Business Rural Spring 2021

| 71 diversity, growth Meat & Wool » Waipori Station “This is a huge property and ensuring each area is used for the best return to the business is our long-term strategy.” The farm is mainly rolling, punctuated with steeper gorges and tussock country. In 2019 Virtual Fencing technology was trialled at Waipori Station. The trial, in partnership with eShepherd manufacturer, Agersens and AgResearch proved the effectiveness of the technology on beef cattle on farms such as Waipori, which has extensive and challenging topography. Over the past three years a reticulated water system has been introduced with the intention that eventually 250km of reticulated water will be installed on the property. Asked what his key priorities are on a day to day basis Brent says its being available for the staff working on the farm and ensuring any problems that need his intervention are resolved. “We hold a toolbox meeting on a Monday morn- ing and we talk through health and safety and the work to be handled over the next fortnight. It’s good to all meet together and talk things through creating efficiencies at work and it gives me a good sense of how the staff are feeling. I have very good senior staff which is important for guidance of younger new staff.” Brent considers Waipori Station as still having huge potential and is especially looking at improv- ing pasture management systems. There’s also large tracks of land that in future, could be taken out to increase the area in forestry. “We already have about 1000ha in forestry. This is a huge property and ensuring each area is used for the best return to the business is our long-term strategy.” Within the boundaries of the station is Mulligan’s covenant, 1320ha of expansive open landscape gifted to the QEII Trust to be permanently protected in December 2018. Within the covenant are large tracks of tussock grassland, shrub and wetlands, soaks and rock outcrops; home to nearly 100 indig- enous plant species. And as for Brent, he sees this role as the pinnacle in a long farming career. “I will more than likely stay here until I retire. I enjoy the challenges and opportunities that present with managing, with a great team, such a large station.” Brent moving a mob of Angus cattle at Waipori. The station carries 1800 Angus breeding cattle and beef progeny. Profile your farm with Business Rural Craigneuk Stud Next on Farm Auction January 2022 Enquiries: Johnny Duncan 027 327 2372