| 53 RURAL PEOPLE » Logan and Nicky Kelly / Organic Farm Holdings A change ahead High-value organic production Sue Russell Karen Phelps Some 11km east of Balclutha, South Otago, is the dairy farming business Logan and Nicky Kelly own, straddling two properties; one the home farm, the other a larger property they are sharemilking on. This is the third time Rural South has spoken with Logan and he said this season will be the last the smaller home farm, home to dairy shorthorns and Friesian cows, will operate as a separate dairy unit. Currently the herd count is approximately 100 and from next season, the home farm will serve as a run-off for the larger farm which has 480 cows. Logan says they are still dealing with repercussions from significant flooding that occurred last October. “We were down quite a bit in the milking and we’ve had a lot of re-grassing to do and a wider calving spread, all impacting the operation at this time.” Winter, he says, has been good and the cows well fed. Calving started on the 10th August. More cows than typical will be calving in September, given the longer mating. When the flooding happened, though the water was only 10cm deep, it extended over approximately 70% on the sharemilking farm. “We’re one of the lower farms in the district, while the home farm is higher. We brought 50 cows from the big farm to the home farm to ease things.” Last year was also challenging given the herd in part contracted salmonella. Given this, the decision was made not to enter the stock in Shows. Logan says he’s very much hoping they will be able to get to the South Otago Show in Balclutha. “The national competition will be on-farm and we’ll endeavour to get a judge organised. North Canterbury sheep, beef and cropping business Organic Farm Holdings Ltd has undergone a dramatic transformation following the sale of Mt Cass Station earlier this year. It has now refocused on high-value organic production and quality genetics. The operation has retained a 350-hectare irrigated cropping block at Waipara, now running a mixed enterprise combining its Mt Cass Wiltshires stud with beef finishing and organic cropping. The farm is now a tenth of its previous size. “We are continuing to grow high-value crops,” says farm manager Dave Wooldridge. “We’re 100% certified organic.” The streamlined operation will grow lucerne seed for sprouting and pasture seed markets, fennel seed for an international client, linseed, and sprouting maple peas, also for an international customer. It will also produce milling wheat for a North Canterbury flour mill and feed wheat for the chicken and dairy markets. Despite the significant downsizing, the Mt Cass Wiltshire stud remains central to the business strategy, with 400 SIL recorded ewes continuing to add substantial value. “We are in the business of value-added products, so genetics should make more than meat,” explains Dave. “There is a slight increase in wool prices, but still strong demand for shedding genetics around the country.” The stud sells rams nationwide through its on-farm ram sale each late November, typically selling around 70 rams at Auction. The stud has clear breeding objectives focused on creating an efficient, low-maintenance animal suited to modern farming systems. “Mt Cass Wiltshires have inherent internal parasite tolerance, don’t need to be shorn, crutched or dipped for fly strike and has internal parasite resilience,” says Dave. “This results in significant savings on shearing, labour and agrichemical costs. They are also good meat producers.” The operation continues investing in top genetics, having used Exlana genetics imported from the UK, targeting traits of high fecundity, good shedding and This is scheduled to happen over January and February next year.” With the decision to no longer supply milk from the smaller home farm, there’s a rationalising of their farming business in progress. The current herd about 50:50 shorthorn and Friesian in makeup and some stock will be sold. “It’s just going to work better across the two properties to use the home farm as a run-off. It will give us more flexibility and choices.” Logan’s history with the shorthorn breed, the first to be introduced to New Zealand, stems back to his youth. He’s been standing up stock for judging at shows since the age of 15. “They are great cows for lots of reasons. They have better feet that cope well with conditions underfoot and their milk produces a higher fat to protein ration. Today’s modern milking shorthorn is nothing like the breed first introduced into dairying in this country.” Contract milkers Dave and Katrina Carr have been working on the larger farm for seven years now, so there’s a lot of stability in the operation of the business. Logan is quietly optimistic it will be a good season ahead, depending on if any adverse weather conditions have an impact. “That’s the thing about farming, you have to just work with what you’re presented with and get on with it.” Asked what interests take him off farm Logan says he’s enjoying clay bird shooting, a sport he’s just taken up. “It is important to retain interests outside of the day to day demands of the farms. We’re in a good situation and have concentrated on ensuring farm running costs do not increase very much, while focussing on animal health and productivity.” meat production. Exlana is a composite maternal breed developed with profit in mind. “The efficient forage conversion, low labour and reduced chemical input traits of Exlana make the genetics an ideal addition to Mt Cass Wiltshires,” explains Dave. The farm is part of the recently established Shedding Sheep Improvement Group, which was set up approximately 12 months ago, instigated by Amberley breeder Dan Wheeler. “The group will create a collaborative, nationally connected group of shedding sheep breeders who are committed to improving the genetic merit of shedding sheep in New Zealand,” says Dave. “Shedding genetics are relatively new to this country so this group is part of its natural evolution.” He says the now smaller, flatter farm has enabled improved breeding performance. This year the flock scanned at 185% and tailed at 160%, with weaning predicted at 160%. “As we have reduced the stud, we got rid of poorer producing ewes and have increased genetic merit substantially as a result,” explains Dave. The beef finishing operation, certified to BioGro standard, produces approximately 200 head annually for New Zealand Organic Meats. The farm employs eco-friendly techniques of rotational grazing with fruit salad pastures of chicory, clovers, lucerne and plantains to produce organic lean meats with good marbling for domestic and international markets. “The stock is complementary,” says Dave, “because the cows and sheep eat a different length of leaf and are susceptible to different species of worms. The animals also integrate with the organic cropping operation for weed control.” He says market demand for organics remains high, though Dave expresses concern about government proposals regarding genetically engineered products. “The current bill they’ve proposed puts the onus on organic producers to ensure there is no contamination from genetically modified plants. This means extra cost for organic producers and damages New Zealand’s clean green brand. If the bill goes through as proposed, it will be impossible for us to ensure GE-free status on our products.” Proudly Supporting Logan & Nicky Kelly For all your boom and reel spraying needs CONTACT US 022 069 8863 southcoastcontractingnz@gmail.com BOOM SPRAYING EXPERTS We have you covered LUBRICANTS AUTHORISED STOCKIST Martin Darmody P: 027 227 2410 E: martindarmody@xtra.co.nz • GENERAL ENGINEERING • HYDRAULIC HOSE & VALVE REPAIRS • GRAIN & MOLASSES FEED SYSTEMS • FARM MACHINERY SERVICE & REPAIR • ATV SERVICE & REPAIR • GORSE SPRAYING Heartland Homes can offer a housing solution for you, from staff accommodation to the Homestead. South Island Wide heartlandhomes.co.nz | 027 696 6391 119 Carters Rd, Amberley, North Canterbury • Kitset • Transportable • Onsite Build 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 Mt Cass Station.
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