| 21 Focus on resilience and sustainability View from the top, looking over the integrated agriculture and viticulture operations at Leefield Station. Karen Phelps “The focus now is on fine-tuning stocking policies to match the land and seasonal growth patterns so animals can be well fed and perform.” RURAL PEOPLE » Leefield Station Leefield Station has entered a new phase with the appointment of Tim Salter as farm manager, backing up a focus on resilience and long-term sustainability. Tim joined Leefield Station in December and steps into a business that has undergone significant transformation over the past seven years with vineyard development expanding and the farm condensing into 1000ha effective of steep hill country. This has led to infrastructure improvements including putting troughs up high with a solar water system and fencing. “The hills weren’t particularly productive previously and we want the farm to be sustainable every year, that can cope with whatever the weather brings, without having to buy too much feed in,” says Tim. “The focus now is on fine-tuning stocking policies to match the land and seasonal growth patterns so animals can be well fed and perform.” Part of Marisco Vineyards, which spans over 2,200 hectares and is owned by the Marris family, Leefield Station currently runs 150 stud Angus cows, 120 commercial cows, 100 Hampshire stud ewes and 1800 Romney ewes of which there is an elite finer wool flock of about 50. Present focuses include looking to even up the Angus herd and produce animals that can graze to the top of the steep hill and keep condition on at all times. “The aim now is not expansion of this part of the business but refinement, producing a more even line of moderately framed, easy-doing cattle that perform across hill country and maintain condition year-round,” explains Tim. As well, the farm sells around 20 bulls each year in mid-June via an on farm sale. It also sells any commercial calves as weaners and any surplus stud animals are traded out. With the sheep side of the business lambs are sold as store at weaning depending on season and feed availability. The farm buys in 4000-5000 lambs to winter over in the vineyards in-between the vines. Tim says the Hampshire stud is attracting international interest, valued for high intramuscular fat and meat quality. Leefield Station also runs a Romney wool programme producing coarse wool and a finer line used for breeding improvement and premium products. Wool is made into socks, hats, jerseys and ponchos under the Leefield Station brand, adding value to what was once a commodity product. There is also a small group of Berkshire pigs, four breeding sours and one boar, that live under the walnut tree plantation on the farm. Around 30-40 piglets are sold each year and the farm also processes some of the meat to offer to visitors to the vineyard. A key part of Tim’s approach is to continue increasing the integration between farming and viticulture. The business has trialled grazing vineyards with lambs while vines were still carrying fruit for the first time and discussions are underway about using Halter technology on cattle to graze non-productive vineyard areas. Bee hives also contribute to the farm’s output with certified organic honey harvested under the station label. Tim says the overarching goal has been on creating a ‘provenance property showcasing the best of Marlborough’, where people know they can get excellent wine, animals, meat, wool and honey. 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Earl Paewai: 027 230 3674 | earlscanman@gmail.com Providing accurate reliable Pregnancy Scanning of Ewes and Cows. 3 way drafting with automatic marking with trailer set up. EID tag compatible for stud flocks. Ageing available for both Ewes and Cows. Pu ing Farmers First. Local veterinary expertise for beef, dairy, sheep, deer, horses and lifestyle blocks. Practical support for healthier animals and stronger farms. office@farmvet.co.nz | www.farmvet.co.nz www.eckford.co.nz 1 Auckland Street, Blenheim . Phone: 03 578 3002 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Steel Fabrication · House Beams Galvanised Brick Lintels · Winery Catwalks and Platforms Proud to support Leefield Station FILCO FARM & SPORT IS PROUD TO BE THE SUPPLIER OF YAMAHA’S TO LEEFIELD STATION WITH OVER 39 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, WE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH SALES AND FARM SERVICING THROUGHOUT THE MARLBOROUGH REGION. CONTACT US ON 03 547 2420 OR SALES@FILCO.CO.NZ
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