52 | nzdairy Quite the journey over the last 115 years New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards » Cawte Farms Karen Phelps A Bay of Plenty dairy farm operating continuously under the stewardship of one family for over 115 years has been honoured in this year’s New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards. The Cawte farm in Pongakawa, south of Te Puke, first came into family ownership in 1905 when John and Mary Cawte arrived from Carterton with five of their eight children, taking over 1,587 acres of land straddling Pongakawa Bush Road. Current owner James Cawte represents the fifth generation to work the land after recently taking official ownership after progressing through contract milking, 50:50 sharemilking and leasing arrangements since the early 2000s. Current owner James Cawte represents the fifth generation to work the land. “I love that the farm has been in the family for so long. My grandfather worked every day on the farm so as a young boy I learned his stories and the history. To carry on that legacy is a real privilege,” says James. Originally established as a sheep farm, the lands was converted to dairy in 1910 after struggling with ‘bush sickness’, later discovered to be cobalt deficiency. Through the decades, the property has housed five different milking sheds, from early walk-through designs to one of the first herringbone sheds in the southern hemisphere built in 1956. Today, operating as Cawte Farms Ltd, it encompasses 245 hectares plus 18 hectares of adjacent leased land. The milking platform spans approximately 185 Proud to work with Cawte Farms Stem Specialist Rural Accountants 123 Jellicoe St, Te Puke 3119, PH 07 573 5569 We don’t operate like other accounting practices – we’re a bit more flexible, a whole lot friendlier, a bit more responsive! We want to take away your pain when dealing with your books – that’s what makes dealing with us a breeze! Let’s get growing together! We’re specialists in growing rural business • Specialist Rural Accountants • Xero and Figured experts • Part of your horticultural/agricultural team • Truck and trailer bulk units • Transporter hire • Aggregates • Race Pumice • Fertiliser • Stock Foods/Auger Truck • Reject Kiwifruit For professional and reliable service call the team at Addline Transport Ltd. PROUDLY SUPPORTING CAWTE FARMS P: 07 542 4693 | E: office@addlinetransport.co.nz hectares, with 550-600 Friesian cows producing 550-600 kilograms of milk solids per cow annually. The herd, which has Halter electronic ID collars, is milked through a 54-bail rotary milking shed. James employs four full-time staff and the farm supplies Open Country Dairy. The farm has an in-shed feed system, feed pads and silage bunkers supporting a high-input
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