128 | nzdairy Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Peter and Nicola Carver The Carvers farm Holmleigh is a 515-hectare mixed farming operation combining dairy, sheep, beef and targeted forestry. Karen Phelps For Peter and Nicola Carver, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have shaped a decadelong journey of growth, leadership and advocacy within New Zealand’s farming sector. It was in 2017 they were named Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners and went on to win the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and become National Ambassadors for sustainable farming. “Being recognised was a huge honour,” says Peter. It’s provided opportunities we’ve really enjoyed, meeting new people, visiting a range of farms and going on a study tour overseas to learn more about sustainability.” The Carvers farm Holmleigh, a well-integrated 515-hectare mixed-farming operation, combining dairy, sheep, beef and targeted forestry, at Ohangai, east of Hawera in Taranaki. The 95 hectare dairy platform is milking 260 cows and they employ a contract milker. This year a new calving barn on the dairy platform aims to reduce soil pugging damage and improve animal welfare over winter. In 2018 they purchased a further 400Ha drystock block nearby. With their knowledge and with guidance from Taranaki Regional Council they have worked to match classes of stock to classes of land and retired areas of land. Around 100 hectares of native bush on the new block was fenced off and placed into the QEII National Trust and a further 60 hectares of steep country has been retired to regenerate naturally over time. “By fencing that marginal land off we can be better utilise the balance of the property and focus our efforts on that,” explains Nicola. With extensive fencing, fertiliser, improved infrastructure and reticulated water this block now runs approximately 400 breeding ewes, finishing 90% of their progeny and 200 cattle. Over the two properties, cattle include an Angus beef cow herd alongside Friesian cross progeny reared from their dairy unit and neighbouring properties, rearing up to 300 calves each year. Around 80 rising two-year olds are finished annually. Over the past decade, their involvement with the awards has likewise grown significantly. Peter has contributed as both a regional judge and a member of the national judging panel and Nicola has also taken on a key leadership role, supporting entrants and coordinating the awards process within Taranaki. “I really enjoy it. I’m always surrounded by good people and sharing positive stories,” says Nicola. Both are passionate advocates for encouraging other farmers to enter and are quick to dispel the idea that the awards are only for top-performing farms. Entries open in July and close at the end of October. “Farmers are generally working hard on their farms so to put themselves out for the awards and get good feedback makes them realise how much they’re achieving,” says Nicola. “It’s a good way for farmers to see they’re on the right track, and to get ideas about how to get the best out of their land. Being recognised is a huge honour “Farmers are generally working hard on their farms so to put themselves out for the awards and get good feedback makes them realise how much they’re achieving.” That judging advice is all free and a great learning process.” “You don’t know what you’re going to get out of it until you enter,” says Peter. “We never envisaged how involved we would be now. We’ve got so much out of it and now we love to give back.” Specialising in rural services with over 25 years in the trade means you are choosing an Electrician you can trust. Proudly supporting Peter & Nicola Carver Call Chris for all your electrical needs. (06) 272 8210 027 515 5442 Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week ELTHAM 11 Stanners Street 06 764 8305 NEW PLYMOUTH 36 Eliot Street 06 759 0105 www.schurrireland.co.nz Empowering your ideal future. Floyd and the team at Schurr & Ireland are proud to support Peter & Nicola Carver.
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