Business Rural North Winter 2026

North Taranaki’s Otawin Farming operation impressed the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards judges in many ways - Page 46 Strategic land management in focus WINTER 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents Aysgarth Angus �� 03 Bruce Cameron - Tuakau �� 04 Atihau Whanganui Inc. �� 06 Circle D Ranch �� 08 Martin Pastoral �� 10 Cricklewood Angus �� 11 Dandaleith Angus �� 12 Dean Gower Beef and Lamb �� 14 Dunsmore Gardens �� 16 Hillier - Wadham �� 17 Shortland Farm �� 18 Hinewaka Shorthorns �� 19 Jamie Blennerhassett �� 20 Jesse and Sharon Bagley �� 21 John Balvert �� 22 John Blackwell Dargaville �� 23 John and Mary Allen �� 24 Moeangiangi Station �� 26 Lagoon Hill �� 28 Paroa Station �� 29 Matangi Ltd �� 30 Monowai Farming �� 32 Pouarua Dairy Unit �� 34 Rockland Charolais �� 35 Rangiora Trust �� 36 Rimrock Hills �� 37 Rukumoana Farm �� 38 Sarona Herefords �� 39 Spring Farms �� 40 Motumatai Pastorals �� 41 Beef It Simmentals �� 42 Dyversified �� 42 Hononga Farming Ltd �� 43 David Turner - Eltham �� 43 Peta Lean �� 44 Seaforth Farms �� 44 Roscliff Shorthorns �� 45 Raupuha Shorthorn Stud �� 45 Otawin Farming �� 46 Burnage Road Orchards �� 47 Marangai Station �� 48 Plant Hawkes Bay Ltd �� 49 Matai Pacific Iwi Collective �� 50 Ratahi Holdings �� 52 A Mua Ltd �� 53 Henare Trust �� 53 Otorohaea Farming �� 54 South Ponui Island farm �� 55 Waiteko Farm �� 56 Canopy Camping �� 57 NZFMA - Haden Shaw �� 58 Small Farm Services �� 60 Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua �� 61 Blake Fencing Contractors �� 62 Power Farming - Gisborne �� 62 Taihape Bulk Spreading �� 63 Welch Shearing �� 63 Independent Wrap �� 64 Ag Design �� 65 JCL Contracting �� 66 Battensby Bros Contracting �� 67 MAW Limited �� 68 PlaceMakers - Hawkes Bay �� 69 Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network �� 70 Stevenson & Taylor Ltd �� 71 Short Back and Sides �� 72 ION Ready �� 73 Kairaumati Hereford Stud �� 73 Mount Erin Station �� 74 Nine Streams Farm �� 76 23 | Beef attracting record prices 35 | Big ambition this calving season 50 | Inter-generational treasure recognised 14 | Strong returns with careful planning 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 » Aysgarth Angus “We’re pretty tough in our selection of heifers - their conformation has to be good and also that they need to be well fleshed.” Accidental purchase launches Aysgarth Angus Waimata 466 grazing happily with his girls. Kim Bowden Waikato Angus breeder Dianne Stockdale takes a back-to-basics approach, focusing on structural soundness and what she can see in front of her rather than chasing Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). From a 170-acre block beside Pirongia Forest Park, Dianne runs a pure New Zealand Angus stud, Aysgarth Angus. Dianne describes the elevated land as being “not good finishing country” - too cold and too elevated. Instead, Resurgam Angus takes their bulls through to finishing, with the animals presented at the annual Resurgam Angus sale under Dianne’s stud logo. She keeps 40 breeding cows and replacement heifers. “We’re pretty tough in our selection of heifers - their conformation has to be good and also that they need to be well fleshed,” she says. The stud began in the early 1990s with what Dianne calls an “accidental” purchase of seven Waihohonu heifers. “When I looked up, the auctioneer said, ‘They’re yours’. I wasn’t planning that at all,” she says. “It was pretty tough to come home and tell Steve I’ve just spent all our Christmas money.” Those heifers provided the foundation for a herd that has been built up over three decades. Unlike many breeders who have integrated fast-growing North American genetics, Dianne has remained fiercely NZ-made sourcing bulls from local studs like Resurgam, Kenhardt, and Waimata. “I wanted to stick with traditional Aberdeen Angus and use the bloodlines that were free of American influence,” she says. “We fell in love with the animals. Our females are very feminine, and our males are very masculine, and that’s how it should be. I’m really strong on structure.” This commitment often puts her at odds with the EBV system, which statistically rewards the rapid growth traits common in overseas lines. However, she was reassured by a recent visit by Ian Walsh of Falkirk Genetics, who she says “couldn’t believe” how structurally sound her females were. “He gave us a boost because the New Zealand genetics are getting stung by the EBV system,” she says. “Buyers out there now are focused on EBV and we’re being left right out but what we’ve got is a fine herd. We’re very proud of them.” Her concern is that a narrow focus on growth data compromises the “balance” of the animal. She draws a parallel with the dairy industry, where she feels a singular emphasis on milk production eventually weakened the cows’ physical frames. “I really think that the EBV focus can destroy the structural integrity of the national herd,” she says. “If you sort your structure out, everything else falls into place.” For Dianne, it all comes back to the type of animal she wants to see in the paddock. Her breeding decisions were influenced early on by a simple philosophy: “You breed animals that you like to look at”. She uses Angus ward tours to see how other breeders approach their herds. Her advice to the next generation is simple: get out on those Angus tours. She believes observing the physical variation between herds is the best way to develop the “eye” for an animal. In her view, the industry has lost something valuable by moving away from the old inspector system. “The old system of having inspectors help select the pedigree herd is a good concept,” she says. “New people who are setting out – they need to have somebody who can appraise the animals structurally.” Sean & Jodi Brosnahan Waitangihia Station 386 Wainui Road, Ohope 3121 m: 021 997 519 e: sean@resurgamangus.com QUALITY ANIMAL GENETICS Contact Ian Walsh - 07 877 8345 | 0274 809807 | e: falkirk1@xtra.co.nz | www.falkirkgenetics.co.nz Less Feed, Better Returns: The Proven Economics of Optimal Genetics IAN WALSH The Falkirk Index System revolutionises livestock evaluation using advanced ultrasound scanning technology, making it easier for farmers to assess and rank their animals based on retail meat value.

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Bruce and Yvonne Cameron - Tuakau Need more youth in advocacy roles A sign Bruce and Yvonne have on the road frontage of the property. Kelly Deeks Federated Farmers Franklin chairman Bruce Cameron is calling for more young farmers to step into advocacy roles, saying the sector needs fresh voices to help shape its future at a time of increasing pressure and change. Bruce, who has farmed for 52 years, says attracting younger members into Federated Farmers has become one of the organisation’s biggest challenges. “We are always looking for new people and fresh ideas, but it is not easy finding someone willing to step up and take on these roles,” Bruce says. Bruce continues to lead the Franklin branch while running his sheep and beef operation with his wife Yvonne, finishing Friesian and Charolais bulls for the manufacturing beef market. Bruce says there is a clear need to build capability in the next generation. “Younger farmers have different ideas and that is a real strength for the industry, but we have to find better ways to connect with them and show them why being involved matters.” Bruce says traditional communication channels are no longer as effective for reaching younger farmers, with social media now playing a much larger role. “They are not watching TV or reading newspapers like previous generations, so we need to meet them where they are and make sure they understand what Federated Farmers does.” He says the organisation offers a pathway for young farmers to influence decision making and gain a broader understanding of the sector, while also building networks that support them in their own farming careers. “There is a real opportunity for a young farmer to come onto the executive and see the difference we can make through advocacy.” Bruce believes Federated Farmers remains critical in representing farmers across all sectors, particularly as regulatory pressures continue to evolve. 09 237 3095 | sales@mrmotorcycles.co.nz *T’s & C’s apply - pricing subject to change without notice MULE SX BIGFOOT 400cc Petrol $16,132 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-MX 700cc Petrol $20,911 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-FX $24,068 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-DX 1000cc Diesel $25,825 e x c l . g s t 812cc Petrol MULE PRO-FXR 1000cc Petrol $27,180 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-FXHD 1000cc Petrol $27,468 e x c l . g s t Inline-3 Single Single Inline-twin Inline-3 Inline-twin DIESEL 5 Stadium Dr, Pukekohe “It is the only organisation that represents all farmers across the board, and that advocacy is extremely strong.” He says the realities of farming continue to highlight the importance of that representation, even in a strong season. “It has been a brilliant season for grass growth and I don’t think I have ever had one as good as this,” he says. However, rising input costs continue to create pressure, with fuel and fertiliser prices increasing despite stronger returns. “The downside is that imports all cost more, so fuel, fertiliser, and everything coming onto the farm becomes more expensive.” Global factors have also influenced fertiliser pricing. “A lot of our fertiliser comes from overseas, so what is happening globally does have a direct impact here.” Despite these challenges, Bruce says New Zealand farmers continue to operate to an almost organic standard in comparison to the rest of the world. However the combination of strong production systems and environmental performance is not always well understood by the public or the government. For Bruce, ensuring younger farmers engage with Federated Farmers is about protecting that story and strengthening the sector’s voice into the future. “If we can get more young people involved, they will see the value in it and help carry the organisation forward, and that is what we need for the long term.” Taylor Contracting Glen Murray Round Silage and Hay | Conventional Hay and Pickup Crew | Disc Drill with Fertilizer Hopper Fertilizer Spreaders | All Ground Work Services | Tip Trailer 12 Tonne | Roller 3-10 Tonne Proudly Supporting Bruce & Yvonne Cameron Contact Us 021 907 035 robtaylor211071@gmail.com 2302 Highway 22 RD 5, Tuakau | 027 923 9667 | hillcountry588@gmail.com • FARM & RURAL FENCING • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FENCING

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau Whanganui Inc. Leadership change and a strategic reset The organisation also continues to invest in environmental work across its landholdings, including pasture management, waterways, tree planting and retiring areas of native bush. Russell Fredric A period of leadership change and strategic reset is shaping the future direction of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation, one of New Zealand’s largest Maori agribusinesses. The incorporation is currently in a period of transition, with both a new chairman, Shar Armer, and new chief executive, John Tahere, appointed within a short timeframe. “We’re resetting the business and the company focus,” Shar says. “We had mediocre results for three or four years and it’s slowly shifting the company around. We want to return it back to being seen as a leader again and bring back that positive profile.” The incorporation has been operating for more than 50 years and today is responsible for about 44,000 hectares of land across multiple stations, with total assets of around $330 million and approximately 70 staff across farming and corporate operations. Because of its structure as a Maori incorporation, the business operates differently from a typical farming company, balancing commercial performance with responsibilities to shareholders, land, environment, and future generations. “We provide to our shareholders through dividends, and we also have a large charitable trust aspect with social investment, including tertiary education support, marae and kaumatua health. So we have the social side that we have to be very cognisant of, as well as the environmental and commercial sides.” To create clearer direction across the organisation, the incorporation recently reduced its strategic priorities from seven down to three, allowing staff and management to focus more clearly on the core areas of the business. Farm performance is the first priority, reflecting the importance of on-farm productivity as the engine of the business. The second priority TRC Toyota Whanganui For all your motoring needs we are here to look after you and your vehicle - from an extensive range of New Toyota Vehicles, great Used vehicles, finance & insurance tailored for you, Toyota parts and Toyota accessories to make your vehicle look awesome, Servicing including tyres, windscreen repairs and replacement and so much more. Always happy to see you and your vehicle. 06 348 8850 221 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4500 www.manawatutoyota.co.nz 100 Seddon St, Raetihi | Ph 06 385 4611 Fax 06 385 4856 clinic@ruapehuvetservices.co.nz Proud to Supply Atihau – Whanganui Incorporation Veterinary Service and Product

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau Whanganui Inc. The business operates differently from a typical farming company, balancing commercial performance with responsibilities to shareholders, land, environment, and future generations. focuses on partnerships across suppliers, customers, and stakeholders, while the third centres on data-driven decision making and technology adoption. “If we don’t have the on-farm performance operating well, then we’re really not in business. We also want to be better through partnerships and make sure they are mutually beneficial, and the third area is data-driven outcomes, because we need to be better at collecting data and using it to make decisions.” Technology is expected to play a larger role across the business in the future, including farm technology systems and the use of data and artificial intelligence to improve decision making and efficiency across the organisation. Alongside improving farm performance and systems, the incorporation is also focused on reducing debt and managing risk, particularly given its exposure to commodity markets and the food production sector. “We’ve got a three to five-year journey planned out. The focus is reducing debt, being profitable, but also making sure we are de-risked and sustainable so we’re in a strong position in five years’ time. We’re not even a year into the plan yet but the results are starting to show already.” The organisation also continues to invest in environmental work across its landholdings, including pasture management, waterways, tree planting and retiring areas of native bush, reflecting the long-term nature of the incorporation and its responsibility to future generations. “We always ask one key question when we’re making decisions – what value does this bring to the incorporation, the land and the people associated with it? If we can answer that, then we know we’re heading in the right direction.” Call us today! Manawatu Shearing Top Service Competitive Rates Covering Manawatu, Rangitikei &Wairarapa areas 021 124 4 926 manawatu.shearing@gmail.com FARMING AND ALL THINGS RURAL Proudly Supporting Atihau Whanganui Inc. M: 027 497 4907 E: raetahifarmsupplies@gmail.com Locals Helping Locals

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Circle D Ranch Big commitment to sustainable farming Circle D Ranch spans 760 hectares, of which about 670 are effective, with around 100 hectares in trees and scrub. Alexia Anderson Brayden McKenzie, of Circle D Ranch near Dannevirke, has been recognised for his commitment to sustainable farming after being named a finalist in the 2026 Horizons region of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. He received the Horizons Regional Council Award for Integration of Trees, highlighting the environmental gains being made across the family’s sheep and beef operation. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate sustainable farming and growing practices across New Zealand, with the Integration of Trees Award recognising farmers who successfully incorporate trees into their properties to enhance outcomes such as soil erosion control, biodiversity and stock wellbeing. Circle D Ranch spans 760 hectares, of which about 670 are effective, with around 100 hectares in trees and scrub. The scale of the property, combined with its mix of land types, has required a considered and long-term approach to development. Brayden’s latest accolade reflects the countless hours spent transforming the land, not just to benefit the environment, but also the wider farm operation, including stock performance. “I feel like we’ve made good progress with our environmental work that we’ve been doing through our Whole Farm Plan with Miar Ownens at the regional council,” he says, of what prompted him to enter the awards. A large amount of work has helped shape the land, including 5.5km of fencing around the farm’s main creek, alongside ongoing planting programmes. Poplar and willow trees have been introduced to support erosion control, although Brayden says it Cheri Henricksen B.B.S., C.A. We’ll help drive your FAMILY-OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED PROUDLY SERVING OUR FARMERS. RURALAIRWORK.CO.NZ 06 8568070 0272759050 Josh & Suzie Calder Owner Operators

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Circle D Ranch Proud to support Circle D Ranch Hay, Baleage & Feeds Kevin Hermansen 027 485 5755 Silage & Trucking Paul Glover 027 286 1699 Agricultural Cultivation Kevin Hermansen 027 485 5755 Email: hermycontracting@xtra.co.nz can take several years before they are fully established and making a noticeable impact. He says erosion plantings will require fodder pruning, and the offcuts will be fed to stock during droughts, creating an additional on-farm benefit. “We’re pretty proud of how that’s been going and we’ve just this last winter done a bit of a trial in planting smaller poplar and willow stakes, instead of 3m poles.” That concept aims to establish a greater number of trees more efficiently, further strengthening the farm’s resilience. Brayden, who is fourth generation on the family farm, established a Hereford stud in 2022, adding another dimension to the farming operation and a continued focus on quality livestock. Challenges on-farm are generally weather related, prompting a focus on shelter and long-term land protection through planting. “We’ve got a reasonable area of flats that are pretty exposed when it comes to wind and sideways rain so I’m trying to get some stock shelter established in the future.” The family farm, which Brayden runs alongside wife Jessi and their two children Riley, 5, and Tanner, 3, will celebrate its 100 year anniversary in May, next year. “So, we’re looking forward to that,” he says. The family farm, which Brayden runs alongside wife Jessi and their two children Riley, 5, and Tanner, 3, will celebrate its 100 year anniversary in May, next year. Brayden acknowledged that while he manages the farm, that privilege would not be possible without the support of his parents David and Janett and the strong relationship he has with the wider family. “Their support [allowing me] to run the family farm is pretty important.” With the Ballance Farm Environment Awards process now complete, the recognition reinforces the value of the work being carried out on-farm. Judges recognised his overall work and holistic approach, highlighting the careful consideration behind the subdivision fencing across the property, ensuring it aligns with appropriate land use. This strategic planning, combined with strong grazing management, has led to improved pasture utilisation and feed efficiency. Together, these improvements are helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm for generations to come. Services include: • General farm earthworks • House & shed site preparation • Drainage solutions • Root raking • Fence line clearing • Pipe laying & mole ploughing • Portable sawmilling • Red metal supply & cartage Equipment: • 13T digger • Bulldozer • Truck & transporter • Tractor trailer

10 | Traditional breeding with modern technology Dave Martin says the operation has evolved significantly over time. Photo: Sue Wilson. Karen Phelps A focus on resilience, productivity and people is shaping the future of Martin Pastoral, a multi-generational farming business based near Wairoa. Operating across two properties - the 2,000-hectare Shannon Station hill country block and the 220-hectare Roscommon Farm finishing unit - the business blends traditional breeding with modern technology and diversified income streams. Dave Martin says the operation has evolved significantly over time, remaining grounded in its core strengths. “We focus on doing the basics really well, breeding sheep and cattle to the best of our ability through strong genetics and management,” says Dave. The family’s connection to the land dates back to 1906, when Dave’s great-grandfather and greatuncle first carved the farm out of native bush. Now ownership is shared between Dave, his father Frank and uncle Joe, with Dave taking on the role of general manager. “Dad still comes up and drives the tractor and is involved in the financial side, I call him my CFO,” says Dave with a laugh. The hill country farm runs around 580 breeding cows and 6,000 ewes, predominantly Romney sheep alongside Angus and some Hereford cattle. Manager Jeremy Bright and two shepherds run Shannon Station day-to-day. Stock bred on the property are transferred to Roscommon Farm, where they are finished for market. Depending on the season, the finishing block carries up to 400 cattle and 1,700 lambs. “We take lambs from weaning, then another lot in autumn, and aim to finish them from May through to October at 22 kilos plus,” says Dave. Cattle are typically brought down as weaners and traditionally grazed behind electric fencing through winter. About 50% are sold store as R1s and the rest finished at 320kg carcass weight. However, the introduction of new technology is set to change that. Dave says the recent adoption of Gallagher eShepherd virtual fencing collars is expected to significantly improve both animal performance and staff efficiency. “Our biggest issue in winter is when it’s cold and wet, animals walk in their feed behind a wire,” says Dave. “With the collars, we can shift them easily without physically moving fences, which should mean better feed utilisation and weight gains.” Roscommon Farm also supports a mixed cropping programme, with around 25 per cent of the land in summer cash crops. These include milling maize for RURAL PEOPLE » Martin Pastoral processing into food products and squash for export markets. The decision to diversify followed the de-conversion of the finishing farm from dairy after the 2008 downturn. “It made sense to move to a system that better suited our overall operation,” says Dave. Recent years have tested the resilience of the business with two major cyclone events causing widespread damage. “The hill country was badly hit in 2022 with slips and fencing losses, while Cyclone Gabrielle impacted the finishing block more severely,” says Dave. “We had areas buried in up to 700 millimetres of silt, so it’s taken time to get pastures back to full production.” A strong commodity cycle has helped fund recovery efforts and deferred maintenance. “Hill country farms are expensive to maintain, so being able to catch up on infrastructure has been important,” says Dave. Sustainability is another key focus, both environmentally and operationally. Martin Pastoral is part of the local catchment group, working on riparian planting and erosion control in a landscape prone to slips. “Sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s also about having a system that works financially and is attractive for staff,” says Dave. “Utilising technology like the electronic cow collars along with traditional horse and dog work helps make the job easier and more appealing.” MARTIN PASTORAL PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH

| 11 Gearing up for another successful bull sale Cricklewood covers the country to find genetics for its stud that breed a reliable and resiliant animal. Rosa Watson RURAL PEOPLE » Cricklewood Angus Cricklewood Angus is priming itself for its sale this June, following on from a successful first ever on farm sale last year. All going well, fifteen bulls will be available, manager Michael McMillan tells Rural North. It comes after a successful first on farm sale last year. It was also the stud’s 90th year, “so it was quite a big moment”, he says. A highlight was the sale of Cricklewood U909 to Alan and Cathy Donaldson of Pukenui Angus, which went for $156,000 – holding the record for the highest price Angus for one day. He was a very structurally sound, consistent animal with balanced EBVs, he says. He is looking forward to showcasing the animals up for sale in the East Coast Bull Walk on May 25. While the animals are bred at Cricklewood, they will be at the farm’s Tahaenui property from the end of May until the sale where they will be able to be viewed by prior arrangement. The stud is run on a 3,000ha effective property, alongside 8500 commercial ewes and 1100 commercial cows. The operation uses its own bulls for breeding. Although the stud operation made up only a small part of the farming business, it is a vital part, he said. Cricklewood covers the country to find genetics for its stud that breed a reliable and resiliant animal. “We want to remain structurally sound.” Temperament is also crucial, he says. “The target is to breed for ourselves, so they need to work for our own commercial herd.” There are currently 150 calving Stud females, which includes yearling heifers. “So, it’s a smaller herd, but it’s a big driver of our commercial performance on the stations. “We sell only a handful of bulls, just to see how they knit with the rest of the commercial farms. They need to work for us before anyone else.” The stud was recently moved from Tahaenui Station back to Cricklewood Station where it originated from. It has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. Humphry Bayly Snr established the stud, believing Angus outperformed other cattle breeds, especially on hill country. Like to come shearing in the sunny Hawke’s Bay? We have jobs available frommid-May to end of September and mid-October through to March for seasonal sta . If you’d like to move here to live we have permanent positions available for the right people. All you need is a good work ethic and your gear. Accommodation available. Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06879 5553 John Bayly then carried on his legacy with a passion and dedication, leaving his own legacy. Michael says at the moment things are looking bright for farming. “It’s good to see farmers are finally being rewarded for their resilience on farm with higher prices.” He says the stud operation is working to improve their EBVS without losing their structural soundness, type and phenotypic traits, so selecting a stud bull has become more challenging. STOCK AGENT: Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586 STUD MASTER: Michael McMillan 021 682 321 All bulls have been AA inspected Cricklewood Angus proudly presents 15 bulls to be sold at our bull sale at Tahaenui Station, Nuhaka on Sunday 21st June at 4.30pm. Viewing at 2.30pm or by prior arrangement.

12 | Beef and sheep ‘in a great position’ To ensure bloodlines remain relevant to clients, they select the best genetics for their programme both nationally and internationally. Aimee Wilson RURAL PEOPLE » Dandaleith Angus George Philip of Dandaleith Angus is confident both the beef and sheep industries are in a great position, with some exciting years ahead. George is the fifth generation on the family farm at Dannevirke and is looking forward to the upcoming bull sale on farm in June. He runs the breeding block of 870ha of Mangatuna hill country near Weber, where there are 220 cows as part of the Dandaleith Angus Stud. His Uncle Willy Philip manages the 229ha ‘Anui’ farm of near Dannevirke, where they run their Dorset Down stud ewe flock. The Angus cows groom the pastures for the 4000 commercial Romney ewes at Mangatuna and young stock. Both the bull calves and the spring lambs are then sent onto the Anui finishing block for fattening. Last year Dandaleith Angus celebrated 75 years of the Angus stud and this season they have some exciting sires for sale. This year they will have progeny from sire Tangihau McHary S214 available for sale, described by George as a strong well structured sire with excellent temperament with some great progeny. They also have progeny from an American sire Poss Winchester available that they used selectively, and has had a great success rate of bulls making the final sale team. The ability to introduce new breeding values has been made easier thanks to the new Helical system from Angus New Zealand. KNOW THE LAND, KNOW THE NUMBERS. OUR BANKERS ARE FARMERS TOO. BACKING BUSINESS. GROWING AOTEAROA.

| 13 The future looks bright for the breeding industry, and Dandaleith Angus wants to build on its base. “We are targeting moderate-framed sound cattle that hold their condition in hill country sheep and beef system, and can hack grooming pastures for sheep systems and produce quality calves off a hill country grass based system.” RURAL PEOPLE » Dandaleith Angus “The Angus breeder will have the ability to add industry relevant breeding values easier in the future that will help farmers identify genetics that fit their system. “We have seen the introduction of cow condition score and hip height breeding values. It will be exciting to see where this data agility can take us.” George said their genetics have a history of performing in tough hill country, and they always aim to breed animals that thrive in these conditions. To ensure bloodlines remain relevant to clients, they select the best genetics for their programme both nationally and internationally. In recent years they have been able to artificially inseminate around 130 cows each season and they have mated their yearling heifers for over a decade to ensure their cows are as efficient as possible. “Cows need to perform in our system which focuses around our 4000 commercial ewe flock.” George said hill country farmers appreciate easily managed sound cattle that will perform and produce great calves and that grow out well. “We are targeting moderate-framed sound cattle that hold their condition in hill country sheep and beef system, and can hack grooming pastures for sheep systems and produce quality calves off a hill country grass based system.” The future looks bright for the breeding industry, and Dandaleith Angus wants to build on its base, and continue to invest in genetics that will take its customers and the beef industry forward. “We’re looking to continue using the best genetics we can and grow our numbers using AI. All of our calves are genomically tested to give our customer more confidence in our animal’s performance with genomically enhanced EBV’s,” he said. George said he’s also excited about new advancements in virtual fencing, which has the ability for farmers to run more cattle off less area and improve grass quality and production. Registered Chemical Applicator Bryce & Nicola Fleming Phone Bryce 0275813133 for all your broad acre agricultural spraying Air Conditioning Factory Trained Mechanics Engineering Workshop & Field Service Total Oil Distributor Hydraulic Hose Service ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ F O R M A C H I N E R Y S U C C E S S U S E L T S 2 0 2 2 8 Makirikiri Road, Dannevirke Ph 06 374 7731 • Dave 027 244 1213 Guy Strang For all your Livestock Needs Phone: 021 472 958 K I W I B O N E T O T H E www.a co.co.nz

14 | Strong returns with careful planning At Riverhills 550 cows are calved annually run alongside 5500 ewes and around 1800 hoggets. Karen Phelps In the hill country of Ohura, the Gower farming business is enjoying what can only be described as a standout year, combining strong financial returns with careful planning for the future of the family operation. Spanning two properties across central King Country, the business runs a large-scale sheep and beef system that has evolved over decades. The home farm, Riverhills, covers 1600 hectares and operates primarily as a breeding block, while the 500-hectare Pukerata finishing block sits 30 kilometres away in the Tapuiwahine Valley. “It’s a hell of a great year to be a farmer. Our sales of lambs has increased by about 40% on last year and a 30% lift in cattle prices,” says Dean Gower. “We are 22% down on lambs to sell due to a drought last year but that’s probably the only negative.” Despite rising costs across the board, the strength of livestock markets has underpinned what Dean describes as the best year the business has experienced. “It’s about trying to maintain an efficient and sustainable management policy that is profitable in our forever changing weather cycles,” he says. At Riverhills 550 cows are calved annually run alongside 5500 ewes and around 1800 hoggets. Young stock are wintered on a cell grazing system with approximately 600 rising one-year animals rotated through one to two-hectare cells on the easier hill country paddocks. Pukerata complements this system as a dedicated finishing block. All terminal lambs from Riverhills are sent there, where the cooler summer climate provides reliable finishing conditions. The property also lambs 1500 ewes in winter, runs 300 two-year-old bulls and winters a mix of heifers, including around 100 in-calf animals. Genetics play a key role in performance. The cattle herd is Angus with a strong emphasis on low birthweight. RURAL PEOPLE » Dean Gower Beef and Lamb “With our free range calving we can’t monitor the cows calving, they are very spread out amongst hill paddocks so our cows must calve on their own,” says Dean. “That’s worked well and we are achieving 87 to 92% calving rate.” One of the highest SIL FE recorded flocks in NZ Members of the Marchant Farms Dimmock Road, RD1, Pokeno, Maramarua John & Jan Marchant 09 232 5613 or 027 442 3130 marchant.farms@farmside.co.nz Greg & Angela Marchant 0272 815 386 gregm@farmside.co.nz ∙ FE Testing 0.60 ∙ FE Testing 0.62 ∙ FE Testing 0.65 2003 2004 - 2006 2007 - 2018 ∙ FE Testing 0.67 ∙ FE Testing 0.69 ∙ FE Testing 0.70 2019 - 2021 2022 2023 - 2025

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