Business Rural Winter 2026

Polson Higgs is building longstanding relationships with farming families through understanding how rural businesses operate - Page 44 30 years of rural service WINTER 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents #businessrural #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Carrickmore �� 03 Chris Henderson �� 04 Affleck Blackhills �� 06 Clayton Station �� 08 Jeff Farm �� 10 Lone Star Farms �� 12 Drumderg Farm �� 15 East Dome Farms �� 16 Grandview Deer �� 17 Haswell Farm �� 18 Stratheden Beef �� 19 Kinsman Potatoes �� 20 Leefield Station �� 21 Little Stems Micro Greens �� 22 Lynwood Dairies �� 23 Maitha Holdings �� 24 Nick and Anieka Templer �� 25 Matthew Tayler �� 26 Patearoa Station �� 28 Tharanga Senavirathna - Dromore Dairies �� 29 Taimate Angus Stud �� 30 Westwood Shorthorns �� 32 Te Wae Wae Herringbone �� 34 Barry Roughan �� 35 Cape Campbell �� 35 Kakahu Farm �� 36 Gavin Davie - Harihari �� 37 Hurunui Limited Partnership �� 37 Kelvin Grove �� 38 Rogan and Michelle Borrie �� 38 Waikawa Catchment Group �� 39 Lora Glen �� 40 Castle Ridge Station �� 42 Black Peak Farming �� 43 Polson Higgs - Dunedin �� 44 Eurogrow Potatoes �� 45 Otautau Tractor & Machinery 2013 Ltd �� 45 Central Plains Water �� 46 Farm Effluent Cleaning �� 48 FarmRight �� 50 Hillcrest Culverden Farms Ltd �� 52 Land and Water Science Ltd �� 53 Maniototo Irrigation �� 54 Milburn Lime �� 57 Wilkes RM �� 58 Peter Corcoran Contracting Ltd �� 59 Precise Fencing �� 60 Precision Direct Drilling Limited. �� 61 Seed and Grain NZ �� 62 Marlborough Farm Vets �� 64 Westland Farm Services Hokitika �� 65 Agri Tech Imports �� 66 Awamangu Contracting Ltd �� 66 Fairbanks Seeds �� 67 Harris Contracting 2023 Ltd �� 67 Pukerau Nursery �� 68 Total Transport Otago Ltd �� 69 Bleeker Cartage �� 70 Flock Hill Station �� 72 Carnie Farms �� 76 23 | Building a dairy career in South Otago 34 | Improved feeding and new revenue streams 10 | Cadetship in focus at upcoming Open Day OUR PARTNERS: 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 » Carrickmore Creating a legacy in sustainable farming Ewes crossing the head of the Styx Creek. Rosa Watson For more than 100 years the O’Malley family has been farming Carrickmore Station at Styx Valley in the Maniototo, with a legacy of innovation and sustainability. The family is now up for a Century Farm Award to be announced in May. The name Carrickmore is Gaelic for “Big Rock” reflecting the rugged schist rock landscape in which the farm lies. The property covers 4649 hectares – including the 3096ha of pastoral lease that was added to the 1553ha block in 1958. There are 3500 wintering ewes, 2000 hoggets, 140 breeding cattle, 100 calves and 40 R2 finishing heifers. It is in its second year transitioning from a merino and half-bred split flock to a full quarter-bred flock, fifth generation farmer Pete O’Malley tells Rural South. The farm also carries Earnscleugh Composite cattle. The station was founded by James and Elizabeth O’Malley who emigrated from Limerick, Ireland, in 1903, and in 1920 purchased the 1,553-hectare run that is now Carrickmore. Records from 1921 show that the run originally carried 1,345 sheep under James and Elizabeth’s stewardship. At the time, the property included a three- bedroom mudbrick home that was gradually extended as the family expanded. New homesteads were later built in the late 1950s and early 1960s and remain occupied today. James and Elizabeth’s eldest son, Paul became the second generation to manage the farm. Wounded in the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele during WWI, he recovered and returned home. His early years in charge were extremely challenging, marked by widespread rabbit infestations compounded by the physical and mental toll left by the war. Paul’s eldest son, Peter, was just 14 when he effectively assumed control, and his influence on Carrickmore was transformative. He introduced a full irrigation scheme, converted large areas of low-producing hill country into productive pasture, and purchased three additional farms to help establish his siblings. In 1959, he secured the lease of Run 248L, adding a further 3,096 hectares of summer grazing land. Following Peter’s death in 1985 at just 53 years of age, his 19-year-old son Paul assumed management, guiding the farm toward a more sustainable, lower-input system after the highproduction era of the 1980s. Breeding ewe numbers were reduced from 7,000 to 4,500, while cattle numbers remained steady at about 250 with a stronger focus on finishing stock. Major developments under his management include installing K-Line irrigation on what was then thought to be unsuitable hill country in 2004, and commissioning a 100 kW solar irrigation system in 2019. Today, Pete and his father Paul work together to run the farm, alongside Pete’s wife Annie and girls Eva (4) and Bonnie (2), as well as Paul’s partner Jo. “We also utilise some great business brains amongst the wider family to help drive direction, strategy and succession planning,” Pete says. The operation includes supplying fine wool to NZ merino company, store and finishing lambs and store and finishing cattle with a small amount of solar generation. Paul has been looking into natural inputs and soil health for over 30 years with a goal to get the soil functioning as efficiently as possible with balanced inputs. “It’s really an expansion of the phrase ‘grass grows grass’ in terms of what we’re doing,” Pete says. The most recent succession took place when Paul successfully paid out his siblings and implemented a succession arrangement to transfer into fourth generation ownership. They are currently working through succession plans from Paul to Pete and Annie. Looking forward, Pete hopes to keep adding to the family legacy by building a resilient and profitable business model. “Farming to our environment and building in the flexibility of stocking rates for both favourable and poor seasons is a key part of our plan.” He says increased solar development is the next major project for Carrickmore in 2026. He says it’s a huge privilege to be fifth generation on Carrickmore after over 105 years of O’Malley ownership. A recent book published by the family provides great insight into the history of the property, centring around the transformational impact Paul’s father Peter had on the farm. michael.d@fishit.co.nz www.fishit.co.nz Suppliers to Carrickmore A tool for sustainable biological farming Stronger stock. Smoother ow. Better results. From expert tailing and premium electrodip dipping to e cient sheep conveyor services, our two companies deliver trusted solutions that keep your operation moving with con dence. LAKE GRAY AGR I SERV ICES AND VALLEY SHEEP HANDL ING Mitch 027 313 8802 | Liam 027514 4014 If you’re in Central Otago, get in touch with Mitch or Liam today. “To understand the struggles that generations of the past have been through and overcome with innovation is incredible and provides great perspective, especially over the challenges the sheep and beef industry has been presented with in recent times.”

4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Chris Henderson Sharemilking next step for award winner Chris grew up on dairy farms in Southland (Seaward Downs and Pukerau), before studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University. Kim Newth Southland contract milker Chris Henderson entered the 2026 Southland/Otago Dairy Industry Awards to benchmark his position in the industry. The outcome was very positive, with Chris named runner-up share farmer of the year at the awards function. He won $5500 and two merit awards (LIC Animal Wellbeing, Recording and Productivity Award, and ASB Business Performance Award). “I’ve entered these awards twice before for the experience, but this was my first time at the share farmer level,” says Chris. “It was a good process and I’m pretty happy with how it went - it’s great to have the recognition.” Chris grew up on dairy farms in Southland (Seaward Downs and Pukerau), before studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University. After completing his studies in 2014, Chris did contract work overseas for a time yet always knew he’d return to dairy farming and start from the bottom. “That way you learn from the coalface - I like the stepping stones that you go through in this industry to achieve your goals. I started out as a farm assistant at Legendairies, near Invercargill. I worked as 2IC the next year, then as farm manager. After that, I went contract milking with the Miller Family at Glencoe.” The Miller family, of Roslyn Downs, are farm legends in their own right, having won the regional supreme award at the 2024 Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards for their 1034ha dairy, sheep and beef operation. Roslyn Downs is led by brothers Jason and Quentin Miller. The dairy farm, which was added in 2019, milks 870 cows on 360ha. “What drew me to this farm was that it had the scale I was looking for and it’s also a family-owned business. They keep the infrastructure well- maintained and if anything needs to be done, they will do it. There are monthly meetings with the Miller family and I’m always talking with them. They’ve supported me all the way and came along on the awards night too.” Sharemilking is now the next step for Chris and his wife Bec. The judges were impressed with Chris’ business acumen, use of professional support (including from Campbell Wood at Agrifocus and BNZ), equity growth achievements and strategic leveraging of off-farm assets. Chris says Bec’s flair for property helped them find good off-farm property investment opportunities. Buying cows to go sharemilking in the coming season, along with tractors and other farm equipment, will be a big cost for them but Chris says they’re ready for this next progression. It is no accident that Chris also won an award for animal wellbeing, recording and productivity. He’s been running the farm’s mating and feeding programmes for some time and regularly consults with their local LIC Agri Manager over how to achieve the highest possible genetic gain. “I really enjoy that side of it. This is my fifth season here. Production per cow was around 380kg milk solids when I started , but we should reach 500kg this year.” The farm runs an efficient block grazing system in winter that is kind on both the cows and the country, with minimal pugging and soil compaction. Southland’s trusted earthmoving specialists. From GPS-guided land drainage to lane construction, site prep, and landscaping—we deliver efficient, accurate groundworks tailored to your project. 027 207 2691 tbrockcontracting@gmail.com DELIVERING TRUSTEDEARTHMOVING SOLUTIONS ACROSS SOUTHLAND Proudly Supporting Chris Henderson Your go to experts for newbuilds and renovations JARROD HOPE m. 027 497 0029 e. jarrod.hope@jsquaredbuilding.co.nz Owner / Licensed Building Practitioner JARED CLARK m. 027 814 2170 e. jared.clark@jsquaredbuilding.co.nz Owner / Licensed Building Practitioner New Builds | Farm Buildings | House Extensions Room Renovations Ƥ Ƭ Ƭ ơ Ȁ Ǥ Why AgriFocus? x E Ƥ x Proactie Ƥ x r x r x r The Complete Financial Management Service for Agribusiness Servicing Rural Communities Across Southland Round Bailing Cultivation Direct Drilling Precision Drilling Excavators 027 824 0686 jamesdouglas.ingill@gmail.com

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6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Affleck Blackhills The beginning of a whole new chapter Yearling heifers. Karen Phelps The Affleck family near Waikaka have decided this coming spring will mark the beginning of a new chapter. Chris Affleck and wife Máiréad are preparing to place the family’s 360ha sheep, beef and dairy support property on the market. “With two children who are now 18 and 21, and neither of them looking to go into farming, it’s time for the next phase,” explains Chris. “By doing it early it allows us to make the decision on our terms.” The name Blackhills is believed to come either from the area’s dark fertile topsoil or from historic burning of tussock country. Chris grew up on the property that his parents Tom and Dorothy bought in 1969. He trained as an architectural draughtsperson in Wellington and then spent six years working in Edinburgh, where he met Máiréad. In 2005 they returned to the farm and today the couple own half the farm and lease the remaining portion from a family trust. The mixed operation runs sheep and beef alongside dairy heifer grazing contracts. Around 300 rising-two-year dairy heifers arrive as calves each December and remain on the property for 18 months until the following May. Breeding and finishing ewe numbers fluctuate between 1400 and 2200 depending on seasonal conditions and the property also lambs 400 hoggets and up to 100 beef cattle are fattened annually. Chris says the farm has continually evolved, particularly through changes to the sheep breeding programme. “We moved into a circular breeding pattern going from Romney to Perendale to Texel then back to Romney to utilise the main characteristics of these breeds using Romney as a base,” says Chris. “The efficiency and good mothering of Perendale and the carcass conformation and finer wool of the Texel.” More recently they have introduced Ultimate rams from Avalon Genetics. “For the last three years we have used these rams over the first cross Texels,” explains Chris. “The Ultimates don’t get tailed and Avalon Genetics has been focused on a shorter tail and Working with you for happy, healthy and productive animals in the south. 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE Stock Cartage, General Cartage & Fert Spreading admin@waikakatransport.com 032072885 Phone Jason - 0274 392 838 | A/H 03 207 2611 › Ploughing › Discing › Power Harrows › Roller Drill › Aerating › Baling › Direct Drilling › Individual Wrapping › Tube Wrapping › Mowing CLELAND CONTRACTING 2005 Ltd

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Affleck Blackhills View to the south and Hokonui Hills. a clear breech and less belly wool. The aim is to reduce costs and still have a good fleece.” Chris says the property’s contour and soil type have been major advantages over the years. “It’s generally a good grass growing area and holds on well during the summer,” he says. “We’d be one of the last places to dry out. Because of the rolling contour we don’t suffer from flooding, drainage is good.” He credits much of that to the work of his parents Dorothy and Tom. “They spent a lot of money and time putting in good drainage,” explains Chris. Chris is also heavily involved in the wider rural community. He is co-chair of the Waikaka Stream Catchment Group, vice-chairman of the Otama Rural Water Limited scheme (Tom was a chairperson for around 40 years) and president of the Waikaka Combined Sports Association. The catchment group has focused on improving environmental practices across local farms. “We have an interactive map that highlights critical areas that farmers should consider protecting to avoid soil erosion,” says Chris. “It’s about encouraging good management practice when it comes to winter grazing and soil cultivation.” He says working collectively has helped farmers respond to increasing environmental requirements. “If all farmers try to do it on their own individually it’s challenging, so as a group and being able to share ideas and information is a more productive way of coming up with solutions,” explains Chris. The family is also among shareholders in the community-owned Waikaka Hotel, established after locals banded together to keep the pub operating when it came up for sale. While the farm’s future ownership may soon change, Chris says the focus remains on ensuring the property is well positioned for whoever takes over next Pleased to support Affleck Blackhills Gore Queenstown Balclutha Wanaka Christchurch Alan Macdonald Erin Howes Caleb Macdonald Stephen Kornyei 03 209 0390 • info@mpltd.co.nz www.mpltd.co.nz • Drainage & Excavation • Gravel & Rock Supply • Site Works • Bulk & General Earthworks • Aggregate Cartage • High Pressure Drain Cleaning • Muck Spreading Ken Adams - 027 445 5813 Craig Ross - 027 224 4880 admin@k2kontracting.co.nz K2 KONTRACTING LTD

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Clayton Station Innovation and adaptation are the key The property supports a complex and evolving operation. Karen Phelps At the head of the Fairlie Basin, Clayton Station is proving that innovation and adaptation are key to sustaining a modern high-country farming business. While its history stretches back generations, its current direction is firmly focused on forward-thinking systems, new genetics and diversified income streams. Now spanning 3900 hectares, reduced from its original 9140 hectares through tenure review and land sales, the property supports a complex and evolving operation. Under the stewardship of Hamish and Anna Orbell, a third-generation farmer on the land his grandparents once purchased, the focus has shifted towards maximising efficiency and embracing change. “There’s always been a need to adapt up here,” says Hamish. “The environment and the market both demand it so we’ve tried to stay open to new ideas and opportunities that make the business more resilient.” One of the most significant innovations at Clayton Station has been the development of the Changus cattle breed, a cross between Angus and Charolais, created in partnership with Kakahu in 2016. Designed specifically with the dairy industry in mind, the breed combines low birthweight and short gestation with strong growth performance. “In conjunction with Gerald Hargreaves from Kakahu we saw an opportunity to produce a calf that would not only be easy calving for dairy farmers but also have real value afterwards,” explains Hamish. “They grow exceptionally well and command a better price early on, which is important for the dairy sector.” The Changus programme has grown steadily with Clayton Station selling bulls and Kakahu selling semen there is around 140 bulls now sold annually across the South Island. A unique genetic trait appearing in some of the cattle, known as the double dilution gene, ensures calves are born silver or white when crossed with Friesian or Jersey cows, providing a clear visual marker. “It gives farmers certainty,” says Hamish. “They know exactly what they’re getting, and that’s been a big part of the demand.” Innovation is not limited to cattle. The station’s sheep system has also undergone significant refinement in recent years. After reaching the limits of traditional crossbred ewes, the focus shifted to quarterbred genetics sourced from Craigneuk Sheep Stud and The Gums. The result has been strong wool performance, with contracts secured at $17 per kilogram, alongside lambs that maintain solid weights. “We felt our ewes were becoming too large and inefficient,” says Hamish. “Moving to quarterbreds has allowed us to fine-tune the flock, improve consistency and still hit our production targets.” Cropping has emerged as another area of development with 250 hectares now producing barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape at high yields. However it is hemp that represents the most innovative step forward. Introduced just two years ago the crop is supplied directly to The Brothers Green for use in oil and protein products. “Hemp is a really exciting niche business to be part of,” explains Hamish. “It’s been challenging at times, as it can be quite fickle with yield and harvest timing, but there are learnings every season. If consistency can be improved, it could become a much larger component of our cropping programme.” Diversification extends further, with deer farming and a trophy park operation, as well as the grazing of around 600 Wagyu cattle for additional cashflow. Across the 800 hectares of flats and 3100 hectares of hill country, flexibility remains a central theme. Behind these innovations is a strong family and team foundation. Hamish’s wife Anna manages the accounts, while their three children - Alice, Get in touch Brent Love Christchurch 027 528 1537 Michelle Martin Ashburton 027 693 1103 Charlotte Blackman Timaru 03 684 0235 Find out more 17, Arthur, 15, and Jack, 13 - represent the fourth generation connected to the property. Four full-time staff, alongside casual workers, support the day-today running of the station. “None of this happens without good people,” says Hamish. “Innovation is important, but it’s the team and the willingness to keep improving that really drives the business forward.” 021 0849 7055 | whittakerag@gmail.com For all your ground spraying needs Locally owned and operated by Tom & Jess Whittaker. For all your spraying needs & questions, give us a call! Proudly supporting Clayton Station Proud to support Clayton Station Ph: 021 523 291 | Email: info@bhfencing.nz Ben Haugh Fencing MEMBER • High country fencing • Farm fencing • Line preparation • Shed Building • Deer, cattle & sheep yard construction

| 9 RURAL PEOPLE » Clayton Station Diversification extends further, with deer farming and a trophy park operation. One of the first Changus Calves. Pleased to support Clayton Station 200 Terminal rams — Dorset Down, South Down, and South Dorset — plus 80 specially selected half-bred and quarter-bred 2-tooth rams. ANNUAL SALE JANUARY 8 TH 2027

10 | Cadetship in focus at upcoming Open Day Jeff Farm’s two-year cadetships provide young people with a thorough grounding in all aspects of practical farming. Kim Newth RURAL PEOPLE » Jeff Farm Motivated young people dreaming of future farm careers are invited to check out Jeff Farm’s 2026 Open Day on 17th July and explore what their excellent cadet programme has to offer. Jeff Farm’s two-year cadetships provide young people with a thorough grounding in all aspects of practical farming. Run on behalf of the Salvation Army, the productive 2433ha breeding and finishing property in South Otago is an ideal training ground. The farm’s graduating cadets are sought-after in the rural sector. Interest in the cadetships continues to grow, year on year. Jeff Farm’s work featured on Hyundai Country Calendar in March, bringing even more enquiries than usual for this year’s upcoming open day. Mike and Tarryn Benton, respectively Farm Manager and Farm Administrator, are delighted with the positive feedback on the Country Calendar programme and the rising interest they’re seeing in the cadetships. “Five years ago, we were struggling to get three or four applications a year but for the last two years that number has been up around 25 or 30,” says Mike. “The interest is coming from all over the country and our open days are getting busier and busier.” The 2026 Open Day includes a farm tour and opportunities for people to learn all about the cadet programme and how it works. For the Jeff Farm team, it’s also a chance to meet prospective candidates and begin the job of assessing who will be a good fit for the farm in 2027. • Drainage & Excavation • Gravel & Rock Supply • Site Works • Bulk & General Earthworks • Aggregate Cartage • High Pressure Drain Cleaning • Muck Spreading Ken Adams - 027 445 5813 Craig Ross - 027 224 4880 admin@k2kontracting.co.nz K2 KONTRACTING LTD SILRecorded • EMAScanned FECTested, Romneys, DorsetDowns, Romney-Texels, DorsetDownBeltex Easycare, high fertility &earlymaturingRams Call Sam on 027 367 3658 AVIATION FOR AGRICULTURE Proud to support Jeff Farm For all your agricultural aviation needs

| 11 With new quarters planned this year, Jeff Farm is aiming to recruit three new cadets for their 2027 intake, rather than just two. RURAL PEOPLE » Jeff Farm With new quarters planned this year, Jeff Farm is aiming to recruit three new cadets for their 2027 intake, rather than just two. “What we look for in our cadet applicants is attitude: young people who are willing to step outside their comfort zone and ask questions. They need to be bold, brave, and willing to work hard. Our recruits are aged between 16 and 20 years. Ideally, they will already have a restricted driver’s licence and a vehicle to get around in too.” Jeff Farm’s 2026 cadet intake – Ollie WalkerLeach, Lilly McQueen and James Read – will be taking people around the farm on the 2026 Open Day, answering questions and filling them in on what to expect. CALL NOW FOR A JOB WELL DONE Get the best for your sheep for e ciency & reliability Phone Mark Spain or Martin Smith - 03 218 3712 Martin Smith 027 432 8930 or Email: o ce@spainsmith.co.nz Proud to be associated with Jeff Farm Last year’s graduating cadets, Gavin Perkin and Ben Fifield, are already out working as shepherds - at Ben Callum Station and Caberfeidh Station respectively - with a great future ahead of them. Included in the cadet programme are skills like stock handling, shearing, training of working dogs, fence building, and learning about new technology and animal genetics. Mike says the focus recently has been on formalising the programme to be more structured and to include more events, such as shearing competitions. (Jeff Farm’s second year cadets, Jake Anderson and Noah Monson, recently took part in Southern Shears 2026, and did very well in their first such competition). Meanwhile, Jeff Farm has a new head shepherd, Jake Faulkner, himself a former cadet (Growing Future Farmers), now with five years’ shepherding experience behind him. Rounding out the team are stock manager Henry Smith, with Josh Gibson as the farm’s fencer/tractor driver and his wife Maisie as the farm’s cook. For more on Jeff Farm’s Open Day 2026, go to the Salvation Army website (under Education & Learning/Jeff Farm) or the Jeff Farm Facebook page. Peter CORCORAN & CAIRNSCONTRACTING LTD CONTRAC We’ve got the experience & the equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. www.rbrural.co.nz rbruralltd@gmail.com OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES • Production Animal Veterinary Services • Nutrition Consulting and Products • Animal Management • Stock Water and Culverts • Dairy Shed Supplies • Electric + Conventional Fencing Proud to support Jeff Farm

12 | A testament to hard work and effort Ewes and lambs heading to the yards at Caberfeidh. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Lone Star Farms Boom Spraying, Automatic Hose Reel, Broom & Gorse Spraying, Liquid Fertiliser Registered Weed Sprayer Ken & Barbara Cuthill Cell 027 486 1738 A/H 03 486 1730 OutramContracting www.rurallivestock.co.nz PROUD TO WORK ALONGSIDE LONESTAR FARMS Paul Mavor Logan Moore 0274 730 100 0274 730 811 0800 141 545 | info@carrfields.co.nz | www.carrfields.co.nz QUALITY SEED. RELIABLE GRAIN. REAL RESULTS. Lone Star Farms has once again been recognised for its commitment to people, earning finalist status for a second time in the Rabobank People and Development Award and then taking out the honour at the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards. The South Island-based farming business, which operates six farms and employs 35 staff, has built a reputation for putting people at the centre of everything it does. With a corporate structure underpinned by family farm values, it continues to invest heavily in developing capability, supporting wellbeing and fostering a strong team culture. “For us as a company we feel honoured to win the award,” says general manager Matt Smith. “It’s a testament to the hard work and effort that has gone into our people and how we take pride in our people development. People are the heart of our business so winning means we are on the right track with our business.” That focus is evident in the systems it has built to support staff growth. Every permanent employee has a Personal Development Plan tailored to individual goals, with regular reviews and access to training opportunities. Staff are encouraged to attend industry programmes such as Kellogg Rural Leaders and Rabobank Executive Development, alongside field days like the Headwaters Muster. On-farm roles are also structured as clear development pathways. Positions such as Block Manager and Stock Manager are designed as stepping stones to more senior roles, supported by mentoring and financial training. “All permanent staff have individual personal development plans and we are progressively developing this process,” says Matt. “If positions become available within the company, we have a Irrigation Measurement & Monitoring HASSLE FREE COST EFFECTIVE ACCURATE SERVICE What we do: Hydrology & Open Channel Measurement Flow Meters Installation & Verification Water Quality Sampling & Programs Telemetry and Remote Monitoring Soil Moisture Sensor Installation & Service What we sell: Flow Meters Data Loggers & Telemetry Soil Moisture Sensors Probes & Strips Weather Stations & Rain Gauges Automatic Irrigation Gates 03 688 5539 www.boraman.nz

| 13 Staff at the LSF Muster. RURAL PEOPLE » Lone Star Farms What if milk prices drop? What if winter grass growth is lower than normal? farmax.co.nz With FARMAX you can build a digital twin of your farm and play around with different ‘what if’ scenarios to create a plan for every eventuality. Congratulations Lone Star Farms! We’re proud to support your journey with practical land and water solutions. 03 432 4207 office@sscontracting.co.nz www.scottsimpsoncontracting.co.nz CONTRACTING LTD Quality service with quality results. BALEAGE • SILAGE • STRAW • HAY • GRAIN • FODDER BEET LANE MAINTENANCE • EFFLUENT • EARTHMOVING • CARTAGE policy to advertise in house first to give our current staff a chance to progress.” Leadership development is further strengthened through regular Focus Days, which bring together farm and head office teams for strategic planning and coaching. Matt says that external advisors have indicated that the approach is delivering tangible results with a new generation of capable leaders emerging across the business. Lone Star Farms also places strong emphasis on wellbeing. “A robust health and safety culture empowers staff to refuse unsafe work and initiatives such as an Employee Assistance Programme, living wage commitments, quality housing and encouragement of time off aim to support both mental and physical health,” explains Matt. Team culture is another key pillar. “We prioritise hiring for attitude over skill, believing the right mindset is critical to long-term success. Regular communication, reflective sessions after busy periods and social events such as biennial musters help maintain connection across our operations.” He says staff retention figures indicate the approach is working. “Turnover sits well below industry norms, with many employees choosing to stay and grow within the business,” says Matt. Lone Star Farms is also contributing to the wider red meat sector. Through scholarships, partnerships and its Star Partners initiative, it supports young farmers into ownership and leasing opportunities by providing livestock capital and guidance. “If we can teach and be part of some of the next generation of farmers coming through and they have learned to farm in a sustainable manner, that is how we are having a positive impact on the sector.”

14 | Staff attending a Field Day. RURAL PEOPLE » Lone Star Farms For all your Livestock cartage requirements give us a call. PO BOX 128, BALCLUTHA 9240 | PHONE 03-417 8485 | PHONE 0800-101 333 FAX 03 417 8488 PHONE (03) 444-4737 RD3 Ranfurly 9397 PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH BALLANDEAN LTD OFF-ROAD LIVIN’ PROUDLY SUPPORTING LONE ST R FARMS 03 688 7517 www.eastcoastpowersports.co.nz Proud to support Lone Star Farms Keepingyougrowing since1989 Irrigation Systems Effluent Systems Pumping Systems Electrical Specialists Talk to the leaders in water technology 0800 2 RAINER | rainer.co.nz The Wandle team.

| 15 RURAL PEOPLE » Drumderg Farm From a sheep farm into a large dairy operation Hewitt, Logan, Natalie, Robson, Mel and Lauren (in front with dog Somerset). Karen Phelps More than a century after it first entered the McKenzie family, Drumderg Farm continues to evolve. Located at Seaward Downs with sweeping views across the Mataura Valley and up to the nearby Fonterra dairy factory it supplies, the operation has grown from its origins as a sheep farm into a large-scale dairy business milking 930 cows across two sheds. The farm first came into the family in 1915 and has steadily expanded over the decades. Logan McKenzie, who was born and raised on the property, says farming has always been part of his life. “Being brought up here gives you a real attachment to the place and a desire to keep improving it for the next generation,” he says. The farm converted from sheep to dairy in 1996 under the stewardship of Logan’s parents, Robert and Barbara. Logan and wife Mel entered the business in 2007 after he completed university studies and gained experience working on other dairy farms as well as for Ravensdown as a field officer. Over time the couple gradually increased their ownership stake before fully taking over the operation in June 2025. A neighbouring dairy farm purchased in 2010, along with additional land acquisitions, helped build the business to its current size of 440ha total/380ha effective. Mel is an artist and sends art around the world from her art studio on the farm. The couple has four kids: Lauren, 17, Natalie, 15, Robson, 12 and Hewitt, 8. Drumderg Farm operates two rotary cow sheds - the original 36-bail rotary built by Logan’s parents and a newer 54-bail rotary. Both have automatic cup removers, Protrack systems and auto teat sprayers. The herd has also changed significantly in recent years. Logan says the move from Friesians to crossbred cows around eight years ago was aimed at improving efficiency in an all-grass farming system. “We wanted to get more hybrid vigour into the herd and improve milk solids production per kilogram of liveweight,” he explains. A major turning point came four winters ago with the construction of a cow barn capable of housing 300 cows. The farm also has a 460-hectare runoff block 15 kilometres away, complete with a wintering barn for 400 cows that is used for grazing both its own and other farmers’ dairy heifers. “We were traditionally a low-cost, low-input farm, but once we built the barn we saw production increases off the same footprint,” explains Logan. “It’s about investing on-farm to do better with what we’ve got while also making life easier.” Feed management has also become more intensive. Last season the herd produced about 425kg of milksolids per cow without supplementary meal feeding. This season, after introducing 550 tonnes of meal including palm kernel, DDG and starchbased feed, production climbed to 490kgMS per cow, totalling 455,000kgMS. “We spent about $300,000 on meal, but with another 60,000kg of milksolids produced the return will be around $540,000 if the payout was $9 so it has been very worthwhile,” says Logan. The business is continuing to invest in technology with the introduction of Halter planned for next season. The virtual fencing system will also be used for winter grazing at the runoff block. “That’s very attractive because it gets extremely wet down here and there’s a huge amount of fencing involved,” explains Logan. “Being able to run smaller mobs and adjust fencing virtually will make things much easier for staff. Let’s just say they are very excited,” he says with a laugh. Drumderg Farm plans to milk about 30 additional cows next season, with Logan focused on maximising returns from the existing land base rather than pursuing further expansion. PH: Nigel 027 231 9631 or Emma 021 160 5977 House Repairs | Alterations | Decks | Sheds | New Homes mobile 0272 488 220 email nathanmcdermott81@icloud.com Proudly Supporting Drumderg Farm Benefits of the system headoffice@cleangreeneffluent.co.nz www.cleangreeneffluent.co.nz FREEPHONE 0800 400 365 • Small foot print • No storage ponds • Fully automated • Low running costs • 0.25mm application / 24 hrs • Low man hours to maintain • 60% fresh water savings • Fully patented system

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