at Pamu upon completion. Carl Carmichael, Farm Manager at Aratiatia and a dedicated mentor to the apprentices, emphasises the importance of supporting young people in the agricultural sector. “It’s incredibly rewarding to guide young farmers as they find their feet in the industry. Watching them grow and develop into confident, skilled individuals is what it’s all about,” says Carl. Supporting the apprentices is Gary Brady, Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme Manager, Gary brings decades of experience in agriculture, education, and mentoring. “For me, it’s about building confidence and self-belief in these young people. This programme isn’t just about farming - it’s about helping them develop as individuals,” he explains. “We’re preparing these apprentices not just for a job but for a lifetime of farming excellence. It’s about respecting the land, embracing innovation, and leaving a legacy for future generations.” The apprenticeship scheme aligns with commitment of Pamu to sustainable progress, supported by the ASB Sustainable Progress Initiatives. “As the apprentices embark on their journey, we look forward to the long-term impact this programme will have on New Zealand’s agricultural future,” Pamu CEO Mark Leslie says. “By investing in young talent, Pamu is building a stronger, more resilient industry that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and community.” This $1 million partnership funds innovative industry-good projects, including methane reduction research, smart agri-data tools, and the Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme. 021 272 3646 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

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Cashmore Farms Ltd Fifth generation farming the same land The 1200-hectare operation spans an altitude range from 200 to 600 metres above sea level. Karen Phelps Practical farming solutions have also benefitted the environment for Cashmore Farms, run by Rob and Rachel Cashmore. The couple were winners of the WaterForce Farm Stewardship Award at the 2022 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. “On the property we have 400ha of virgin native bush. We have fenced off the majority of it,” explains Rob, who manages the day-to-day farming operations. “We started to fence it off in the 1970s due to it being a stock mustering nightmare but we also wanted to intentionally leave it there as bush.” The Cashmore family has been on their farm since the early 1900s, when they purchased four 1000-acre blocks from the Government for native timber milling. Over time they transitioned to sheep and cattle farming. The 1200-hectare operation spans an altitude range from 200 to 600 metres above sea level, with varying soil types including volcanic soil on the higher ground and alluvial silt loams on the river flats. Of the total area, 840 hectares is farmable. Environmental considerations also guide how the farm manages its more challenging terrain. “In our steeper country where we have water run and eroding hillsides we let the scrub regenerate to hold the hillside and protect the water course,” says Rob. “It also helps discourage stock from those areas and is less work for us in terms of cutting scrub back.” Cashmore Farms also favours variable rate application of fertiliser. “It helps ensure the fertiliser is utilised better and avoids run off issues. It helps us grow more grass in the right places,” says Rob. The farm’s livestock operation comprises 2800 ewes, 3920 lambs, 800 hoggets, approximately 200 cows, 190 calves, along with various replacement and finishing cattle. Managing this scale of operation while maintaining environmental standards requires careful planning, particularly given the financial challenges faced by many New Zealand farmers. “Cashflow is always a struggle. We get all our income October to February. Then we have to budget that for the remaining months of the year,” explains Rob. To address this challenge, the farm has implemented a winter trading strategy, purchasing around 3000 lambs which remain on the property for three to six months before being sold in October/ November. “Storing our own lambs on the farm helps with the winter trading. It removes mouths from the farm, taking the pressure off the farm for a couple of months to grow feed to be able to purchase winter trading lambs,” says Rob. Climate change presents perhaps the most significant challenge to the farm’s continued environmental stewardship. Like many agricultural operations across New Zealand, Cashmore Farms is experiencing more volatile weather patterns. “Our changing weather patterns - getting all the rain in one condensed time period, and then being dry for another extended time period - is forcing us all to change,” says Rob. Despite these challenges, the Cashmore family, now in its fifth generation of farming the same land, remains committed to its dual focus on productivity and sustainability. With Rob managing the farming operations, his wife Rachel handling accounts, one full-time staff member, and parents Bill and Lynette still helping out, they continue the proud family farming tradition. Turanganui Romneys Mike Warren 027 446 5312 or 06 307 7841 Guy Warren 027 848 0164 WilliamWarren 027 824 9327 Proud to be the supplier of sheep genetics to Cashmore Farms Ltd

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Kohitiata Specialists in breeding Charolais bulls Herd Sire. Karen Phelps Dairy farmers Norm Atkins and his wife Del, who operate the Glen Rua Charolais Stud near Ormondville east of Norsewood, have established themselves as specialists in breeding Charolais bulls that meet the specific needs of dairy farmers. “I sell most of my bulls to the dairy industry so have to pay a lot of attention to birthweights and birth EBVs,” says Norm. “I don’t like keeping bulls for my own use above 45kgs birthweight.” The Atkins family moved to their current 430- hectare property in 2004, having previously farmed at Turakina. Their diverse operation includes a 140-hectare dairy platform running predominantly pedigree Jerseys with some Friesians, Ayrshires and Shorthorns, with the remainder dedicated to drystock, including their 50-cow Charolais stud. The journey with Charolais began long before the official establishment of Glen Rua, with the Atkins using polled bulls and artificial insemination since the 1980s over the beef cow herd. The stud itself was formally established in 2002 when he purchased foundation stock at Rusty McIntyre’s Waimoe dispersal sale. The stud’s genetic base was further strengthened with four cows from the Greenwood Park dispersal in Central Hawke’s Bay from the cow Diligent of the Silverstream Chandler line and from Kaitoki Stud along with other purchases over the years. Another significant milestone came in 2004 with the purchase of their first natural mating polled bull from the Cotswold Stud by McKenzie Downs Sam. Subsequent to that the family purchased McKenzie Downs Edward. In both cases the polled blood came from LT Unlimited Duke bred in Dakota in USA. Subsequent to that LT Wyoming Wind, Windstar, Bluegrass and Venture. Norm says that what sets Glen Rua apart is its focus on polled genetics, a trait increasingly sought after by dairy farmers. “We’ve been focusing on polled genetics for a lot longer than anyone and Charolais has taken off hugely in the dairy industry - they want ease of calving and polled,” says Norm who is a member of the Charolais Society and sells approximately 20 bulls annually by private treaty during winter. “I believe we’ve had a good track record in the dairy industry with ease of calving.” The Charolais cows are run on steep limestone hill country about 10 kilometres from the dairy farm, creating a natural environment that tests their foraging abilities. “I’m looking for a big weaner and good milk producer,” explains Norm. “I don’t believe you need to sacrifice the muscling of the terminal sire if you breed a bit of milk in your cows.” Temperament is another crucial selection criterion at Glen Rua. “We cull for feet and cull hard for temperament. I’ve now got a very quiet herd,” says Norm. “Some of the early AI bulls left some pretty toey animals but we’ve sorted that now.” The dairy operation itself peak milks 360 cows through a 28-aside herringbone shed. The herd comprises approximately 230-240 spring calvers and 120 autumn calvers, with the balance being carry-overs. A Jersey stud operates under the name Kohitiata, while the other breeds come under the Edenmore banner. The farm’s geography presents challenges, with the Makotuku stream running through a large gully that effectively splits the property. One side is flat, comprising about a third of the farm, while the other side is more rolling. This layout results in some long walks for the dairy herd, with the furthest paddock about two kilometres from the shed. In addition to the main dairy unit, the Atkins family operates five other blocks that provide run-offs, supplementary feed and diversity through sheep and beef operations. The “wight” choice for quiet thick muscled hill country born and raised R2 bulls. 3 year feet guarantee. Top polled NZ and American genetics tried and tested for 25 years. Proven calving record in the dairy industry for 10 years including our own Jersey herd. Contact your agent or Norm Atkins kohitiata@gmail.com CATTLE SOCIETY INC. OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT • SERVICING • AUTOMOTIVE • LIGHT ENGINEERING 027 877 9116 djrmechanical92@gmail.com

| 9 Third generation of Blackwells on farm Emma Bailey Mangaotea Farm is now firmly in the care of the third generation of Blackwells with daughter Zarrah and husband Richard Giddy now managing the Taranaki property. The family began farming part of the 400 hectare block near Inglewood in 1963 when her grand parents bought it. Her father Robin took over along with buying adjoining land. Zarrah and her brothers’ Daniel and Hamish grew up there and have fond memories of always being outside, building huts, going camping and riding horses or motorbikes Daniel now works in IT in Wellington and Hamish owns a contracting business and vineyard in Marlborough. Mangaotea is a busy operation of Hereford, Angus, Murray Grey and Southdown studs, dairy heifer and cow grazing, supplement feed sale, jersey bulls and a commercial Romney flock. For Zarrah, 37, it’s a great privilege to now be raising their nearly three-year-old daughter Bonnie there. “A lot of people say how lucky we are she’s growing up in the rural life. She’s really outdoorsy and loves being on the farm.” Zarrah gained her certificate in agriculture and went shepherding for a few years in the Hunterville/ Taihape area before working for CRT as a grazing agent in the South Island, she moved to Australia for five years working on vast cattle stations at the top of Western Australia, three hours form Broome before returning in 2017. “It was a pretty amazing experience, I learnt a lot about cattle and horses. It is just so different over there. The properties and so extensive, you are in the desert dealing with a wet season and a dry season rather than the four seasons we get here.” After moving back she met Richard, 42, who was an owner driver for Moratti Contracting. A rural lad himself he grew up on a dairy farm in Kaimiro near Inglewood. In 2021 she started farming alongside her dad Robin and in 2023 Rich bought out her dads 50 per cent holding in the operating company and they RURAL PEOPLE » Mangaotea Farm also purchased a small block of land on the farm with a farmhouse on it. The couple were even married on the farm. Her dad Robin and his wife Jacqueline now farm 100ha next door after downsizing last year. For her making sure the farm is efficient while also maintaining the quality they have become renowned for. “We are trying to be as efficient as possible without being stocked up to the eyeballs and also focused on making it a bit easier to manage feed, so PGG Wrightson livestock -Helping grow the country All the best to Mangaotea Farm Andrew Gibson 027 444 0108 Servicing Mangaotea Bull sale and grazing requirements “Ongoing research & development results in superior products & performance advantages including; more yield, faster milking, no slip and no teat end damage.” every year we have tried to streamline it as much as possible.” The farm is known locally for its on farm bull sale each year in September. Giving back to the community is very important so they also hold a charity auction following the sale which generates around $20,000. “ The money is now donated to rural support. Mike Green was a massive driver for that and the trust does really important work supporting farmers. The farm is known locally for its on farm bull sale each year in September.

10 | RURAL PEOPLE » Alcuin Station ‘More grass than we’ve ever had’ Up in the Alcuin Station hills the Motu largely kept within its banks, and such damage as did occur was fairly readily fixed. Hugh de Lacy A “fantastic” year of pasture growth has helped Alcuin Station on the Motu River, 100km west of Gisborne, recover from the 2023 disaster that was Cyclone Gabrielle, according to owner Mark Johnson. “We’ve got more grass than we’ve ever had, and what with prices bouncing back for meat and even wool it’s been an especially good year,” he says. “We couldn’t be more happy, but we weren’t as badly affected as farmers in the coastal Gisborne regions, mainly because we’re in a high rainfall area so the damage wasn’t as bad as it could be. “We lost a lot of fences and it took three or four weeks of concentrated work to get them re-built, but everyone pitched in and we’re well and truly over that problem now.” Up in the Alcuin Station hills the Motu largely kept within its banks, and such damage as did occur was fairly readily fixed, while the stable nature of the country meant that all tracks remained passable. No less importantly, Alcuin was able to main its pre-cyclone stocking levels on its 2400ha, of which 1600ha is effective, carrying 15,000 stock units of sheep and cattle at a ratio of about 40%-60%. “In short, this past season has been fantastic, and we’re able to stick with the status quo stock-wise and concentrate on maximising returns,” Mark says. “I’ve heard from a lot of different quarters that the next couple of years are really positive for meat, while crossbred wool, which has been dragging the chain for years, is up nearly a dollar a kilogram and showing signs of continuing on that trajectory too. “You have to feel sorry for the dairy farmers facing a bad drought up north, but the record milk payout will soften that blow for them, and it offers opportunities for the likes of meat producers to get weaners at a more reasonable price.” High on-farm and regulation costs remain a burden, but with a bright outlook and prices strong for everything from forestry to horticulture, the farm profitability balancing act is easier to manage. In terms of the environment, Mark, who felt a year ago that the public was pointing the finger at farmers for global warming and the weather bombs it’s bringing, now feels that the public has developed a more positive perception as a result of the cyclone. “If nothing else Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrated the constructive role that farmers play in protecting the environment, and that message finally seemed to get through as we got a huge surge of support during the clean-up,” he says. “The thing about the state of emergency that followed the cyclone was that an unbelievable amount of things got done in a very short period of time: everybody seemed to weigh in and offer help “You have to feel sorry for the dairy farmers facing a bad drought up north.” Ben Chadwick - Gisborne Area Manager 0800 686 060 | 027 282 0937 ben.chadwick@farmersair.co.nz Simon Grant - Chief Pilot/Wairoa base pilot 027 642 5717 simon@farmersair.co.nz www.farmersair.co.nz by everything from donating fence-posts to getting out and helping getting things back to normal. “We can’t just keep looking back on an event like Gabrielle: we can learn from it, but not look back,” Mark says.

| 11 RURAL PEOPLE » Alcuin Station Alcuin was able to maintain its pre-cyclone stocking levels on its 2400ha. PROUD TO SUPPLY RAMS TO ALCUIN STATION Ramguard tested at .64 2025 INSPECTION ANYTIME 705 Mangakaretu Road RD2, KERIKERI 0295 Shane and Dot Dromgool LONGVIEW BEEF SHORTHORN Contact: Shane and Dot Dromgool 021 0295 2030 E: s.d.dromgool@actrix.co.nz Quiet temperament, high growth rates, excellent cross breeding sires, strong maternal traits ANNUAL ON-FARM AUCTION 1PM, Friday 23 May 2025 22 Bulls Carrfields PGG Wrightsons Neil Miller 027 497 3492 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Bruce Orr 027 492 2122 Vaughan Vujcich 027 496 8706 EJ Gordon Livestock Neville Clark 027 598 6537

12 | Technology monitoring cow health key The 204-hectare farm milks 544 cows through a 44-a-side herringbone shed. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Paul Koopal One year after claiming the Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year title and placing third overall nationally at the 2024 Dairy Industry Awards, Paul and Sarah Koopal are reaping substantial benefits from their competition success that extend far beyond the initial recognition. The Koopals, who operate as contract milkers on Paul’s family farm at Rerewhakaaitu, say that their prize of a three-year subscription to CowManager has had great benefits for their operation. “CowManager is collecting data 247,” says Paul. “Being able to use that data to make micro changes to diet in and around the transition period and throughout mating, has been invaluable.” The farm has maintained a 77% six-week in-calf rate and just 10% not in calf rate. The technology continuously monitors cow health, enabling early intervention before issues escalate. “The team receive health alerts on individual cows so we know before it’s obvious that there is something wrong so we can investigate it earlier and get improved outcomes.” explains Paul. “We are saving time in the cowshed as we don’t need to tail paint and CowManager is also integrated with the drafting gate meaning all on heat cows are automatically drafted out every morning.” Another major benefit has been eliminating the need for bulls during mating. “Because Cow Manager does all the heat detection, we now use AB for our whole mating programme and have been able to make strategic mating decisions. Having no bulls on farm also eliminates another biosecurity and health and safety risk,” says Paul. The competition victory has opened numerous doors for the couple. They’ve taken on committee roles helping organise this year’s awards and have been involved with the Share Farmer programme. “It’s been very rewarding giving back to the industry. We were involved from trainees to sharefarmers and it’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and talent coming through,” says Sarah. Their competition profile has also attracted quality staff. “When we won in 2024, a young farm assistant Sophie Kors, was in the audience and sought us out. She is joining our team next season as our farm assistant. It’s a big deal as it’s important for us to get young, enthusiastic and career driven staff,” explains Sarah. Their competition success has not only validated their farming practices but also their approach to staff development. The couple’s employees have experienced their own competition success, with Jessie Pope winning the 2024 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year and Jasmine Hall taking the trainee title the previous year. “Jessie is going on to help manage a farm in Reporoa. It’s been positive for her to enter the awards as well. Jasmine is studying for a Bachelor of Agriculture. We’re so proud of both of them,” says Sarah. The 204-hectare farm milks 544 cows through a 44-a-side herringbone shed with automatic cup removers, Protrack automatic drafting and automatic teat spray. The couple have focused intensively on genetics, with their herd now ranking nationally in the top 10% to 20% for breeding worth and production worth. “What’s really important to us is our six-week in-calf rate because a tighter calving spread means more days in milk, increased culling options, lower NZ Farmers Livestock proudly supports Paul and Sarah Koopal Working with Farmers for Farmers Michael Conwell Your Local Agent m 027 226 1611 k michael.conwell@nzfll.co.nz replacement numbers, increased days to get back in-calf and reduced greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of milk solids, We are on track to have a record production season,” says Paul. The Koopals are now exploring their most significant opportunity yet - buying into the farm through an equity partnership with Paul’s parents, Stewart and Anne. “The farm has been in the family for almost 60 years,” says Paul, who represents the third generation to run the operation, “so to carry that on is pretty exciting.”

| 13 RURAL PEOPLE » Otapawa Station First time entrant did not expect to win Nicki Woodlock First time entrant James Robbie won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Award for the East Coast Region on March 8th after a day of practical and theoretical challenges at Solway Showgrounds in Masterton. 25 year old Robbie is a sheep and cattle farmer from Tiraumea. In the East Coast competition there were six entrants battling for the top spot. Robbie achieved the win after gaining the most points from a mix of challenges. Challenges for the contestants included; a head-to-head, a general knowledge ‘buzzer-style’ quiz and sponsor-led challenges. Contestants were tested on practical skills, technical knowledge, and their ability to deal with pressure. Prizes for winning the regional competition included; a Honda XR150 farm bike, Milwaukee tools, $1000 cash from FMG, and a mix of gift cards from sponsors and lambswool blankets. Robbie did not expect to win. “I thought there were aspects that I’d do well in. I’m always quietly confident in myself. I just went out there to enjoy it and see where I’d end up”, says Robbie. “My inexperience in the competition made it challenging. I think that my experience overcoming challenges on a day to day basis on the family farm, and the ability to think outside the box led to me having more success. Being patient, thinking and problem solving in a different way helped”, says Robbie of the win. “The biggest challenge in the competition was not knowing what was in store and the toughest challenge was the farmlet that we had to manage”, says Robbie. Robbie is thrilled to win and says, “I’m very proud to represent the Puketoi Young Farmers club and the region. I wanted to do it to the best of my abilities. It’s a special place to grow up and farm”. Robbie believes that his varied role on the 5th generation sheep and cattle Robbie family farm - Otapawa Station in Tiraumea, and being active in the wider industry both helped him prepare for the competition. “I’d love to win the grand final. I back myself to do it. I’m the underdog, but I know I can do it. The whole experience is great to expand my network and my knowledge from industry leaders and come away with a deeper knowledge of agriculture in New Zealand”, says Robbie. Robbie is now preparing for the grand final in Invercargill in July, and is brushing up on specialist areas of farming; viticulture, aquaculture, arable farming, and horticulture. “A huge knowledge is required to win the grand final and I need to sharpen up. I’ve been studying up with industry leaders in these areas”. When asked what makes a great farmer, Robbie says, “A compassionate and caring person - I make sure that both the animals and the land are healthy”. He also believes that people having a stronger connection and understanding of where their food comes from would improve farming in New Zealand. Robbie’s future goal is to take over the family farm and improve and build on the Robbie family legacy. . Dip.Ag., B.B.S., C.A We give you time for the things you • Export Stock • Store Stock • Wholesale Stock • Valuations • Clearing Sales • Advice Proud to be supporting Otapawa 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 Robbie is now preparing for the grand final in Invercargill in July. Young Farmer of the Year East Coast Region Winner, James Robbie.

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