| 53 An inter-generational opportunity Growbulk ewes at Rosedale in Waikaka Valley, Southland. “Working with Papa (Les) was one of the best times in my life, both in terms of what I learnt and simply the chance to enjoy the whanaungatanga of someone you held in high esteem.” MEAT & WOOL » Rosedale Growbulk New Zealand’s Tastiest Pasture Fed Lamb from . growbulk.co.nz Call. 03 207 1857 or 0274 877 088 Don Morrison Since 1876, six generations of the Morrison family have farmed their property, Rosedale, in Waikaka Valley, Southland. Earlier generations of their Waitaha, Kati Mamoe and Kai Tahu whanau walked the banks of the Waikaka Stream which lazily meanders through the valley, a short distance north-east of Gore. Don Morrison, who is married to Brigette, says intergenerational opportunity and kaitiakitanga of the land for successive generations has forged opportunity and resilience as time has seen land use change, breed changes, evolving farming systems and a need to constantly adapt to a changing environment. However, 146 years later the family is enjoying a rare period for any farming family, with three generations working together on the 530 hectare property. Don and Brigette’s son, Lochie, has enjoyed returning to Rosedale after working in London for four years and, following in his father’s footsteps, is nding it very rewarding to be given the opportunity to bring new ideas to the farming system. Over the generations, the 7000 stock unit property has grown in both size and diversity. “It is incredibly satisfying to be able to enjoy the daily activities with your parents and children,” Don says. While still retaining its core focus on breeding stud and commercial sheep, Rosedale also carries a mixture of beef cattle, winter dairy support , cereal cropping and exploration into horticulture. Don’s father, George, still undertakes all cultivation and support activities, allowing Don and Lochie to concentrate on the stud and stock dise of the business, along with farm manager Ross Hurrell. Don acknowledges it is a special moment in time and recalls back to a period in the 1980’s when he enjoyed the same family synergy with George and grandfather Les. “Working with Papa (Les) was one of the best times in my life, both in terms of what I learnt and simply the chance to enjoy the whanaungatanga of someone you held in high esteem.” Les, the third generation of the Morrison family on Rosedale, who started the Rosedale Romney stud in 1926, had a passion and a reputation for breeding quality commercial rams that were in demand throughout New Zealand and it was that passion and knowledge that Don loved learning. Rosedale stud, 96 years later, is still breeding quality commercial rams that are in demand nationwide. Although the stud still breeds Romney rams the main breeding programme has evolved to Growbulk sheep, a dual purpose, stabilised composite Don has been breeding since 1998. Stabilised from Romney, Poll Dorset and Texel genetics, Growbulk allowed a greater emphasis on meat production, meat yield and the production traits associated with elevated body condition score. “The subsequent work associated with body condition score has helped push both fertility and survivability and it was humbling to see Les’ acceptance of a new breeding programme separate to the Romneys he had such a passion for farming.” Recent development in the Rosedale stud programme has seen the introduction of Beltex genetics, a Belgian/Texel cross into some of the Growbulk ewes as a means to further push overall production. “Evolution and adaption are part of our DNA at Rosedale, but holding to strong traditions has laid a great foundation for the future.” For experienced professional legal assistance with Phone: 03 208 9385 Fax: 03 208 9388 Email: admin@abgraylaw.co.nz www.abgraylaw.co.nz PO Box 293 33B Main Street, Gore, 9710, NZ DX YB92511 A.B. Gray & Associates BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS • Buying and Selling of Farms, Businesses and other property • Trusts and Estate Planning • Finance and Re-Finance SOUTHERN VEGETATION CONTROL LIMITED Registered Chemical Applicator Call us for all your boom spraying requirements 41 Anzac Street, Gore Bretton Taylor 027 471 3705
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