| 15 RURAL PEOPLE » Dean Gower Beef and Lamb Limited 168 Totara St, Manunui 3924 Ph 07 895 8492 • Mobile 027 418 670 info@ongaruetransport.co.nz , i il i . . Proud to be associated with Dean Gower Beef and Lamb FOCUS GENETICS are proud to work with Dean Gower, Riverhills Farm, in the supply of their sheep genetics. For more information on the FocusPrime® or Goudies Romney contact us today. Temperament is also a priority, particularly as the business supplies 200 to 250 service bulls annually to the dairy sector. The Romney sheep flock has been steadily refined over time with a focus on resilience and productivity. Around 12 years ago the business committed to breeding for facial eczema tolerance, a decision that continues to pay dividends. “We have a scanning index of 2.74% and this gives us scanning at around 165 to 170%,” says Dean. “This is perfect for the hill country as we don’t see any real gains from going any higher.” Seasonal management decisions have also been adjusted to better align with pasture growth. Lambing now begins in the second week of September and calving has shifted later to 1 November. “This coincides with grass growth so we can calve cows out with the ewes and reduce metabolic issues as magnesium levels in the grass are generally good at this time of the year.” Like many sheep farmers, the business has faced challenges with wool. “We still make a loss out of our wool, but it has turned around after breaking even for a long time,” says Dean. “Rising shearing costs make an impact as we have to shear twice a year here being a higher rainfall area. Changing land use patterns with more land heading to forestry might have pumped the prices for wool up a bit though. We have also just changed to selling our wool direct to Elco.” Dean says having great staff has been a vital element in the success of the operation. “Our staff is a very important valuable asset to us here. We put a lot of care into our people. Our staff has a high work ethic and they all ride horses, which is great at the moment with the high fuel prices.” The business remains firmly rooted in family. Dean works alongside his wife Sue and extended family also plays a role. Sue’s son Jessie is a full-time staff member on Riverhills and her daughter Kyle has previously worked as a shepherd. Meanwhile Dean’s children are forging their own paths with son Curtis currently overseas and daughter Tara running a successful horse training business specialising in show jumping. Succession planning is front of mind. Dean and his brother Scott are already managing significant areas of their parents’ land as part of a structured transition. They grew up farming on their parents’ property and Dean now oversees around 1300 hectares on their behalf and his brother manages a further 1800 hectares. This gradual handover reflects a long-term approach to keeping the business within the family, which is loyal client and purchaser of Glanworth Bulls. “It’s about trying to maintain an efficient and sustainable management policy that is profitable.” The Romney sheep flock has been steadily refined over time with a focus on resilience and productivity.
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