Hill Country

A focus on dual-purpose genetics is at the heart of Romani Farms, where Ross and Ruth Richards run 700 hectares in the King Country.

In this episode, Jo Scott talks with Ross about breeding resilient Coopworth and Wiltshire flocks built on decades of selection for facial eczema and worm tolerance, structural soundness, and low-input performance. He reflects on their progress, the transition to maintenance-free Wiltshires, and how balancing data with practicality has produced robust, high-performing sheep suited to real-world farming conditions.

Focusing on shedding composites has reshaped farming at Waitohi Peaks, where Andrew, Sara, Digby and Guy Heard run stud and commercial flocks on North Canterbury hill country.

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with the Heards about their shift to shedding composites, the workload and cost savings, genetic progress, and the opportunities they see for building more resilient and profitable sheep systems.

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.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Waikato farmers Heather Gilbert and Elliot Kent about their shift to cell grazing and the transformation of their 325-hectare bull beef operation. They discuss challenges and learnings, how the system has lifted production while supporting environmental outcomes, and insights gained from being a Beef + Lamb New Zealand monitor farm.

Monowai Station, Waimatā Valley, Gisborne, has entered its 100th year of being farmed by descendants of the Savage family. This is a farming business where long-held family values and traditional farming practices merge with efficiency, responsiveness to opportunities, and environmental good practice. Words & Photos Louise Savage.

As a young fellow growing up on a farm at Eketahuna, Ben Morrison had his own flock of sheep. The opportunity for him and his wife, Vibeke, to buy Motu-nui Rams Romney stud from Jason Le Grove this year represents the culmination of a life-long interest in breeding sheep for Ben. By Rebecca Greaves, Photos Brad Hanson.

Challenging hills and limited finishing contour means Mahuri Farm, north of Taumarunui is most suited to store production. Story and photos by Mike Bland.