Business Rural Summer 2025

A newly-leased 400-ha block and the promise of a reliable shipping service will be game changers in the Chatham Islands - Page 87 New era for Hokotehi Moriori Trust SUMMER 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents #businessrural #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Brock Deer �� 03 Anglesey Farms �� 04 Benmore Station �� 06 Camp Valley Stud �� 08 Claxby Farm �� 10 Criffel Station �� 11 Craigmore Station �� 12 Hayden Smith and Isla Pringle �� 13 Crown Lea Farm �� 14 Dorset Downs 75th Breed Anniversary �� 16 Dawnlee Dorset Downs �� 18 Fernvale Genetics �� 19 Glenross Station �� 20 Hamish Galletly �� 22 The Pear Orchard Lodge �� 24 JJJ Farms Ltd �� 25 Jeff Farm �� 26 Kakahu Angus �� 28 Leah Murray �� 30 Lesley Roy �� 32 Lighthouse A and Lighthouse B �� 34 Molesworth Station �� 36 Parawa - Maurice King �� 37 Omega Milk Ltd �� 38 Robert and Cate Willis �� 40 Reigning Downs Hauora Centre �� 42 Rosedale Growbulk �� 43 Sam and Karen Bennett �� 44 Moeraki Downs �� 45 Strathview Hampshires �� 46 Tinwald Farm �� 48 Wilfield Sheep Stud �� 49 Belmont Station �� 50 David Bell �� 50 Phoebe Stud �� 51 Gibberslea Farm �� 51 Hennie Amtink �� 52 Logan and Nicky Kelly �� 53 Organic Farm Holdings �� 53 Gary and Jess Omlo - Sherry Farm �� 54 Spring Creek Downs �� 55 Te Awa View �� 56 Balfour Engineering �� 58 Agraforum NZ �� 59 Custom Fencing �� 60 Fert Wholesale Direct Ltd. �� 62 Rakaia Engineering Ltd �� 65 McCallum Harvesting �� 66 Rathgen Fencing �� 70 McSkimming Shearing �� 72 Stihl Shop - Winton �� 74 Tarbotton Land and Civil �� 75 Taits Rural Ltd �� 79 Barnfather Fencing �� 82 KWS NZ �� 83 Waikaka Transport �� 84 Three Rivers Contracting �� 85 Marble Mountain Red Devon �� 86 Hokotehi Moriori Trust �� 87 Rangiatea Stud �� 88 Contour Contracting �� 92 24 | Knew they were onto a winner 44 | Embracing cutting-edge technology 75 | Tarbotton celebrates 35 years of trust 18 | Five decades of passion still strong T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. 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| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Brock Deer Brock Deer’s top quality three year old stags Breeding gain can be seen in the quality and quantity of the velvet taken. Pictured is trophy sire - Dutton 642 IOA 4 years old. Sue Russell Just 15 minutes north of Gore is 500ha Brock Deer Farm and Stud stretching over one block of 400ha with the balance 15 minutes away. It’s been a good 18 months since Rural South last spoke with Elliot Brock, who owns the farm in partnership with his parents, Eddie and Bronwyn, and is responsible for its management, along with partner Anna Hodges. Eddie’s keen interest and attention to researching deer genetics has resulted in top quality three year old stags and stud hinds, put up for sale at the farm each year in January. Along with the approximately 30 stud stags and 30 yearling hinds sold then, another online BIDR sale is helped in August where in-calf hinds and weaner stags are auctioned. This year, there’s been a slump in the value of velvet from previous years, due, Eddie says, to an over-supply situation in the market. “We’d be down about 10% on value this year but thankfully the venison market is in a good situation, fetching currently over $10 per kilo.” The farm is home to 2000 stags, 800 hinds and 750 yearlings and Elliot says he’s pleased with the condition, already planning what will be presented in January’s sale. “I can pick out the best 10 already. You just get a good sense about an animals presentation quite early on, but final decisions won’t be made until nearer the time.” Velvet production continues to increase. Last year for the first time 15 tonne was taken off, with two year olds averaging over 5kg. “In 2002 that figure was 1.8kg so we’ve made incredible gains through a combination of genetics and on-farm practices,” Eddie says. At age 7 and 8, stags are sold privately to the hunting parks and Eddie has a couple of regular clients he supplies. Velvet is sold to China and Korea where it is highly valued for its medicinal qualities. Marketing is conducted through DINZ (Deer Industry of New Zealand). Harvest on farm begins Labour Weekend, and continues to the end of January. Strict rules apply to the harvesting process to ensure animal welfare is the highest priority. Breeding gain can be seen in the quality and quantity of the velvet taken off and gives a clear indication that breeding decisions are the right ones, something Elliot says he enjoys measuring at each harvest season. Visits to China, the last couple of years, have helped Elliot and Anna complete the picture of what becomes of the velvet there. “It’s a massive industry, with lots of value-add happening, as the raw velvet is processed into all sorts of end-products for the demanding consumer market. It was great to see the processing factories in action.” Along with deer, Valais Blacknose sheep, owned by Elliot’s sister Charlotte, are still running around. Elliot says after sale, a lot of his deer head up to the North Island, introducing new genetics to strengthen commercial deer farming operations. “Between the venison and velvet I’m pleased with what we’ve achieved. We’re fully stocked after 12 years of continual expansion and I enjoy looking forward to what each season brings.” 25th Elite Sire Stag & Yearling Hind Sale Lazarus – 13kg @ 5yrs 2024 Rising Stars Peoples Choice Webster – 7.2kg @ 2yrs 2024 Rising Stars Champion Ultra – 15.5kg @ 5yrs First 2yr Sons 2025 Effen – 11.8kg @ 5yrs 2023 NZ Supreme Velvet Champ Sunday 11th January 2026, 5pm Viewing 3.30pm Sires Represented: The Emperor, Keystone, Tsingtao, Amigo Eddie Brock 027 6076822 | Elliot Brock 027 2776733 | Facebook: Brock Deer YOU NEED THE BEST. TO LOOK AFTER THE BEST. When it comes to the transport of stud livestock you can’t go past Downlands Deer and Studstock. During the past 40 years, we have pioneered the way in studstock transportation with purpose built trucks, calm expert livestock handlers, efficient nationwide transport routing and now with visual tracking from pick up to delivery. Talk to Downlands Deer and Studstock today to ensure your livestock arrives in the best condition possible. 03 208 9240 emma.hewitson@ocr.co.nz www.ocr.co.nz O’Connor Richmond Chartered Accountancy Practice is proud of its long and rich history with business and agricultural commerce in the South. the full suite of Business Advisory and Taxation services. Emma Hewitson C.A, B.Com, DipGrad Director Pleased to support Brock Deer “I can pick out the best 10 already. You just get a good sense about an animals presentation.”

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Anglesey Farms Family farm thrives on Snowline strength Established by Bill and Lisa Anglesey, the home farm is 280ha, and they lease an additional 320ha effective neighbouring property which son Blair manages. Anne Boswell A commitment to proven genetics is paying dividends for Anglesey Farms, a family-run sheep and beef operation in the Sherry River Valley, an hour southwest of Nelson. The business has built its flock around Snowline sheep genetics - a decision that’s delivering consistent fertility, resilience and the type of high-performing animal that fits perfectly with their commercial farming system. Anglesey Farms is a true family concern. Established by Bill and Lisa Anglesey, the home farm is 280ha, and they lease an additional 320ha effective neighbouring property which son Blair manages. Blair’s brother Keegan rears the 50 dairy-cross steers that help tidy up after the sheep. Blair lives on the farm with his wife Lissie and their three children, working closely alongside his parents to share the workload between both properties. Blair’s journey back to sheep and beef came after eight years in dairy farming straight out of school - a return to his roots that’s proved rewarding. Together, the family runs about 4,600 sheep across the two properties: 3,600 mixed-age ewes and 1,000 replacement ewe hoggets. While Bill’s flock was originally Coopworth and Blair’s was Romney, Snowline has been the breed of choice for two decades on the home farm and around 15 years on the lease block. The benefits are clear, Blair says. “The Snowline ewes are very fertile - we scan at around 185– 200%,” he says. That fertility is matched by strong mothering ability, and an excellent cold-weather survival trait; all Snowline mating rams are DNA-tested for the cold tolerance survival gene, with the vast majority scoring the highest possible A.A rating. “On a cold wet day during the lambing beat there are fewer sad-looking lambs that need to be picked up,” Blair says. “The Snowlines’ cold tolerance really shows through.” Thanks to the breed’s bare pattern index, dagging and crutching is reduced. “They still get dags, but they are really easy to crutch,” Blair says. “It only takes about three blows on the ewes. Snowline genetics produce a nice-looking ewe.” Snowline sheep, developed by the McDonald family of Otago, are bred for commercial practicality. The breed’s compact body type, thick carcass, strong constitution and mid-micron fleece make it well suited to the varied conditions of New Zealand’s hill country. Snowline ewes can be run unshepherded under commercial conditions, producing high-yielding lambs with minimal intervention. The once-a-year shearing and reduced dagging and crutching are additional traits that make life on the farm much easier. Snowline also offers terminal sires, providing Anglesey Farms with a convenient one-stop source of breeding genetics that aligns with their commercial lamb finishing goals. For all your Transport and Logistics requirements 03 525 9843 | www.sollys.co.nz Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Fertiliser Proudly supporting Anglesey Farms Sales Enquiries: sales@filco.co.nz 141 Quarantine Road, AnnesBrook, Nelson (03) 547 2420 With over 36 years of continual service to our customer's needs and desires, we tirelessly strive to offer the ultimate motorcycling experience. 0274 517 134 www.hogarths.co.nz office@hogarths.co.nz For all your Fertiliser, Lime & Seed Requirements Supporting Anglesey Farms to grow our region For the Anglesey family, the combination of strong family teamwork and proven Snowline genetics is producing a thriving farming business - and the kind of resilient, high-performing sheep that any farmer would be proud to run. “The Snowline ewes are very fertile - we scan at around 185–200%,” he says.

Housing & Accommodation • Woolsheds & Covered Yards Sheep Yards • Cattle Yards • Workshops • Stables Honey Sheds & Extraction Sheds • Fert Bins

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Benmore Station Wool remains a passion for the family Benmore also runs 480 Hereford cows and the other two farms total 270 cattle. The Omarama based farming business includes Benmore Station, Ahuriri Downs and Clay Cliffs Station. Karen Phelps Despite many farmers throwing in the towel wool remains a passion for South Island farming family the Sutherlands. Comprised of Bill Sutherland and wife Kate and Andrew Sutherland and wife Deidre, their focus on the fine wool market has proved a saving grace, garnering them steady rolling contracts of 12 years with Merino New Zealand, which has been paying them above auction rates. The Omarama based farming business includes Benmore Station, Ahuriri Downs and Clay Cliffs Station. Benmore has 5800 hectares, and the other two add a further 5600ha. Stock units number around 40,000. Put to the ram this year were 13,000 Merino ewes, 4000 Merino / Romney half-bred ewes and 1000 half-bred /quarter-bred and Merino hoggets. Eighty percent of the half-bred lambs go to slaughter off Mum. Their contracts enable them to take merino lambs through the winter to get a wool cheque as well as the meat cheque. Benmore also runs 480 Hereford cows and the other two farms total 270 cattle. Cows are run on dryland on all three. Calves are weaned then go onto irrigated crop for the first winter. Steers are finished on property before their second winter and delivered to the ANZCO Aleph programme by the end of March. With regards to the sheep side of their operation the brothers have targeted balanced genetics in their studs and flocks of merino, half and quarter bred sheep, focusing on improvements in lamb survivability and growth rates and other traits while not sacrificing their fine wool with an average micron of 17.8 and clipping over 6kgs of wool for each adult merino. “Since being in the EBV system fat and muscle were the first two traits we concentrated on which also gave us a big lift in lamb survivability,” says Bill. “A focus on carcass traits has flowed through to the finishing of the wether hoggets in the spring. That’s giving us faster growth and higher yields.” The Sutherlands have built their reputation on producing quality sheep that meet both structural standards and breed type specifications. This foundation has allowed them to introduce more sophisticated genetic improvements without compromising the fundamental qualities they and their customers expect. Animal health traits form an important part of the breeding programme. “We’re regularly monitoring our drench status and using sires with a negative EBV YWEC (worm egg count),” explains Bill. “As a result, we’ve seen big improvements in parasite resistance, with historic drenching every 35-40 days over winter now extended to every 90-100 days. This development indicates the worm-resistant gene has gained traction within the flock. We also don’t have resistance to certain types of drenches. Trace elements have a big influence on our animal health.” Body condition scoring represents another key metric the brothers monitor closely. “We do this any time there is a mob of sheep in the yard to see where the mob is at. If they’re too light we find a better paddock for them if we can,” says Bill. Foot rot resistance has become increasingly important to the operation. All stud sires have EBV negative foot rot resistance. The brothers maintain a strict policy of not retaining any sires that test positive. Wool production remains central to the business model, with both brothers passionate about the fibre. They handle all their own wool classing, a skill passed down through generations. “We are so passionate about wool probably just living and breathing it all our lives. Our parents were into wool and it’s flowed down the line,” says Bill. “After a difficult three years this year we are seeing quite a rise in demand and price for fine wool,” says Bill. The genetic improvements of course flow through to their commercial flock, which is the bread and butter of the operation. The results have seen their genetics in demand and the brothers sell around 550 stud rams each year with clients from Lake Wakatipu (merinos) to the Northland (quarter-breds and half-breds). The rams are sold privately and people either come and select them from the farms or the brothers can do this for them. With Bill and Kate’s son Ben now working on Benmore the next generation coming into the family business. Waitaki Spraying 2024 Servicing the Waitaki Valley waitakispraying2024@outlook.com 027 360 7493 For all your ground spray needs Locally owned and operated by Pete and Emma Rapson PHONE 027 433 5523 DAVID O'NEILL CONTRACTING LTD Proud to be associated with Benmore Station • PLOUGHING & CULTIVATION • FINE CHOPPED SILAGE • MULCHING • FERTILISER SPREADING • DIRECT DRILLING • GENERAL CARTAGE • BALAGE • RUT BUSTING • GRAIN HARVESTING Pregnancy & Eye Muscle Scanning For all enquiries Ph Peter & Carolyn Clulee: Mob: 027 221 9799 • cluleesplace@xtra.co.nz Visual Assessment for IMF in Sheep “Respect for people, property, livestock and landscape is our overall focus,” says Bill. “We want to leave the land better than we found it. It’s about being conservatively stocked, not over grazing, good stockmanship and good stewardship of the land being passed in good condition to the next generation.”

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Benmore Station Wool production remains central to the business model, with both brothers passionate about the fibre. McSkimming Shearing has established itself as a trusted contractor across the Waitaki and Mackenzie districts since Tess and Willy McSkimming took over the operation in November 2023. The business now runs up to three teams during the busy pre-lamb season from July through to the end of October, with one team based in Twizel to service the high country. Based in Kurow, the couple brings decades of industry experience to the business. Willy was born into shearing, starting as a wool handler at just 13 before working his way through pressing, shearing and contracting. He also spent three years as a technical ield representative for Heiniger and has trained shearers, giving him experience across nearly every role the industry o ers. Tess, from a rural King Country farm, entered the sheds as a wool handler before taking on the cooking, call management and paperwork for the business. The couple met in the sheds around Taumarunui and ran a shearing business there from 2005 until 2020 before moving south to Oamaru to raise their family. “We're a well-oiled machine,” explains Tess. “Between the two of us, we keep the whole show running from the board to the books.” The business operates on clear principles that have helped build its reputation over the past two years. “We've got a simple rule: no wankers,” says Willy. “That goes for everyone on the job and o . We expect mutual respect, good attitudes and a team- irst mindset across the board from sta to management.” Communication sits at the heart of the operation's approach. “We'll always keep you in the loop about what's happening and where we're at before your job kicks o ,” explains Willy, who maintains a hands-on presence at every job. “Willy's never far from a wool shed,” says Tess. “If he's not shearing, he's likely lending a hand in the yards, penning up, giving the team a breather or just having a good yarn.” The company follows up each job with a courtesy call to clients, seeking feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Tess keeps the business running behind the scenes, handling wages, invoicing and paperwork as well as providing hearty, home-cooked meals for the crews. The business employs experienced, quality-focused sta capable of handling everything from ine wool to crossbred sheep. It works with top wool classers and has quali ied sta ready to step up when needed. The company encourages sta to attend courses and participate in shearing and wool handling competitions to maintain high standards. “We absolutely love the shearing industry and the incredible variety of people it brings together,” says Willy. “It's bloody hard work but we thrive on it and we're proud to foster a hardworking, fun and family-oriented crew.” Trusted in the Waitaki & Mackenzie districts KUROW, NORTH OTAGO SHEARINGCONTRACTORS SERVICING THE WAITAKI & MACKENZIE DISTRICTS Friendly, Reliable Experience You Can Count On! Friendly, Reliable Experience You Can Count On! Shearing & Crutching Services Locally Based Staff Crossbred & Fine Wool Teams Available Year Round Supporting The Local Community Contact Us Today Willy & Tess: 027 4491712 www.mcskimmingshearing.biz

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Camp Valley Stud Rigorous approach to selecting rams The stud breeds South Suffolk, Suftex and Suftex/Southdown rams. Russell Fredric “Because the Texel’s quite short it does add a wee bit of length to the rams with the Southdown. You get the good conformation, good meatiness and good bone.” Camp Valley Stud owner Peter Divan is unapologetic about his rigorous approach to selecting rams to put up for sale. “I don’t try to sell too many, I’d rather be more fussy with my selection and sell good rams than to be a numbers game. I’m normally pretty ruthless on picking them out.” The stud breeds South Suffolk, Suftex and Suftex/Southdown rams and is run from Peter’s 400 hectare farm which lies on steep to easy rolling country near Fairlie, Mackenzie District, with the highest elevation being around 400 metres above sea level. “The first thing I focus on is the feet. They can be the best ram, but if the feet are poor they’re useless and that goes for the ewes as well.” Peter has around 30 to 40 rams in total available from late November, with the South Suffolk being the long-term base of the stud. Their traits include a medium-sized, muscular body, a dark head, face and legs and they are known for producing fast-growing, lean prime lambs, with excellent carcass quality. The breed is prized for its fertility, hardiness, early maturity, and easy lambing. “We are trying to get a combination because the Texel aren’t renowned for being highly fertile but South Suffolks are.” The farm’s stock comprises 1300 mainly Romney commercial breeding ewes and 150 hoggets, plus 250 stud ewes,150 Angus grown for Five Star Beef and 150 dairy grazing heifers. Camp Valley Stud was started by Peter’s father and has been running for 50 years. Five years ago Peter started crossing Southdown’s over his Suftex ewes. “They’ve been very successful. A lot of people are buying them.” Southdown are recognised as being sturdy and muscular with a long back and rounded loin in addition to being early maturing and forage efficient. The high quality of the carcass has been a hallmark of the breed, consequently the addition to the also meat-driven Suftex adds a further boost to their carcass, Peter says. “Because the Texel’s quite short it does add a wee bit of length to the rams with the Southdown. You get the good conformation, good meatiness and good bone.” “”We are not irrigated country, it’s harder country so it needs rams that are going to fatten early.” Following some tough years, Peter says it’s good to have some confidence back in the sheep industry “but we do need it for more than one year, we need five or six good years in a row to make a really significant difference.” He notes that one of the most remarkable achievements over the last several decades – and one that has been significantly contributed to by breeders – is despite the national flock being more than halved, total sheep meat production has stayed about the same, both as a result of better fertility and higher carcass weights. “We’ve got a good product to sell. As long as sheep numbers hold where they are that’s the main thing.” CAMP VALLEY STUD Peter Divan 03 685 5726 Fairlie STUD BREEDERS OF SOUTH SUFFOLK SHEEP SUFTEX SUFTEX SOUTHDOWN CROSS Est 1975

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Camp Valley Stud Their traits include a medium-sized, muscular body, a dark head, face and legs and they are known for producing fast-growing, lean prime lambs. GO FOR GOLD WITH RAMS FROM PETERS GENETICS PERFORMANCE, PRODUCTION & PRICE - THE WINNING COMBO Plus: • Romdales • Texel Perendales • Suftex 1419 Moa Flat Road RD 2, Tapanui New Zealand Kerry: 027 6016131 Morgan: 027 9116193 Email: france@yrless.nz

10 | Smarter, more consistent and sustainable This year, Sam has added another layer of innovation with the Halter virtual fencing system. Kelly Deeks RURAL PEOPLE » Claxby Farm At Claxby Farm in Eyrewell, North Canterbury, fifth-generation farmers Marcus and Sam Spencer-Bower are proving that technology can do more than just make life easier - it can make dairy farming smarter, more consistent, and more sustainable. The Spencer-Bower family has farmed Claxby Farm since 1852, and Marcus says embracing innovation is part of protecting that legacy. With rising costs of production putting pressure on dairy farmers across the country, Claxby Farm is leaning into technology to drive better decisions and reduce risk. For the past four years, the team has been using Allflex collars, an advanced monitoring system that tracks cow health, rumination, and heat detection. “Allflex has changed the way we manage cows,” Marcus says. “The collars collect data that helps us make faster, more accurate decisions. During mating, for example, quality of drafting used to depend on who was in the shed that day. Now it’s automated, and the AI never has a sick day.” The collars also provide real-time insights that help prevent issues before they become costly. “It’s all about risk management,” Marcus says. “The data is consistent, it’s recorded automatically, and it means our decision-making is based on facts, not assumptions. When I’m off farm, I can still see what’s going on, and that’s a big advantage.” This year, Sam has added another layer of innovation with the Halter virtual fencing system. The system allows farmers to move herds, set break fences, and manage grazing all from their phones. “We’re watching that closely on Sam’s farm as a trial,” Marcus says. “From what we’ve seen so far, Halter is fantastic technology. It’s expensive, so we’ve got to make sure it really works for our system, but the potential is huge. Technology is also delivering a better work-life balance. “It frees up time,” Marcus says. “You can be off farm and still check/shift pivots. It gives you more flexibility and less pressure to always be physically on farm.” Alongside Allflex and Halter, Claxby Farm has recently adopted Aimer, a new pasture management app that uses artificial intelligence to help predict feed wedges and plan feeding. “You use your phone’s camera to do your farm walks, put in your pasture covers and growth rates, and Aimer gives you a 14-day forecast,” Marcus explains. “It can tell you how much supplement each herd needs and how many hectares per cow per day. It’s pretty clever - we can see feed deficits coming before they hit.” He says AI tools like Aimer are giving managers a new level of clarity. “As a general manager, I’m not on farm every day, so having reliable data is key. These systems make our information more concrete and remove the guesswork.” Marcus says the challenge for the future is keeping up with technology as it continues to • SILAGE • DIRECT DRILLING • CULTIVATION • HEADING • BALING “Service doesn’t cost, it pays” B.A. MURRAY LTD 177 Mt Thomas Road, RD 1, Rangiora 7471 Phone: 03-313-5060 Mobile: 027-434-3119 Email: office@bamurray.co.nz Website: www.bamurrayagriculture.co.nz ……..New Zealand Rural Contractor Of The Year 2002……. 177 Mt Thomas Road, RD 1, Rangiora 7471 Phone: 0274343119 | Email: office@bamurray.co.nz Web: www.bamurrayagriculture.co.nz ...New Zealand Rural Contractor Of The Year 2002… B.A. MURRAY LTD. • Self Propelled Sprayers • Truck Mounted Boom Sprayers • Handgun Unit • Mini Spreader • Proof of Placement Mapping HIDE SPRAYINGLTD REGISTERED CHEMICAL APPLICATORS IN ALL CLASSES Ph/Fax: (03) 313 5278 • Mob: Andrew 0274 372 006 Ph: (03) 313 7723 • Mob: Graham 0274 333 786 Email: hidespray@xtra.co.nz • 211 Mt Thomas Road, RD1, Rangiora 7471 Hide Spraying is proud to support Claxby Farm 027 427 8180 JOEREDWOODFENCING@GMAIL.COM Joe Redwood Fencing CANTERBURY evolve. “Everything’s moving so fast with AI, but we’ve got to go with the flow,” he says. “It’s not about replacing people - it’s about supporting them. Technology helps our team make better decisions, reduce risk, and ultimately spend more time doing the things that matter most.”

| 11 Nature-based solutions at its core Dusk Hedges, which started five years ago from a concept developed by the couple’s son, is a specialist nursery growing mature hedges specifically bred to thrive in Central Otago’s unique climate. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Criffel Station The Bell family of Criffel Station in Wanaka is developing a future-focused farm with diversification and integration of nature based solutions throughout the operations. Located seven kilometres from Wanaka township, the farm runs a commercial deer farm while simultaneously operating tourism ventures and its newest enterprise, Dusk Hedges. “We’re a commercial farm and within those boundaries it’s about how can we integrate ecosystem services and care of the environment and people into our business,” says Dr Amanda (Mandy) Bell who owns the farm with husband Jerry. Dusk Hedges, which started five years ago from a concept developed by the couple’s son, is a specialist nursery growing mature hedges specifically bred to thrive in Central Otago’s unique climate, selling them by the metre to the general public, landscapers and developers. “We started selling this year and next year we’ll be at full production,” explains Mandy. The nursery, situated within Criffel Station, offers a range including Prunus Lusitanica Portuguese Laurel, Photinia ‘Red Robin’, Pittosporum Tenuifolium, Griselinia Littoralis and Elaeagnus x Ebbingei. The business is committed to environmental sustainability, with every hedge planted also helping to support biodiversity. Dusk Hedges is just one element of the station’s diversified approach. Crossfire, located at Criffel Junction, has been operational for over 10 years, offering claybird shooting, archery, rifle range, mini golf and driving range facilities. The station also offers curated behind-the-farm-gate experiences including taste journeys with guided foraging, learning experiences focused on sustainable farming practices and high country exploration across the property’s dramatic landscapes. The Bell family, custodians of the land since the 1960s when Jerry’s parents Hector and Joan established the farm. Mandy and Jerry purchased the farm in 1993 and converted from a high country sheep station. The property comprises 350 hectares of finishing pastures on the flats and terraces, with 315 hectares irrigated, and 1,650 hectares of breeding hill blocks on steeper tussock country. It runs predominantly Eastern European red deer across three farming operations: hill breeding, venison finishing and a velveting operation utilising breeding values and DNA technology. The station’s approach is guided by a long-term vision, operating with a 30-year farming business plan and an intergenerational perspective. This thinking is formalised through Criffel Futures, which focuses on ecosystem services, land use change, environmental care and functional food. “Understanding who we are and our land, we take a long term view,” explains Mandy. She acknowledges that the primary sector is in a short term up cycle but with an undercurrent of significant challenges including commodity cycles, processing overcapacities, environmental issues, julia@genetic-gains.co.nz 0274 320 285 www.genetic-gains.co.nz fb.com/ai4ewe Genetic Gains offers specialised packages to assist breeders to identify the most productive animals to breed from, then distribute the genes of top performing rams and ewes through our arti cial breeding services. We are experienced operators who offer a professional, friendly and efficient service. Your Rural & Residential Wanaka Fencing experts. Whether it's keeping the dogs in and the rabbits out or maybe you are needing that added privacy, please contact us to get your fencing solution underway. Professional & Great Rates Reliable & Trustworthy 18 Years Experience Get Your Fencing Quote Now! 0274 352 743 info@aspiringfencing.co.nz fencingwanaka.com Pleased to be associated with Cri el Station STOCK CARTAGE SOWING BULK CARTAGE ALLIED FUEL STOP UPPER CLUTHA TRANSPORT Luggate Ph: 03 443 8221 E: luggate@uct.co.nz W: www.uppercluthatransport.co.nz and disruptive technologies such as production and use of bio-nutraceuticals. “The world of food is constantly changing - both in what people eat and how they eat it,” explains Mandy. “As farmers, we have to take all of this into account and keep pace with the changes and the opportunities. While many tend to focus on just one part of the picture, true sustainability for our businesses requires a holistic approach. We need to be proactive, shifting our mindset toward finding solutions and putting them into action.”

12 | RURAL PEOPLE » Craigmore Station Craigmore Station’s solid scanning figures Craigmore Station is an historic property straddling 10,300 acres. Sue Russell Some 30 minutes inland from Timaru sits Craigmore Station, a historic property straddling 10,300 acres, owned by the Elworthy family since 1864. David and Miriam Bielski have been managers of the property 10 years now with Forbes and Bridget Elworthy, who live in England visiting regularly. This season 6,300 ewes were mated, along with 1,800 hoggets. “We also fawned 900 hinds and carry 600 Angus cows, wintering 460 R1’s and 93 R2’s, and have 3000 store lambs.” David says it has been a kind year, with stock numbers across each class at about the right level for the station’s management systems, confirmed by solid scanning figures. He’s very pleased with the performance of the sheep operation, focussing on individual performance and ensuring a good percentage of trading animals. Too often, Spring can be tough, too cold or dry, so having a certain amount of trading stock allows him to reduce stocking rates when feed covers are tight. “It’s very hard to sell capital stock when your covers are short – and so often it’s the capital stock that get pinched, especially on the shoulders of the season. If you under-feed them at lambing, it can severely affect your overall stock performance,” David explains. One good indicator David uses to see whether they have achieved good results for the year is the condition of ewes at tailing. He says it sums up the whole year. The aim is for them to be in a condition score of 3. If below this figure then they have previously been under-fed. “We’ve also continued to do well with the deer side of the business. One of the key things we have changed over the last couple of years has put Italian in the autumn for weaners in the spring – they grow really well on Italian, even in August. If you can reach good weights earlier, you can finish them when the schedules at the highest, taking paddocks out earlier for summer/winter crops.” When Rural South spoke with David early October, winter lambs and yearling deer had just started being sent off for processing, while R1 steers and cull R1 heifers were being sold store through Temuka. “Prices for stock whether being sold store or finished are very good. The aim is to move 4000 stock units off farm through cattle, lamb and deer in four weeks.” With this achieved, paddocks can be sprayed early to conserve moisture late spring and summer. David says there’s a current frustration in genetics available for breeding purposes. One of the problems, he feels, is the focus on producing good looking stock for sale. “To achieve this they are treated very well, not to the types of conditions commercial farmers have. We find when they come here they never look the same as when we first bought them. Within a year they’re not looking good and I’m thinking why would I put these over my breeding stock.” David still places value in EBV’s, but to him what is more important is the actual breeder and their breeding philosophies. The focus is to look for breeders that have similar farming systems to those practiced at Craigmore. He doesn’t mind a bull, ram or stag looking a bit average, so long as I know they have had some pressure, such as minimal drench. “I really appreciate an animal lifting when they come onto our property rather than going the other way.” On the flip side, David does understand that there is an ‘expectation’ from farmers that stud animals are to look in good condition when being sold so sometimes its hard to challenge them or under-feed them. “Feeding is most important as far as performance is concerned. I would prefer to go out and buy a bull at a reasonable price and spend the rest on re-grassing.” The team working with David has remained the same for a number of years bringing the stability that comes with understanding the property and stock management systems well. Each stock class has a manager who liaises with David regularly with frequent informal contact and more formal monthly meetings to make future decisions. Jess Williams (03) 684 5184 jess@turnbullgrainandseed.co.nz Sam Thacker (03) 684 5184 021 0839 3321 Anna Hayward 027 434 4116 (03) 684 3674 anna@turnbullgrainandseed.co.nz (03) 684 5184 sam@turnbullgrainandseed.co.nz Spraying - Cultivation - Drilling For enquiries Phone Robert 0276142633 Proud to support Craigmore Station “My main concerns on a daily basis is the quality of what we’re growing and ensuring there’s sufficient feed for our stock numbers. I also link, of course with Forbes and the board over the more strategic decisions.” Looking after water quality has always been important for Forbes and David. Over the next 10 years, their aim is to fence a lot of the creeks off from stock and plant them with natives. One of the projects on the go currently is the Moa Valley enhancement project which is a cultural significant area. Craigmore received some Government funding to fence off all the water-ways and plant out 15ha of wetland area. With very good prices and the weather-gods so far behaving, David says he’s pleased with the overall situation of Craigmore Station. “It’s a case of always being open to how the market is performing and to adjust our focus accordingly and applying the best stock management practices to optimise individual performance.”

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