Onfarm

Deferred grazing to rejuvenate pastures has been a no-cost alternative to a summer regrassing programme for Waikato farmer Bill Garland, and he believes the practice could help farmers in their quest to become better environmental managers, as well being light on the pocket. Words Rebecca Greaves Photos Christine Cornege.

Understanding what a valuable resource the Central Progeny Test is to the industry, Paul Crick and Dayanne Almeida have been instrumental in the establishment in the first hill country Central Progeny Test flock. Words Sandra Taylor, Photos Arahua

Since returning home to his family’s farming operation on Banks Peninsula eight years ago, George Masefield along with his wife Emma, have made some significant changes. The couple, with the support of George’s parents John and Carol, bought a tractor and have not looked back. Sandra Taylor talks to them about the development programme which has transformed their business and enabled them to finish all of their lambs on their dryland hill country and buy in trading stock.
Photos Kelly Shakespeare

High above Otago Peninsula, the extinct volcano Hereweka Harbour Cone looks down on the farming operation of Brendon and Paula Cross, and where the possums used to play. Karen Trebilcock visited. Photos Jan MacKenzie.

Body condition score is the biggest driver at Simon and Katie Falloon’s Tiraumea farm, Waipuke, with a high performing ewe flock of exceptionally fertile ewes underpinning outstanding financial performance to take out this year’s Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year. Words Rebecca Greaves Photos Photos for Jean.

Ron Small started off shepherding people around the skies. Now he prefers shepherding sheep and keeping his flying for fun. His 30-year professional flying career helped him get a foot into land, eventually owning the 3000-hectare Blairich Station in Marlborough. Words Joanna Grigg Photos Jim Tannock

A shared passion for food and a love of the land bond Hugo and Pip Beamish, as they embark on their new farming journey, taking over the management of the Beamish family property, Awapai, with a view to beginning farm succession. Words Rebecca Greaves

Motukawa Station is the engine room at the centre of the 5000 hectare Plimmer & Co farming operation. New manager Rimu Wipaki is looking to make changes that will harness its Taihape hill country power and lift productivity in both the sheep and beef operations.
Words & Photos Sarah Horrocks

Marlborough farmer Rosie Dowling was determined to continue developing the farm she and her late husband Gavin dreamed of. Joanna Grigg reports.

A change of ownership and putting in place an equity manager has seen a big boost in native tree planting on a South Head farm, spurred on by the assistance available from the Kaipara Moana Remediation Project. Glenys Christian reports.