48 | RURAL PEOPLE » Okawa Farms Always looking for ways to improve Okawa Farms, established by Penny’s grandfather in 1954, runs 5,000 ewes and 1,200 hoggets – half of which are mated – and 350 head of registered Hereford cattle. Anne Boswell For Ashburton’s Okawa Farms, their current farming system is working well – but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. “While we’re really happy with the system we’ve got now, we’re always looking for opportunities to improve,” says Nick France, who farms the 950ha property with his wife Penny. “We bought a new block six years ago which has been awesome for the balance of the property.” Okawa Farms, established by Penny’s grand father in 1954, runs 5,000 ewes and 1,200 hoggets – half of which are mated – and 350 head of registered Hereford cattle. Penny’s parents David and Rosemary Morrow ran the farm until 15 years ago, when Nick and Penny returned home to manage the property. Over time, the sheep enterprise has evolved, with Okawa introducing Headwaters genetics - a breed developed from Romney, Texel, Finn and Perendale breeds - four years ago into their flock, which was traditionally Romney based. “Adding the Perendale and Finn genetics has really lifted the vigour of the ewe flock,” Nick says. “The first-cross sheep is a really good sheep.” The farm is now also finishing a good portion of its lambs on chicory, earning a premium for the finished animals while making use of another avenue to add value. Alongside the sheep, Okawa’s Poll Hereford operation is focused on producing cattle that can handle the demanding environment. As the farm’s homestead sits around 500m above sea level, and the cattle are run at high stocking rates over hill country, toughness, fertility and structural soundness are essential characteristics. “Herefords are tough, with good fertility and good structure,” Nick says. “Our cattle need to be tough and sturdy on the hills.” That philosophy is reflected in the farm’s annual bull sale, with the latest sale in May attracting the support of the same long-standing clients that have returned year after year to purchase Okawa genetics. Those customers are looking for bulls capable of working hard in challenging country. “Our clients farm in high country on either side of the Southern Alps, and their stock has to be able to thrive in that environment,” Nick says. The 2026 sale delivered a full clearance, with a top price of $64,000 and an average of $11,643. More than half the catalogue sold for less than $9000, providing commercial buyers with what Okawa describes as well-fleshed, commercial bulls with strong constitution and continually improving performance at a realistic price. “We’re very proud that we replaced no bulls again this year,” Nick says. “We think guys should get a good five years-plus out of our bulls. That’s something we think Herefords outdo others in spades.” “Our clients farm in high country on either side of the Southern Alps, and their stock has to be able to thrive in that environment.” Your trusted agribusiness growth partner. We leverage specialist accounting and taxation expertise to drive your farm’s success. 03 365 8400 admin@alexanders.net.nz www.alexanders.net.nz 0800 432 583 0800 GDC LTD Phone 0800 GDC LTD Email Web www.gdc.net.nz FARMDEVELOPMENT TRENCHING TREEWORK / MULCHING DAIRY LANES & LIME CAPPING DEMOLITION FOUNDATION / SITEWORKS SHINGLE SUPPLIES & SPREADING IRRIGATION / DRAINAGE UTILITY SERVICES LOCATING HYDROVAC DIRECTIONAL DRILLING LONG REACHDIGGER MOLE PLOUGHING SUBDIVISIONS Some of the services we provide are: Contact us for an obligation free quote. PROUD TO SUPPORT OKAWA FARMS ANDOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY CALL 0800 GDC LTD
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