Beyond the farm gate

A love of the bush, conservation and hunting has led Warkworth man, Wilson Hobbs, to start a wild meat pet food business, also feeding the big cats at North Island zoos. Words Delwyn Dickey, Photos Jason Hosking.

Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer, Roger Barton, has recently been appointed one of three Safer Farms’ Regional Champions. As part of this he will be sharing the Farm Without Harm message directly into rural communities.

A special horse trek each year teaches young people more than just how to ride a horse. Members of the Stephenson family gather and ride across the whenua that binds them. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Vicky Simpson.

In a quiet valley, just 20 minutes from downtown Wellington, farmer Hamish Best is marrying his passion for farming with his marketing which he hopes will become the red meat of choice for discerning Wellingtonians.

In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Hamish Best from Conscious Valley about building a premium local red meat brand just outside Wellington. Hamish shares how combining strong agronomy, selective breeding, and direct-to-consumer marketing is helping connect city eaters with high-quality, sustainably produced lamb and beef from the doorstep. He also discusses the challenges of brand awareness and the value of independent awards in growing a trusted regional food business.

Staring at Pancake the pony’s paddock with two uninterested children, Kimbolton farmer Gemma McDougall threw in her nursing career to convert the paddock and follow her heart towards her flower farm dream. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Sarah Horrocks.

Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs with sweeping vistas over the Cook Strait and the South Island, Boomrock is the ultimate experience venue, a unique and awe-inspiring place to create lifelong memories. It’s also the legacy of the Eastwick family, who created longevity through diversification. Word Sarah Perriam-Lampp.