34 | Sustainability, welfare and productivity focus Small herd of hinds. Kelly Deeks BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS » Forest Creek Station The 4432ha sheep, beef, deer, and forestry property Forest Creek Station in the Rangitata Gorge has seen major strides in sustainability, animal welfare, and productivity in recent years, and the results are turning heads. Innovation and efficiency are at the heart of everything farm managers James and Samara Wright do. “We’re always looking at how we can do things better and smarter,” James says. “We take a ‘whole system’ approach to climate resilience, balancing high production with meaningful environmental gains.” That commitment was recognised in March when Forest Creek Station took home the NZFET Climate Recognition Award at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Judges praised Forest Creek Station for its extensive waterway protection work, native habitat restoration, precision farming techniques, and outstanding management of both farming and forestry operations. James and Samara’s success is not a solo achievement. Forest Creek Station is part of a broader team effort, guided and supported by owners Doug and Mari Harpur, along with Simon and Lou Wright, managers of Fairlight Station in Northern Southland. Together with James and Samara, this team has implemented a range of innovative initiatives to enhance sustainability at Forest Creek. This includes the extensive fencing and planting of waterways, creating a comprehensive water reticulation system, and implementing a rigorous water and soil testing programme. By monitoring and managing these vital resources, they are ensuring the long-term health of the land and its ecosystems. The farming system at Forest Creek is diverse and dynamic, running 7500 ewes and 2100 hoggets (lambed), 400 R1 and R2 finishing cattle, 730 velveting stags, and a small herd of hinds for breeding replacements. Thanks to pasture development and careful management, cattle numbers have increased by 25%, and the deer operation has doubled. Forest Creek has been part of the Headwater Programme for a number of years and instead of finishing commodity lamb, is now finishing Lumina Lamb as a premium product. All of the station’s major waterways are now fenced off from stock, and a major planting programme has seen 30,000 native plants go in, funded in part by the Jobs for Nature programme and the Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group. The team’s commitment to biodiversity is also evident in its efforts to protect and restore native habitats, creating a thriving environment for a diverse range of flora and fauna. A rigorous water and soil testing programme underpins the management of the land. Whole-farm soil testing is carried out every four years, ensuring a balanced nutrient approach. Forest Creek Station also runs its own drilling, cultivation, and spraying equipment, critical due to Today more than ever, service matters. Why? Because when you transport stock and apply fertiliser, or harvest crops at their very best; you need to know all your hard work will be duly rewarded. the farm’s remote location, short growing season, and weather limitations. On the livestock side, the Wrights have embraced precision technology. DNA testing has been introduced across the deer herd, helping identify top-performing stags and hinds to accelerate genetic gain. Strategic grazing practices have also been adopted to maximise pasture use and improve animal health, reinforcing the station’s strong focus on animal welfare alongside productivity. Forestry is another major focus, with 2000ha of high-quality Douglas Fir trees under Forest Creek’s management. Forestry is the passion that initially drew the owners to the station, and it remains a strong part of the business mix today, supported by the excellent growing conditions in the area. With their clear vision, strong team collaboration, and a commitment to innovation, James, Samara, and the Forest Creek Station ownership group have shown climate resilience and productivity can go hand-in-hand, delivering benefits for the environment, the animals, and the bottom line.
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