Sheep & Beef

Charles Yule had barely had time to get his boots dirty when he took the role as manager of Whakamarumaru Station, diving headfirst into an intensive development programme. His enthusiasm, attention to detail and ability to deliver results bagged him the title of Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year for 2026. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos John Cowpland.

Sheep and beef farmers around the country are benefiting from the small-group learning environments made available through Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Focus Groups. One North Canterbury couple talk about their involvement in local Focus Groups and what management tweaks they have made as a result. Words Sandra Taylor.

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. 

Setting up cell grazing systems on their Te Pahu hill-country farm has transformed more than just Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent’s bottom line. Words Sandra Taylor.

Spring is a critical time – pasture growth accelerates, and stock performance can soar if managed well. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

It’s not new that farmers learn best from other farmers, particularly small groups that meet regularly. Is it time to expand your knowledge in a key area by joining a focus group? Words Sandra Taylor.