| 69 nzdairy BALANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS » Rocklea Farm Ashlee Crane and David Neumann have fenced over five kilometres of waterways and planted over 30,000 native trees. The couple has also overseen significant upgrades to the farm’s infrastructure including houses, dairy shed, outbuildings, fences and gateways. ‘Transformed’ farm recognised at awards Richard Loader Finalists in the 2024 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, David Neumann (39) and Ashlee Crane (29) were encouraged to enter the awards by friends who had witnessed the remarkable transformation of their farm over an incredibly short time frame. Rocklea Farms is located in Puhipuhi, 30 minutes north of Whangarei, and encompasses 153 hectares, supported by three nearby run-offs totalling 320 hectares. The milking platform of 125 hectares is home to 430 pedigree jerseys. On a high elevation, the home farm is flat to rolling and receives high rainfall. “When we bought the farm in 2017 it was in a very poor and run down condition, with broken fencing and no water supply at all,” says David. “It was the worst farm on the market but we bought it because of its clay and volcanic type, location, the farm layout, and the challenge of turning it around. “We completed all the work in the first three years and were the first in Northland to complete our Farm Environmental plan.” Over five kilometres of waterways and drains have been fenced and 30,000 native trees planted along riparian corridors. This has been complemented by effective weed and pest control, and the planting of exotics to mitigate erosion. The couple has also overseen significant upgrades to the farm’s infrastructure including houses, dairy shed, outbuildings, fences and gateways. “About 80% of the farm was refenced. The fence is all seven-wire – it’s tidy, real tidy. We have also installed a new water reticulation and effluent irrigation system, redeveloped races, culverts and pastures.” What is truly remarkable is that much of this work has been completed by David and Ashlee, without external funding support, and while still operating the dairy business. David’s passion for farming was forged growing up on his parents’ farm, and his grandfather’s love of the Jersey breed. “Grandad established the Rocklea Jersey stud that was disbursed in 1972, with generations of Jerseys, and that’s where the name Rocklea comes from. “I set very high standards and expectations of myself and love achieving and seeing the results of the work. Like, I will buy an old run-down tractor and tidy it up until its immaculate. “Being named a Finalist in the awards was quite an achievement, and recognised the work Ashlee and I have done. We are quite humble about our achievements though, and it is enough for us to know what we have done. We have transformed all our farms.” While Ashlee is not from a farming background David says she has played a huge role in the work that has been completed and now runs the dairy operation and cows. David and Ashlee’s overall goal is to have a high-end, productive and respected pedigree Jersey herd that efficiently produces milk while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is already being achieved due to a strong focus on improving animal genetics to ultimately develop productive and healthy animals. David and Ashlee are now looking forward to having more quality family time with their two young children, Rose 3 and newborn Ottie. “Being named a Finalist in the awards was quite an achievement, and recognised the work Ashlee and I have done.” Proudly associated with Rocklea Farms www.catesbros.co.nz Phone: 09 438 0052 Email: accounts@catesbros.co.nz We specialise in: Earthworks • Site Preparation • Bulk Cartage • Roading All Types Metal Supplies • Farm Drainage • Bottom Dumper Trucks & Trailer 01 BFEA Compact Brand Guidelines V1.0 FEB 2022
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