70 | Business has expanded in recent years Freida and India helping muster. Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » Avenel Agriculture With many stories of sheep and beef farmers converting to dairy or pine trees Austin and Victoria Garden of Central Otago have chosen the opposite path - to invest more heavily and grow their business. Originally purchased in partnership by Austin’s grandfather, father and uncle, Austin now owns 2700ha of the original station. Avenel Station runs approximately 15,000 stock units, including 7500 ewes, 440 cows and 300 hinds. In recent years the business has expanded through leasing part of a neighbouring farm, adding around 1500 hectares, which saw it increase stock numbers by 4000 units. Austin Garden acknowledges, with commodity prices rising, the timing couldn’t have been better. “There are a lot of years in the past where sheep and beef farmers have not made much of a profit and farming is certainly a lot more enjoyable when we know we are making a profit,” says Austin. “It’s about taking the big picture and making long-term decisions.” The decision to expand was a calculated risk, with livestock prices already beginning to rise at the time. “We thought we paid high prices for stock but since then they’ve lifted even more,” says Austin. The expansion has allowed the station to strengthen its operation, including employing an additional staff member and giving the stock manager greater responsibility in the day-to-day decision-making. With increased scale has come a more efficient approach to managing the property, with larger mobs and a greater focus on productivity. It is a privilege for Wairere to have a top sheep farmer like Austin Garden as a ram client. Austin wants continuous improvement in the performance of his flock. Austin: “I want genetics which are Proven Predictable Profitable”. Privilege Success breeds Success Call Andrew Herriott on 027 240 0231 YOUR RURAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Responding to market conditions OAMARU DUNEDIN 150 Cameron Road, Tapanui Hamish - 027 430 6869 Office - 027 240 0141 office@kkcl.nz kelsokontracting.co.nz SERVICES INCLUDING: GREAT MACHINES GREAT TEAM, GREAT RESULTS • STABIIZING • OVERSIZED TRANSPORTING SERVICES + PILOT • REEFINATING • EARTHMOVING AND EXCAVATING • CHIPPING • STUMP GRINDING AND MULCHING • SILAGE
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