40 | Mt Pleasant has increased stock units Paul Murcott with kids Mac and Florence. Karen Phelps Mt Pleasant, located around 20 minutes inland from Oamaru, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past seven years under the stewardship of farm manager Paul Murcott working closely with farm owners Rogan and Michelle Borrie. Since taking the reins of the 880-hectare sheep and beef property, Paul has implemented a series of strategic changes that have increased the farm’s stock units and set the stage for even more ambitious future plans. “When I took over here seven years ago, it was 4,500 stock units. Our goal is 8,500 stock units which will be made possible due to the re-grassing, subdivision and stock water in all of the paddocks,” says Paul. Over 20 kilometres of new fencing has been completed to subdivide paddocks by Paul and his team member. “We were at 60 paddocks when I started, now we’re over 80,” Paul explains. “There’s still more to be done - around 10 kilometres.” Alongside the fencing, Paul has overseen a comprehensive upgrade of the farm’s stock water infrastructure. While there were a lot of paddocks with no reticulated water, just dams, springs, or creeks when Paul started, now every paddock has one to two troughs in it. Perhaps one of the most significant changes has been the extensive re-grassing program. “It was really old pasture initially, so it’s been a matter of getting new grasses in. We’ve now cropped every paddock since I’ve been here and have a crop rotation program, which includes about 60ha of winter feed and 20ha of summer brassica. This has really helped in terms of weed control. This winter is the first we haven’t had to spray for thistles. Normally we spray 20-30 hectares.” Irrigation has also seen a major upgrade, with 84 hectares now under centre pivot, replacing the less efficient K-line system resulting in better utilisation of water. Access has also been a key area of development with an all-weather lane now running straight up the middle of the farm, improving access in any weather conditions. Rogan and Michelle own a number of dairy units and this farm was their first foray into sheep and beef. However Rogan had developed many properties before this and his foresight and expertise made the development possible, says Paul. MEAT & WOOL » Mt Pleasant Paul was born on a farm in Five Forks. He worked on farms in his school holidays then left school and did a cadetship on Smedley Station. His first job was on Lochiel Station at Hanmer Springs where he stayed for just over three years. After working on drill rigs in mines in Australia for a couple of years he returned to North Canterbury and worked at Koromiko as a stock manager. He was there for just over two years before taking on the manager position at Mt Pleasant. Paul has ambitious plans to further increase Mt Pleasant’s productivity. “In the next couple of years, we plan to put a terminal ram over everything and buy in replacement two-tooths. We won’t have hoggets anymore. The aim is to get a bigger, better, faster-growing lamb away earlier.” This change in breeding strategy is expected to accompany an increase ewe numbers from the Catalyst is proud to support Mt Pleasant. Our team of agronomists combine proven science, business thinking and an understanding of the nuances of South Island soil and conditions to help you achieve higher yields and enhanced livestock performance. Our solutions focus on your commercial objectives and consider your unique land and environmental circumstances. We grow extraordinary outcomes. Get in touch to find out how we could help you make the most from your land. catalystag.co.nz Fer�liser Spreading Proud to support Mt Pleasant John McCone MOBILE: 027 4398091 email: mcconespreading@gmail.com McCone Spreading Limited current 2,900 to between 3,600 and 4,000. Tailing numbers are projected to jump from 4,200-4,400 lambs to 5,500-6,000. There has also been an increase in the number of Friesian bulls on the property and the farm will winter 430 R1 and 100 R2 bulls this winter. “With Rogan and Michelle having the dairy farms, they can produce a lot of Friesian bulls. There’s also less work with the bulls compared with lambs and it will be more profitable.”
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