32 | Always nurturing sustainable practices Matt Lawlor and Teresa O’Riordan. Sue Russell Matt Lawlor and Teresa O’Riordan have been farming at Caldervan for 24 year and through this time a focus has always been to nurture sustainable practices to enhance their natural environment. A benefit of this focus has been to create a farming system that is more efficient and easier-tomanage farm. Matt’s parents provided him with the opportunity to go farming. The farm is located in Kaihiku, South Otago and the 1,220ha (1000ha effective) property boasts healthy soils and thriving animals. To Matt and Teresa, caring for the environment beginning from the soil up, underpins all the benefits that flow. “We’re absolutely committed to creating a healthy environment for our livestock and the surrounding ecosystem,” says Matt. Their sheep and beef property is surrounded by a mixed bag of agricultural pursuits, including dairying and cropping and Matt says the district is a great one to live in. Caldervan is home to approximately 6,500 Waiwere Romney breeding ewes, 1750 replacements and 200 mixed age breeding cows, along with 65 in calf heifers. All progeny is wintered on farm. Some 45 minutes away is a leased farm where 4-5 year old ewes and young cattle go up to be finished. BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS » Caldervan Limited Matt’s holds a very philosophical approach to farming practices. “You’ve just got to be flexible in the environment. The climate is forever changing and you need to just work with it to guide your farm and stock management decisions.” Each year Teresa plants about 1000 native trees and lays down a significant number of pest control traps. Fencing waterways and maintaining its quality are also priorities. This year, Caldervan Ltd received a NZ Farm Environment Trust Biodiversity Award, something the couple are very proud of. Judges were especially impressed with the family’s successful weed control efforts, particularly their impact on eliminating gorse. “When we took over the farm we wanted to strike a balance between creating the healthiest possible environment for our family and stock to enjoy while ensuring our practices were profitable for the business. We feel we’ve found that balance between profitability and environmental stewardship.” The farm carries a substantial area of native bush and tussock grasslands which the family enjoy protecting and nurturing. “We know just how fortunate we are to enjoy this pristine bush. It’s a great place for the whole family to explore and enjoy and we feel its very much a part of our whole farm operation.” Wetlands have been established supported by extensive riparian planting and fencing. These, in turn, create natural sediment traps PROUD TO SUPPORT CALDERVAN LIMITED Ideas | Advice | Great Accounting PROACTIVE ACCOUNTING YOU REALLY WANT P: 0800 427 739 E: business@harrexgroup.co.nz Proud to be associated with Caldervan Limited Ph: 03 418 4672 or 027 228 7957 12a Elizabeth St Balclutha Email: office@powerzonemotorcycles www.powerzonemotorcycles.co.nz New & used ATVs & Motorcycles Genuine Parts & Accessories We service all makes & models resulting in improved water quality. A comprehensive farm plan serves as a living document guiding development throughout the course of the year and constantly reviewed and added to. The plan includes detailed maps of soils, landscapes and special features on farm, along with action lists. A stock manager looks after the Waihola leased block. Matt and a part time worker work on the home farm, with the help from Matt and Teresas’ three teenage children. “We certainly were pleased to be recognised for our efforts to date on the farm but that journey never ends. There’s always more to do, but we don’t stress about it either. We just tick off our jobs as we can.”
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