18 | Pivots and fixed grid change the game Coleridge Downs’ Headwaters sheep are bred specifically for hill country conditions. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Coleridge Downs Ltd Water has been a game changer for Coleridge Downs Ltd since irrigation was installed on 400ha of the farming operation several years ago. Coleridge Downs Ltd is a large scale farming business run across three farms - Annavale Station, Big Ben Station and Coleridge Downs - totalling 9500ha and home to 20,000 ewes, including hoggets, around 1250 breeding cows, including heifers and a 1000 hind venison operation. Operations Manager Charlie Johns says the addition of centre pivots and fixed grid irrigation at Big Ben has provided a more reliable platform to finish stock, increase production and create more opportunities for the business. “With the additional irrigation we have put a big finishing unit in the middle of our farming business, and the challenge has been finding the balance with how the irrigated block fits into the wider farm system” he says. “Getting good systems and processes around this has been the focus. It’s given us a secure base and more flexibility so even in a dry year we can still add value to store stock and grow our young stock out well.” The irrigated area is primarily used as a finishing platform, adding value to store stock and supporting the production of Lumina Lamb, the premium lamb brand developed in partnership by Alliance and Headwaters. The Lumina journey began with the ambitious goal of creating a highly consistent, premium eating experience. The programme focuses on controlling every part of the value chain from genetics and animal care through to forage, finishing and processing. Charlie says Coleridge Downs’ Headwaters sheep are bred specifically for hill country conditions with the genetics initially designed to produce a ewe that could not only survive but thrive in tough environments as well as increasing production. The aim is to finish most of the lambs born within the business with those selected for the Lumina programme spending a minimum of their last 35 days on a specially grown forage mix of chicory and red clover. The irrigated platform is central to achieving The Shepherd, RD 1, Ngaruawahia 3793 021 235 6020 | info@theshepherd.co.nz www.theshepherd.co.nz CLOTHES • WHISTLES • WOOL JERSEYS & BEANIES BOOTS, LACES & BOOT GREASE • LANYARDS DOG & HORSE GEAR • ACCESSORIES • KNIVES & SHEATHS
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