42 | The Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Castleridge Station Big accolade for Castleridge Station Castle Ridge Station also received four category awards, announced on March 5 in Christchurch. Sue Russell When Kerry and Paul Harmer and the team from Castle Ridge Station attended the awards night for the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards, their hope was perhaps to receive acknowledgement in the live-stock category, however the evening turned into much more than this, when the couple were named the regions Supreme Award winners. Castle Ridge Station is situated in the beautiful Ashburton Lakes district, where the Harmer’s, along with son Ben and partner Kate on a neighbouring property operate a high quality sheep, cattle and deer breeding operation, extending over nearly 6000ha, 5700 effective. The farm is home to just over 14,000 merino sheep, nearly 800 cattle and about 230 deer and sits in the sensitive Ashburton Lakes catchment district. The focus has always been to operate a resilient and profitable business while reducing the environmental footprint and its this aspiration that guides the farm’s management practices. Kerry says it was a thrill to be part of a group of finalists who all share a passion for their industry and a deep sense of responsibility toward their land. The term that best describes this relationship is one of ‘stewardship’. “Stewardship is one of our core values. You can’t farm in the high country without the pool of resources in the land, the soil, the water; we live and breath it and want to take care of it and that relationship underpins how we operate this farm.” Asked whether there’s a cemented plan in place that guides the daily actions, Kerry points out that it’s the exact opposite that happens in reality. “In the general course of everything we do day-to-day we are thinking about the environment in the way we do things. Everything we do is considered from the perspective of its impact on the environment.” Castle Ridge Station also received four category awards, announced on March 5 in Christchurch – the Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Farm Award, the MFE Biodiversity Award, Environment Canterbury’s Water Quality Award and the Water Force Safe Water Recognition Award. “We pride ourselves on producing the best possible stock but we have a very high focus on animal welfare. For example, we blade shear and sell our stock on farm to reduce stress, and Ben and Kate have been very involved in progressing genetic gain against foot-rot. In farming you have to look at very long-term solutions.” The approaches taken to preserving and enhancing water quality were also noted by the judges as exemplary. An extensive water monitoring and protection programme is practiced, working alongside the local catchment group and Canterbury University. Regular surface and groundwater monitoring provides significant data from which farm management decisions are honed. The data points to the fact that water leaving the property has measurably improved over time. Biodiversity gain was also recognised as a strength, with significant riparian planting. A DOC covenant sits over a nice piece of scrub land and there’s an understanding that areas that shouldn’t be modified have their own value and must be protected and enhanced. “We’ve tried to work with the natural landscaping of the farm and we’re very aware of creating corridors and habitats for flora and fauna. We’ve also been eco-sourcing seed and growing a variety of natives that will be put back into riparian planting areas.” Kerry emphasises that her and Paul very much approach working on the farm as a team effort. Along with Ben, two permanent staff are engaged and everyone’s input is valued. “We’re all invested in this property and have a very holistic view of the business and the way it all fits into our lives. There are always things to improve and things to grow with.” Brophy Knight are proud to provide accounting and business advisory services to Castleridge Station For accounting and business advice, contact: Greg Wall, Marcus Schoonderbeek, Angus Lindsay or Emma Hastings 0508 678 464 | cplimesolutions.net.nz Discover how potent pellets can make your soil a winner at cplimesolutions.net.nz Congrats Castleridge Contact: Duncan Hart 027 481 1915 or 03 302 8400 e: info@skyfarmers.co.nz Aerial Spraying Aerial Topdressing www.skyfarmers.co.nz Proudly Supporting Castleridge Station
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