56 | Practical approach Richard Loader Amidst all the noise about all that is wrong with New Zealand farming, loudly espoused in some corners, as a journalist writing for a farming paper, how refreshing it is to talk with the farming community and hear their stories, feel their resilience and understand their optimism. Otago Sheep and Beef farmer, Steve Nichol grew up on his family’s sheep and beef station. In 2007, he had an opportunity to take over a section of the family farm due to a well thought out farm succession plan. The 1000ha property is located at Clarks Junction and the property was recently expanded by taking on a 500ha lease block. Steve feels fortunate that he and his four brothers were able to grow up on their family farm, working together. “It provided me with a great lifestyle. Since I’ve had my farm, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of improving my own business. I’m probably a bit of a self-confessed farm geek in a way because I enjoy learning about the science behind farm systems as well as the day-to-day running of the farm. I like to think outside the box and apply new ideas.” In March 2020, Steve retired from daily farming operations, primarily because of chronic injuries, and says he could no longer keep up with the physical demands of farming. Consequently, Steve employed Grant Bezett as his farm manager to take over the daily management, and feels very fortunate having Grant on farm with his vast farming knowledge and experience. To help support the transition, Steve was actively involved for the rst year, whilst Grant adapted to the new farming operation. It was also a challenging time due to the COVID lock downs. Once Steve transitioned off farm, he decided to pursue his interest in farm consultancy. “In the past, I’ve enjoyed running local discussion groups and felt consultancy would be a great way to help other farmers develop their own businesses,” says Steve. In order to do this, Steve spent time focusing on his own personal growth and development. He upskilled his farming knowledge by enrolling in professional studies through Massey University, to complement his previous Ag Science degree, and recently completed the advanced course in sustainable nutrient management and other industry related courses. Steve also spent time on the road with other farm consultants, learning the ropes. During this time, Steve was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn from Peter Young, an experienced and well-respected farm consultant. “Working with the farming community was the big push for me. I decided to go out on my own as a consultant to retain exibility, because I have a young family and my own farm.” MEAT & WOOL » Steve Nichol Otago sheep and beef farmer Steve Nichol. Hayden Oliver (Oliver Agri Services) starting the fence for the QE11 block the farm is getting a QE11 convenant for. It is a 13ha block overlooking the DCC water catchment and Te Papanui Conservation Park. Steve and his wife Kellie, who works as a Rehabilitation Physician, have two young children, Mia 4 and Emma 2. “Farmlife Advisory was born in September 2021. My business focus is primarily in the sheep and beef sector providing technical support, farm system analysis, feed planning, nancial budgets, gross margin analysis, strategic planning and governance. I’m also interested in the environmental space. We’re now tailoring farm environment plans and nutrient plans for individual farms.” Steve’s past life as a sheep and beef farmer enables him to provide a practical approach to the services he provides, and says being able to relate to farmers and speak the same language is really important. The Taieri catchment, where Steve’s farm is located, is known for its rocky outcrops and extensive tussock grasslands. “We’re primarily a sheep and beef region due to our generally low to moderate rainfall and hilly terrain. We have some irrigation on the Strath Taieri Plains. Last year we started a community catchment group, called the Mid Taieri Wai, partly in response to some of the challenges that we were facing in terms of regulations, increasing consumer expectations and climate change. The catchment group focuses on the mid to lower reaches of the Taieri River and the tributaries that ow into it. Our main emphasis of the group is to understand the current health of our catchment from a freshwater and environmental perspective, to understand the issues our farming community is currently facing and ultimately provide practical solution-based outcomes. We want to provide a voice for our community and engage with our local tangata whenua. Most importantly, Mid Taieri Wai wants to celebrate the great things that are currently happening on farm, which often don’t get recognised.” Steve sees this as an interesting period within the ag sector — a time of signi cant and rapid change. “Ultimately, I feel my role is to help farmers adapt in this time of adjustment, whilst remaining sustainable and pro table. I see it as an opportunity for the sector to be creative and innovative. It’s important that as farmers we’re open to new ideas and technology when it presents itself. We need to provide practical solutions for our farmers and empower them to make the necessary changes. It’s important that we align with the farmers values and goals. I’m optimistic about our future. I believe our industry is in good shape and heading in the right direction. If we manage our farms well in an environmentally conscious way, we have an opportunity to differentiate our products in the global marketplace. We are well recognised overseas as ef cient producers, and we need to celebrate that and maintain the momentum going forward.” DIGGIN IT UP WITH REID ROADING Reid Roading are proud to support Steve & the team at Auldamoor farms “My business focus is primarily in the sheep and beef sector providing technical support, farm system analysis, feed planning, nancial budgets, gross margin analysis, strategic planning and governance.” John Eaton Agricultural Spraying John Eaton Agricultural Spraying is proud to support Steve Nichol 9 Bremworth Swanndri Klippan Glerups Do you know where your wool goes? Join us in transforming the strong wool industry. Pete Scarlet Southern Regional Manager Pete.Scarlet@nzmerino.co.nz 021 309 140
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