Onfarm
Striking a balance
With a keen eye for innovation and a deep respect of the land, the team behind Kiwi Heights in Te Puke are successfully integrating kiwifruit orchards, drystock grazing and native forests as they balance profit and sustainability. Words Helena O’Neill, Photos Alan Gibson.
Truly integrated farming
A Canterbury farming business has allowed their land to play to its strengths by investing in infrastructure to finetune their operation. Words Anne Lee, Photos Hamish Hobbs.
Diversification an award-winning success
Three years ago, Jason Rentoul and Chelsea Hudson drew up a farm plan for Wye Hills in Marlborough based around their life goals. Words Joanna Grigg, Photos Jim Tannock.
Oats a way of life
Oat growing and the Gardyne family of eastern Southland have been closely linked for more than 100 years. Words Heather Chalmers.
One farm, many futures
The Street family demonstrate how their farm is part of an inter-generational portfolio, future-proofed through diversification. Their story inspires how succession by growing rather than dividing an asset base can be done. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, photos Stephen Barker.
Heritages meets innovation
At Elm Grove, the next generation of Kirklands are blending heritage and innovation on the 173-year-old, Taieri, low-cost dairy farm with an A2 colostrum-based skincare range designed for sensitive skin. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Biddi Rowley.
Improving premiums from improving land health
From heavy lambs for Atkins Ranch, to yearling sire bulls for the dairy market, Michael and Jane Cammock at Kouratahi farm in the Wairarapa focus on added value and knowing where their end product is destined for. Words Rebecca Greaves. Photos Brad Hanson.
Evaluation of a whole system
Trade lambs are a key farming enterprise at Hafton Station, but when they discovered drench resistance on their Hawke’s Bay farm in 2019, Michael and Karen Toulmin knew they needed to re-evaluate their
whole farm system. Words Rebecca Greaves and Photos John Cowpland.
Rebuilding a clear farm system
Together, the Milltons from Marlborough have weathered earthquakes, drought, succession, and bold shifts in stock policy. All with the watchful eye from Van Tour friend and farm advisor Ed Harrison. Words Joanna Grigg and photos Jim Tannock.
High Performance Doesn’t Mean Burnout
Witnessing the stress of sheep farming in Southland as a child led
Steve Clarke to a career as a helicopter pilot before returning home to the dairy farm. He and wife Hayley are on a mission to ensure that farming creates a balance of work and life for their family and staff. Words & Photos Sarah Perriam-Lampp.