26 | Drought followed by a devastating fire Karen Phelps MEAT & WOOL » Glenmark Springs Ian Knowles, the 2023 Canterbury Regional Supreme Winner of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, has been grappling with what he describes as “the worst drought he’s seen,” compounded by a devastating fire that swept through the property. “It’s been very challenging,” Ian admits, “but we can already see a bit of recovery on the burnt areas.” The fire, which started on a public road, tore through approximately 200 hectares of Glenmark Springs, located in Waipara. While fortunately no stock or people were harmed, the blaze left a trail of destruction in its wake. “It makes you feel very small when you see what Mother Nature can do,” says Ian. Among the casualties was a 4-hectare QEII covenant bush block, representing 50 years of growth that was turned to ash in the matter of hours. The fire also destroyed significant amounts of fencing, with damage estimated at around $150,000. Insurance covered only a fraction of this cost due to the coverage Ian had chosen, leaving him to face tough financial decisions. “It’s a wake-up call,” Ian says, “and depends on how much you want to spend on insurance each year versus what happens in an extreme event.” Despite these setbacks, Ian remains cautiously optimistic. He sees the fire’s aftermath as an opportunity for ecological study and regeneration. “The silver lining is we can see what will naturally recover on its own, and it’s also given us an opportunity to trial bringing in plants, seeds, etc., to mimic what nature would do to speed up that process,” he explains. The drought continues to pose significant challenges for 820ha Glenmark Springs. Ian reports that he’s currently running at 50% of his normal stock levels due to the dry conditions. This has necessitated buying in feed and sending some stock off to graze elsewhere. “There have been some big decisions made in how we run the business,” Ian acknowledges. These decisions have involved close collaboration with his bank manager, who has been actively involved in the farm’s financial planning in the wake of the fire and on-going drought. “It’s been really valuable having the bank manager come and see what’s gone on,” Ian says. Despite the adversity, he remains focused on the future. His approach to farming Glenmark Springs is adaptive and pragmatic to cope with Waipara’s dry summers and, because the farm goes up to 500 metres above sea level, snow and frost. Ian aims for a system that works in the seasons including clear cut-off dates for selling lambs and implementing a cropping programme. The diverse topography of Glenmark Springs, with its mix of sunny and shady aspects and varied soil types, allows for strategic movement of stock and crops to optimize production. Under normal conditions the farm supports 4000 breeding ewes and between 300-600 dry dairy stock. As chair of the Hurunui District Landcare Group, Ian is also keenly aware of the broader challenges facing farmers in the region. “Farmers have so many challenges at the moment, financial, drought, mental health,” he says. “At the moment, it’s about trying to help make sure farmers are in a good position to take advantage of the next round of opportunities.” Ian says he finds strength and perspective in his family, particularly his five-year-old son, Victor. “You can either let it overcome you or realize it’s just a run of bad luck and there is still plenty of optimism out there. Having a young son helps you realise that living life the best you can is the best way to approach things and not let things bog you down too much.” Ian sees the fire’s aftermath as an opportunity for ecological study and regeneration. We’re invested in the success of your farm. Talk to your local experts today. ASB Rural Banking 0800 787 252 ASB Bank Limited 56180 28614G 0824
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