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

Livestock plays an important role on most arable farms. Heather Chalmers of the Foundation for Arable Research talks to two Mid Canterbury mixed arable farmers about how they are optimising the integration of cropping and livestock.

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

Water has always been a precious resource for Central Otago farmers Tim and Camilla Rutherford, and they’re keen to ensure they utilise every drop that falls from the sky. Words Rebecca Greaves

The ewes in a sheep business are its engine room. There aren’t too many days in the year when you shouldn’t be thinking about whether they are getting what they need. Senior Genetics Consultant and CEO at neXtgen Agri, Dr Mark Ferguson offers some expert advice.

A bit of money spent on a conversation with your vet can save you more than you might think - don’t look at what free giveaways you get and forget about the free ham for Christmas, look at how you can use necessary products most effectively. Words Sara Sutherland

A super easy recipe for a fuelling snack from the talented Philippa Cameron of what’s for smoko.

Blood tests from people eating beef from animals fed a functional, diverse pasture mix – sown so the animals can decide what they eat – have higher levels of vitamin E and several other compounds that can be beneficial to human health.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sheep and beef farmers are weathering a difficult season, and we spoke to industry professionals about their advice for getting through. Words Sandra Taylor

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