38 | Embracing new technologies has been key Ewe flock at Rawhitiroa Block after a crutch and about to be joined with the Terminal Sire Rams. Sue Russell Five years ago, Robert and Jane Brown and their family, from Eastern Taranaki received line-honours at the regional Ballance Environmental Farm Awards, an accolade recognising their years of commitment to innovative thinking and practice, an openness to embrace new technologies and their very solid approach to sustainability, in the broadest sense of the term. The couple have been working through a carefully considered succession plan, an issue both say is important to do well. “With three sons and their families it hasn’t been simple at all. Our youngest son who had grown his fencing and drilling business over the last four years has recently joined forces with our son on the Mangamingi Farm (approx 700ha) in an endeavour to diversify and grow their business. They’re now partners in the Mangamingi farm and in the Drill and Fencing business.” Another son and his wife on the Toko Block (513ha) have added in the last three years a neighbouring lease block of 300ha and are now running a substantial sized sheep and beef block and recently were acknowledged with a TRC environmental award. Rokumoana Farm is made up of three properties at Mangamini, Rawhitiroa and Huina spanning a total today of just over 1300ha. The home farm’s legacy stems back to Robert’s great-grandfather Robert Smith Brown who in the 1880s worked tirelessly through virgin bush to establish the home farm. Two further properties were bought in 1891 and 1906 but have recently been sold by Robert’s cousin. “Our history in this district goes back an awful long way now and today the farms support future generations.” The sheep and beef fattening operation is now a trading and fattening system and dairy grazers plus approximately 6500 sheep, so there’s always stock related work taking place on any given day. A Waiwere ewe sheep flock has developed through a long association with the breed, chosen for its natural tolerance to facial eczema. “We’ve invested over the years in really good genetics from Wairere and its paid dividends as this farm is susceptible to facial eczema.” Robert says helping the ‘bottom-line’ the fencing work provides a steady income stream to supplement the overall budget. “I’m supposed to be semi-retired and still have RURAL PEOPLE » Rukumoana Farm 80ha that I’m running myself, so with helping out with the odd fencing job there’s still plenty to keep me busy.” Their 2020 Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Supreme Award recognised several initiatives the Brown’s have introduced, with the planting of pine trees, the retirement of native bush blocks and the fencing off of three wetland areas all adding positive environmental outcomes to the farming operation. Poplar poles have been used extensively to support erosion control and provide shade for stock. “We’re always interested in looking at innovative ways to help add value to environmental outcomes. It’s important, we feel, to have this openness of attitude to something new and its always been our approach to farming.” A gathering of former Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment regional winners is taking place at this year’s awards event, a moment the couple are looking forward to. The event, was held on 12 March at New Plymouth’s Devon Hotel and is also serving as the 10th year celebration of the awards being staged in the region. The gathering of past regional supreme winners provided the opportunity to catch up with winners from other years and to share stories. “We think that the awards do a great job show-casing what people do. In our case, our grandchildren are sixth generation on this farm and having a business that goes back so far is an immense source of pride for us,” Robert says. Robert acquired ownership of the farm back in 1979, though at the time was busy shearing up to 50,000 sheep one year to help pay for the farm and his living. While put in his name, his parents remained working on the farm and had control of it until Robert was in his 40’s. www.westownhaulage.co.nz 06 753 6611 180 Cowling Rd | New Plymouth WESTOWN HAULAGE LTD Proud to support Rukumoana Farm “Succession was done very differently then with no communication and you were told to get on with it.” Asked how the transition from one generation to the next is going Robert says its important not to interfere too much. “We’re very proud of all our family seeing the next generation progress is a privilege to see. It’s a change in mind-set but you have just got to do it. You shouldn’t be here if you’re going to interfere. They’re doing new things just as we did and they’ll make mistakes, just as we did.” WARNING! Wairere rams may cause: • Better lamb growth • Better sheep returns • Better yarns at the pub Less work, more profit 0800 924 7373
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