46 | Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Otawin Farming Deep connection between farm and family Anne Boswell Taranaki sheep and beef farmers Jorge Coplestone and Rex Petersen are refining their system to ensure that modern efficiencies perform alongside sustainability and biodiversity – without diminishing the deep sentimental connection between the farm and the family. As finalists in the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Taranaki region, Jorge and Rex impressed the judges with their handle on the strategic land management of the property they have managed since 2024 - and which has been in Jorge’s family for five generations. “Rex and Jorge demonstrated real courage, resilience, and a genuine willingness to learn – all attributes our industry needs now more than ever,” the Ballance Farm Environment Awards judging panel said. Otawin Farming Ltd operates over two separate leased properties: a 320ha (293ha effective) block in south Taranaki, Ararata, and a 158ha (151ha effective) block, Pukengahu, in eastern Taranaki. Ararata’s steep terrain is the perfect environment for the breeding arm of the operation, running Romdale ewes, hoggets and Angus breeding cows, while the flatter Pukengahu property finishes terminal lambs and fattens cattle, ensuring stock classes are matched to land capabilities. When it came to entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Jorge says they were “nudged into it” by a rep in the area who explained they would be ideal candidates and would learn a lot. “And, we would gain free advice to help our business going forward,” Jorge says. “We’re happy to take all the advice we can get.” After two rounds of judging on farm, the couple was given a report laden with helpful feedback. NZFET judges were impressed with Rex and Jorge’s leadership through their strategic land management, smart stock-to-land matching and strong focus on genetics, sustainability and biodiversity. “Their approach blends generational knowledge with modern thinking, from improving productivity through better breeding and crop choices, to using technology to monitor soil and water health, all while keeping a clear eye on the future,” the report said. The judges noted several positive strategic decisions, including successfully calving their own heifers this year, which had resulted in an annual increase of 30 calves; chicory crops being planted for faster lamb fattening; and mating dates being changed to better suit the Taranaki seasons. “This reflects a wider commitment to sustainability that includes a clear vision for enhancing biodiversity on their farm and using technology to monitor and improve water quality and soil health,” the report said. After two rounds of judging on farm, the couple was given a report laden with helpful feedback. Despite not placing in the regional finals, Jorge and Rex found the experience worthwhile. “One key take away was not to be afraid of asking questions – you’ll get further quicker by doing so,” Jorge says. “Since the awards, we’ve put plenty of plans in place that will benefit the farm going forward. We are working on an updated farm plan with Taranaki Regional Council, and we are fencing off two of the dams on farm, with water for the paddocks going to the trough. ELTHAM 11 Stanners Street 06 764 8305 NEW PLYMOUTH 36 Eliot Street 06 759 0105 www.schurrireland.co.nz Empowering your ideal future. Schurr & Ireland are proud to support Otwain Farming Ltd. EARTHMOVING SERVICES TARANAKI 027 351 6218 EARTHWORKS L T D EARTHWORKS L T D EARTHWORKS L T D We also have a lot of planting to be done.” Jorge says she and Rex were rapt to be named as finalists. “We’re quite young – 26 and 27 – so it was quite cool to play with the big dogs,” she says. “We learnt heaps, and we’ll be back again once we’ve ticked a few things off our five-year plan.” As finalists in the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Taranaki region, they impressed the judges with their handle on the strategic land management of the property.
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