124 | nzdairy Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Morelands Pastoral A highly-efficient and sustainable business Their operation, Morelands Pastoral is a powerful example of how professional expertise and cutting-edge technology can transform a farm into a high-efficiency, sustainable business. Emma Bailey Combining their veterinary knowledge with excellent use of technology has seen Don and Kirsten Watson’s high-performance dairy and beef operation in Helensville recognised as the 2026 Auckland Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The annual awards are run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and were announced in February. Their operation, Morelands Pastoral is a powerful example of how professional expertise and cuttingedge technology can transform a farm into a highefficiency, sustainable business, the judges said. Nine years after purchasing the farm the couple, who are both trained vets, have transformed it. The farm is a 123ha (112ha effective) grazing block with 150ha runoff. Income is generated mainly from milk, supplemented by a small amount of cattle grazing and finishing. Don said the win was a bit of a shock. “We had low expectations and I had the misconception the awards were more for inter-generational farms and as a first generation on this farm we weren’t expecting the Award. “To a degree we normalise what we do on a day to day basis so it let us step back and look at the farm from all angles.” Kirsten was humbled by the win. “It was a humbling experience especially because the other people that had entered from Auckland were amazing. We have had a lot of really positive feedback.” They also took home the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award, Hill Labs Agri-Science Award, Norwood Farming Efficiency Award and the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award. Technology is a really important part of their operation. They have an innovative virtual fencing system. Their commitment to efficiency has significantly increased pasture harvest, driving profitability while reducing nitrogen use. They have also implemented a novel siphon drainage system for water table management. “We are not necessarily early adopters but if we can see the benefit of something we will take it on. We are time poor so that has forced the adoption to speed things up. Don said. “The wearables were a real game changer and transformed our pasture and crop management and made it much more efficient,” Kirsten said. It has been a good season, with the most consistent growth. “We are three per cent ahead for the season and on track for a record,” Kirsten said. Sustainability is an overarching theme in their operation including a comprehensive plan for wetland restoration and the protection of tidal areas especially focussed on the endangered Australasian bittern. “Everything we do is to make the farm more sustainable for the future,” she said. “We have been here for nine years and have invested heavily in on farm infrastructure and we are focused on debt reduction and in a consolidation phase. The next step is probably to get a farm manager or contract milker and take a step back from Day to day management and strategise future opportunities.” Their children are Riley 18, George 17 and Josh 15 so it will be a few years yet before they can make comprehensive succession plans. The family has strong connections to the local community too, regularly hosting field days on the far and working with conservation groups. “We have been here for nine years and have invested heavily in on farm infrastructure.” NZ Farmers Livestock proudly supports Morelands Pastoral Working with Farmers for Farmers Michael Conwell Your Local Agent 027 226 1611 michael.conwell@nzfll.co.nz
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