20 | New ventures complement the operation The breeding objective is clear: producing structurally sound, meaty sheep with the longevity commercial farmers require. Karen Phelps Diversification has long been a cornerstone of success at Central Otago farming operation Craigneuk and owners Johnny and Geraldine Duncan are continuing that approach with two new ventures that complement the property’s established livestock business. Over the past two years he has established RoughRidge Southdowns to strengthen the genetics behind the farm’s successful South Dorset ram breeding programme. At the same time he has launched Ridgeway Hunts, a guided trophy hunting business that makes productive use of the property’s extensive hill country. Craigneuk already has a Dorset Down stud and a half-bred ram stud selling about 550 rams each year. The new Southdown stud began after Johnny purchased stock from three dispersal sales bringing together bloodlines to create a carefully selected foundation flock. RoughRidge Southdowns now comprises 106 mated ewes with plans to expand to around 150 mixed-age ewes over time. “Having my own Southdown stud gives me stability to work on traits within the Southdown breed that I can then pass on to the South Dorsets,” explains Johnny. The breeding objective is clear: producing structurally sound, meaty sheep with the longevity commercial farmers require. The stud also focuses on traits valued by commercial sheep farmers including lambing ease, lower birthweights and strong early growth rates. Johnny is equally determined to improve maternal performance within the Southdown flock, selecting for better mothering ability and lamb survival. This year’s investment included two carefully selected stud rams, one sourced from Willow Haugh in Blenheim and another from Omihi Stud in North Canterbury. “They had the structure and meaty composition I was looking for and those are the characteristics I want to keep building into the flock,” explains Johnny. The stud sold around 20 Southdown rams last year and expects to sell a similar number this season with further growth depending on demand. Johnny is also thinking carefully about succession, with all three of his children showing enthusiasm for agriculture. Daughter Briar, 20, is studying veterinary science at Massey University and 19-yearold Jock is completing a farm management course at Lincoln University. Youngest son Toby, 17, also shares a passion for farming. “It’s been exciting and I’m lucky that all three of my kids are keen on farming so it enables me to split things up in the future with succession planning,” says Johnny. The family’s newest enterprise, Ridgeway Hunts, operates from the property’s hill block, known as Ridgeway. The business offers guided trophy deer hunting during the annual roar with hunters staying RURAL PEOPLE » Craigneuk in a hut on the hill with Johnny or another experienced guide leading expeditions. “I’ve always had an interest in hunting and it’s a way to make use of the animals that are there and make other people happy,” says Johnny. Most clients are New Zealand hunters, with the business growing largely through word of mouth rather than advertising. The hunting season also fits neatly around the farm’s existing workload, creating another income stream. Craigneuk consists of two main farms: 2660ha Craigneuk and 2800ha Awatea, both in the Maniototo Plains. An additional 1700ha hill block located between the two farms. The overall operation comprises 14,500 sheep wintered including hoggets and 250 breeding cows. There are also 145 velveting stags and 130 hinds. The family also has shares in a neighbouring dairy farm located next door to Awatea and fattens 70 beef cross calves they obtain from the dairy farm each year. “Farming is in our blood and we love what we do and are excited about the future.” PADDOCK BY PADDOCK. CORNER BY CORNER. Using our in-depth knowledge of customers’ land, businesses and objectives, we tailor highly specific solutions that differ from farm to farm, even paddock to paddock. To ensure these agronomy-led solutions stay on track for success, we also regularly walk the crops corner to corner to make recommendations along the way. To find out more go to catalystag.co.nz Proudly Supporting Craigneuk Station 200 Terminal rams — Dorset Down, South Down, and South Dorset — plus 80 specially selected half-bred and quarter-bred 2-tooth rams. ANNUAL SALE JANUARY 15 TH 2027
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