| 11 Very proud to farm such a unique spot Bog Roy Station runs 4000 merino ewes plus replacement sheep and 185 cows. Emma Bailey RURAL PEOPLE » Bog Roy Station In the heart of the South Island lakes district Bog Roy station continues to do its part in the thriving Waitaki District economy, despite the challenges of high country farming. The picturesque Bog Roy Station sits on the south side of Lake Benmore. The 2860 hectare property rises from 400m by the lake to 1000m above sea level. Gundy (Dave) Anderson is the fourth Anderson to farm Bog Roy Station with his wife Lisa and their children, Pippa and Robbie. Gundy went into partnership with his parents in 1997, and in 2005 the couple married and took over the farm. The Anderson family have endured many trials on the land, but are proud to farm the unique spot. The 2860ha dry-land property has steep, dry hills and rolling country and down into flatter land bordering Lake Benmore. They run 4000 merino ewes plus replacements sheep and 185 cows. It’s tough land to farm punctuated by dry hot summers and snow in the winter and persistent fog. Previously rabbits had been a big problem but they were under control now, Gundy said. It had been a good season overall. “We’ve had good growth and good prices but stock finishing was slower due to lack of sun.” He was pleased to see wool prices doing well with some of their merino wool used by brands like Icebreaker and Branwyn. “We have almost all of our wool contracted so are insulated from ups and downs to a degree.” The beef side of the operation was going well and they were increasing numbers and planning on using halter collars next weaning. This year stock health had been a focus due to the lack of sun. The biggest challenge of the farm was the short growing season with dry summers. Rainfall is very low, averaging just 420 millimetres a year. Overall the Waitaki District is performing well economically which was pleasing to see, he said. “I can only really speak for farming. Prices are up across the board for sheep and beef but they need to be to keep up with skyrocketing costs, costs of compliance and exorbitant rates.” He was also hopeful the next Government will prioritise reducing compliance costs and compliance rules and look after primary producers. Looking ahead he was focused on, “consolidation and continuing to look after the land.” The family has been on the land for over 100 years. Dave Anderson’s great-grandfather John took up the lease in 1919. It was one of six leases cut off from the Otematata Station. In the early days it was snow and rabbits which drove some farmers to walk off the land. The family endured the hydro scheme in the 1960s which dramatically cut their property in half and they lost the flat river basin that became the lake. They have also had other processes to work through such as securing irrigation consents and freeholding the property. Despite all this, keeping their piece of paradise in the family is paramount, keeping them part of the farming and agricultural sector across the Waitaki region which has helped drive one of New Zealand’s most important rural economies. We’re proud to support Bog Roy Station. Ask around about us or give us a call on 0800 366 466. PHONE 027 433 5523 DAVID O'NEILL CONTRACTING LTD Proud to be associated with Bog Roy Station • PLOUGHING & CULTIVATION • FINE CHOPPED SILAGE • MULCHING • FERTILISER SPREADING • DIRECT DRILLING • GENERAL CARTAGE • BALAGE • RUT BUSTING • GRAIN HARVESTING
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