January 2024 Edition
Another year is underway
Welcome to Manawatu Farming Lifestyles 2024. We trust that the summer season so far has been a positive one as we reflect on stories we told last year, such as that of three generations of the same family, Kevin and Shirley Donovan with granddaughter Savannah Fifita-Tovo, and her parents, Sue and Rob at Shirley’s Strawberries. You can review their story on page 15. We trust this year will continue to be positive and look forward to engaging with you, our readers, each month.
Spotlighting The Manawatu Region
Pages 11-23
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January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Fields of alpacas
Brother and sister team, Andy and Ros Scott, have been breeding alpacas on their property near Tangimoana since 2006.
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Their farm, which has been in the Scott family for nearly 140 years, was originally owned by the siblings’ greatgrandmother, Rose McKenzie Scott. As descendants of some of the early settlers in the surrounding area, and with a deep connection to their property, Andy and Ros felt it fitting to name their alpaca stud McKenzie Fields Alpacas. A background growing up on the farm, which ran as a dairy operation for many years, has assisted Andy and Ros with knowledge of pasture management and animal husbandry. In 2004, Ros moved back to the property from Wellington, looking to do something a bit different. Following her first introduction to alpacas at a local show, Ros instantly fell in love with them. She began breeding Suri alpacas with a focus on greys. However, she soon found she was limiting herself in the market, so she introduced Huacaya, too. The siblings have since built up their herd to more than 100 alpacas, investing in and breeding what they hope to be top stud males and breeding females.
Ros Scott breeds Suri and Huacaya alpacas near Tangimoana
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Sam, Sophie and Harry Hurley on Papanui Estate
The upper Turakina Valley property was originally farmed by Ray Hurley before being split between his two sons, Andy and Mike. Andy’s son Sam is now station manager, and together with his wife, Sophie, alongside Sam’s siblings, Jack and Kate, are continuing to grow the family business. As a sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation, Papanui Estate winters 25,000 ewes alongside beef trading. The 3,300ha hill property is supported by the family’s finishing blocks in Ohingaiti and Waituna West. Andy and his wife, Anna, live on the Waituna West property.
In 2018, as plastic shopping bags were being phased out, they saw an opportunity to use Papanui wool to create alternative options. A few samples were made, and their ideas developed further into creating an entire range of luggage and accessories. Two years later, Sam and Sophie launched Honest Wolf, offering luxury everyday accessories. The range, which includes caps, laptop sleeves, shopping and tote bags, overnight bags and wallets, are all made from felted wool and designed by the couple.
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Collating a century of stories
In July 2024, the 100th anniversary of the opening of Flock House will be commemorated.
January 2024
Manawatū fencers nailed success
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Winning last year’s Young Farmers national fencing competition came as a surprise to Manawatū couple Zayn Jones and Natalie Ahlborn.
Young Farmers national fencing champions Zayn Jones and Natalie Ahlborn Credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection AWNS-19240515-44-04
Sailors and marines from the Special Service Squadron during a visit to Flock House in 1924
The origins of Flock House trace back to New Zealand’s wool industry. During the first world war, all wool was classed as a war commodity and sold at a fixed price to the imperial government. Towards the end of the war, the wool surplus sold on the open market fetched higher prices. Until one year after the war ended, New Zealand wool growers received a fixed average amount for their wool. Growers and the government equally shared the profits. The New Zealand Sheepowners’ Acknowledgement of Debt to British
Seamen Fund was created with the surplus profits. Part of the fund was used to support the widows and children of sailors in Great Britain. The remainder funded the passage of children of British sailors who had been killed or disabled during the war and their subsequent agricultural training in New Zealand. Alasdair Bettles-Hall is collating a shared history of Flock House. He wants to hear from descendants of Flock House trainees at flockhouse.nz.
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After fencing together off and on for a few years, the couple initially decided to test their skills at a regional-level contest. “We had seen the competition featured in Goldpine’s monthly magazine, as well as photos from previous years, and thought it looked like a good challenge,” said Zayn. The Young Farmers regional fencing competition was the first the pair had tackled. Winning this contest qualified Zayn and Natalie for the national event.
The couple were unsure how they would perform against professional fencing contractors. However, they found forward planning and communication among the key factors to their success. Natalie also earned the honour as the first female to have her name engraved on the national trophy. Natalie said working under pressure during the competitions, with a time limit and people watching, was challenging. “You’re usually fencing alone in a back paddock somewhere.”
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January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
ADVERTORIAL
Summer is in swing Isn’t it great to finally see sunshine outside? We, along with our farming customers, are now hoping for some rain, but also mindful of the predictions of more severe weather events predicted for our area in February, so we are being careful what we wish for. Now is the busiest time for Central Mower Services as customers get out their mowers, line trimmers and pressure washers to get their properties ship shape ready for barbecues and (hopefully) spending time with family and friends outside. If you need your equipment serviced or repaired, call to book in. They can order any parts needed before you take in your machinery and give you an estimate on turn-around times. Rob has loan trailers available — so you can bring your machinery in easily. Pricing on new goods is still going up, so call in to beat the price rises that are predicted to take place in February and March. Please give Central
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Phone 06 362 7458 0800 SHN BULK (0800 746 2855)
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Mowers the opportunity to quote on new machinery; they will always try to price-match the big boys out there. For any Makita purchases, Megan will register all individual tools and batteries with Makita and organise redemptions for any freebies available. Lifestyle block developments are still growing around the greater Manawatu, with the best-selling items being zero turn mowers; Central Mowers stock these in both Hustler and Cub Cadet. Please call in, and Rob can help diagnose the right machine for the job. As an independent retailer, Central Mowers only stocks products they know and trust. So, for those trusted brands like Masport, Lawnmaster, Echo, Shindaiwa, Oleo-Mac, Hustler, Cub Cadet and Makita, come in and talk to an expert. For great service and industry knowledge, please visit Rob, Megan, Sue, Neil and Sean at Central Mowers, your home of outdoor power equipment servicing the Manawatu region for 13 years at 696 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North — phone 06 355 2967. Visit centralmowers.co.nz or find them on Facebook.
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Working with the elements
Working with nature’s bounty has proven to be a winning formula for cider makers Wal and Carmen Gray.
The couple’s first cider, produced under their Elemental Cider label, was released in 2019
The Otaki couple began planting heritage apple cider trees on their 4ha lifestyle block back in 2009. By 2018, they had planted nearly 250 trees. Their interest in cider developed when they wanted to make alcohol. “We liked the idea. It’s a romantic vision of living self-sufficiently,” said Carmen. “We could grow either apples or grapes, and we chose apples. “However, we decided we needed to do something more than just homebrew, and that’s when we established
the cidery and commercial brand in 2019.” Carmen, a former chemical engineer, completed a wine-making degree and then travelled the worldmaking wine. In 2019, Carmen and Wal’s first cider, produced under their Elemental Cider label, was released in supermarkets. Two years later, four styles of cider were released and on the market. The following year, all four of the ciders won medals in the New Zealand Cider Awards, including the trophy for top traditional cider.
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
Connecting local food with others
A background growing up on a Feilding lifestyle block inspired Scott Jimmieson to set a goal towards farm and business ownership. Scott and his fiancée Emma Poole, own and operate an online farm shop, Local Food NZ. Emma also has a rural background, raised on a Taumarunui sheep and beef farm. She and her three siblings were very involved in helping out on the farm, from drenching lambs to drafting cattle. While living in London, Scott noticed that the majority of the eggs over there were free-range. He did some research and noticed that the New Zealand egg market for free-range was far behind the United Kingdom. When Scott returned to New Zealand, he set his farm ownership plan in motion, initially leasing 15ha from his parents, Craig and Vicky. Accommodation for hens with perching areas and nesting boxes was built, and feeders and water lines were installed. The hens free-range during the day. The couple holds a strong belief that having a connection with your food and eating wholesome, healthy food is the key to happiness, and they wish to share this with others.
Scott and Emma own and operate an online farm shop, Local Food NZ
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January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Art celebrates rural life
Manawatū artist Graham Christensen’s current exhibition, titled Rural Life, features a variety of paintings, including rural scenes and activities.
High hopes for hemp A search for sustainable building solutions led friends Mathew Johnson and Werner Schulze to discover many uses and benefits of hemp.
Manawatū artist Graham Christensen
The exhibition, which is held at the Coach House Museum, is part of the lead-up to Feilding’s 150-year anniversary celebrations. Graham mainly focusses on painting scenes inspired by the Manawatū farming community and landscape. He dedicates around 25 hours a week to painting.
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“I generally have three or four paintings on the go at any one time and have two easels set up in the studio with partcompleted paintings on. One of the peculiarities of painting with oils is that they take time to dry compared with acrylics, so while one painting is drying, I can move on to another or get outside and do a few jobs on the farm.” Many of the scenes Graham paints are from memory. Others may be painted from a number of different photographs. He is also frequently asked to paint commissions of sentimental value. Graham’s paintings grace the walls of homes, businesses and private collections throughout New Zealand and the world. The exhibition will continue until Wednesday, February 28 2024.
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Mathew Johnson formed Hemp Connect in 2017, along with Werner Schulze, Duncan Matthews and Craig Johnson
“It was only then that we learned what an incredible superfood it is and how great it is for the planet,” said Mathew. The friends sowed their first crop in 2017 on a Fordell property owned by Duncan Matthews. Their five-hectare crop yielded around five tonnes of seed, and an old church was used to dry out the seeds. On discovering there was nowhere to process hemp, the group set up a factory in Whanganui specifically for this purpose.
As Mathew and Werner wanted to share the benefits of hemp with others, they formed Hemp Connect in 2017, along with Duncan Matthews and Craig Johnson. The team grows hemp all over New Zealand. After harvesting, the seeds are transported to Hemp Connect’s new facility in Levin to be dressed and processed into many different types of hemp products. “There are really no limits to the opportunities from hemp.”
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
7
ADVERTORIAL
Succeed in business with Dairy Training Dairy Training Limited, a subsidiary of DairyNZ, is offering two free short courses. Since 2002, the training organisation Dairy Training Ltd., rated as a category one provider by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), has delivered courses to New Zealand dairy farmers. Dairy Training is a subsidiary of DairyNZ, so industry good is central to what they do. The first of the two free courses on offer is Business by the Numbers, in Dannevirke. The course is geared towards sharemilkers, contract milkers, managers and farm owners. Students complete their own budget and cash flow, then learn how to interpret and use the information in their businesses to steer their business in the direction they want. New and experienced budgeters are welcome. Business by the Numbers will be tutored by Rob Brazendale, a Manawatu local with more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector. Rob has worked throughout the industry in many different roles, including advisory work, farm management research, rural banking, and dairy farm systems development, and as a farmer, too. He understands the financial and business challenges faced by dairy farmers. “There are a lot of uncontrollables in farming, but finance is something farmers can have control of,” says Rob. “Uncontrollables include milk price, the
weather impacting production levels, and spending more money on feed than anticipated. “If you have a good robust and realistic budget prepared with good input data, then you can continue to manage your finances as those uncontrollables impact your business. “Business by the Numbers helps farmers to assess the impact of these uncontrollable events on their budget and respond to changing situations. As a result, farmers can achieve a better financial outcome.” The course includes three in-person workshops, from 10am to 2pm, and starts in Dannevirke on Thursday, February 15. The second course on offer, Contract Milking, is about giving current and future contract milkers the best chance of success. The course includes the top things that trip up contract milkers and helps farmers understand and navigate contracts and assess the financial viability of different contract milking positions. The course is for current and future contract milkers. Rob will also tutor this course. “Contract Milking provides opportunities for people to go into a contract milking position with their eyes wide open. They get the tools and knowledge to evaluate jobs that
Donovan Croot, Dairy Training Limited’s Progression Management course tutor
meet their future financial goals. I’ve seen many good people go into roles where they don’t fully understand their obligations. Unfortunately, some become disillusioned and leave the industry. “This course helps people to do their due diligence. There are additional risks associated with going from farm managing to contract milking; those risks
need to be additionally compensated.I want to help give farmers the best chance of success,” says Rob. Contract Milking includes four inperson workshops, 10am to 3pm, and two online drop-in sessions. The course starts in Feilding on Tuesday, March 12. Find out more and enrol now at dairytraining.co.nz.
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January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
9
ADVERTORIAL
Parts Garage goes the extra mile by Denise Gunn
Parts Garage, conveniently located on SH1 at 1 Dundas Road, Sanson, is a one-stop-shop for small engine parts, water blasters, generators and water pumps. Louise Nicholls established the business in 2011, but her involvement in the parts industry began way before then. Her parents own Nicholls Machinery, so she grew up around heavy machinery in the family business. “I worked for my parents, who have Nicholls Machinery, and noticed there was a demand for small engine parts,” said Louise. “I import parts for small engines, water blasters, generators and water pumps. I supply spare parts to businesses as well as to local councils, smaller firms and the general public.” Parts Garage offers a good range of quality parts and provides great customer service. There are plans to expand the product lines available, too. “I ship nationwide but mainly sell locally to farmers and contractors. I also sell to the Pacific Islands.” Louise works hard to find a solution for every customer. She said meeting different people from all walks of life is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being involved in the parts industry. “A lot of customers are repairing commercial equipment that has been discarded, but there isn’t really anything wrong with it. It is awesome to hear their
“I really enjoy when customers call me to say they got something working that was going to be a long shot to fit. You can hear the joy in their voice.” stories, and when they get something that hasn’t run in years, going again. In 2023, Parts Garage began a journey to offset carbon emissions through Carbon Positive, achieving the 125% target. “We wanted to compensate for the carbon we produce via carbon offsetting projects that plant native trees in New Zealand,” said Louise. Sharing the same site as Nicholls Machinery, Parts Garage is located in the last yard on the right-hand side as you leave Sanson, heading towards Bulls. “I would love to get into a much bigger shed, but who doesn’t.”
Louise Nicholls runs Parts Garage on SH1 in Sanson
For further information, phone 06 329 3048, visit parts.garage.nz, view
the business’s Facebook page or email partsgaragenz@gmail.com.
Parts Garage stocks aftermarket products for a range of common models, including Honda, Robin and Yanmar. We offer an extensive variety of products including carburettors, pull start assemblies, air filters, cylinders, pistons, rings, fuel tanks, chipper blades and much more. We also have a selection of 2 to 6 inch layflat hose and aluminium camlocks.
Delivery and “Click and Collect” are available at our online store www.partsgarage.nz or visit us in store at 1 Dundas Road, Sanson, Manawatu Phone: 06 329 3048 | Hours: 8am-4pm Mon - Friday.
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January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON FEILDING
Farming for future generations The Curtis family have farmed their Rangiwahia property since 2008, establishing Riverlee Hereford and Angus studs.
Growing beautiful blooms
Alisha Jacobs’ passion for growing flowers began to bloom shortly after she was given a cactus dahlia. In 2020, Alisha began the groundwork for her flower farm, naming it Blooming Beautiful Flower Farm.
JASES
WATER CARTAGE
Murray Curtis with an inquisitive bull
Since buying the 560ha farm, Murray and Fiona Curtis have involved their children, Aaron, Laura and Aiden every step of the way. In 2012, the Curtis’s first registered, vetted in-calf Hereford heifers were purchased from the Clements family of Matapouri Herefords in Northland. The following year, the Curtis’s bought a second lot. There are currently 180 Hereford stud cows on Riverlee. Two years ago, the family purchased their first Angus cows and heifers from Rangatira Angus dispersal sale on the
East Coast. The stud’s sale ended a 60year era breeding Angus. “Us kids were keen to have a go at stud breeding, so we decided to have a go with Angus,” said Laura. “A second lot of Angus heifers were purchased from Te Whanga dispersal sale in April 2023.” Fifty-five Angus cows and heifers calved on the farm in September. The stud’s calving percentage, which sits at 98%, provides the Curtis’s with a breeding performance indication of their Hereford and Angus herds’ reproductive efficiency.
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Alisha Jacobs began the groundwork for her flower farm in 2020
Around the same time, after 18 years of working in the hospitality industry, Alisha was looking for a career change. She began to consider a dahlia farm. “I then got thinking more in detail and knew just dahlias wouldn’t work on their own,” she said. “I would need to add more variety of flowers to make bouquets, and that is how the flower farm came about. “My aunt and uncle were kind enough to loan me a paddock to start my flowers. The land was previously used for sheep and beef farming, so it was literally just a raw paddock.”
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12
January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
SPOTLIGHT ON FEILDING
Shear achievements Since picking up a handpiece when he was eight, Reuben Alabaster has gone on to notch up several shearing titles, set a world record and win the 2023 Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year award.
In March, Reuben won the 2023 Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year award
Reuben comes from a long line of farmers, shearers and woolhandlers. His great-uncle, the late Ray Alabaster, shore at the inaugural Golden Shears and went on to compete nine times in the open final, twice finishing in second place. Reuben is also the cousin of world champion woolhandler Sheree Alabaster. The 20-year-old grew up with his six sisters on the family farm, owned by his parents, Ricky and Evelyn, near Taihape. “We own about 3,600 acres and have three lease blocks. Two in the Taihape area and one in Wairoa,” said Reuben. “I always loved the farm, but once I got the blood for shearing, I was hooked.” Within a year of his first introduction to shearing, under the guidance of Ricky, Reuben could shear 100 lambs in a day. When he was 14, Reuben became the youngest winner of the New Zealand Shears Junior Championship. He took up shearing full-time two years later.
Gumboot glory
Gumboots have always featured in Taihape farmer Kristin Churchward’s life, through either wearing a pair out on the farm or throwing one as far as possible.
Kristin Churchward with her trophies for gumboot throwing
Raised on her parents’ sheep and beef farm east of Taihape, Kristin’s family were keen supporters of Taihape’s gumboot throwing competitions. Kristin first threw gumboots in competitions as a child, developing her technique over the years to become New Zealand’s longest-reigning women’s champion record holder. She also represented New Zealand in javelin during her secondary school years. Kristin and her husband Matt lease most of Kristin’s parents’ 600ha farm, running 3,000 breeding ewes, 120 Angus
cows and youngstock, on the breeding and finishing unit. “Ninety per cent of the stock are finished on the property.” With decades of experience, Kristin has perfected her gumboot holding and throwing method. Her current record stands at a distance of 36.88 metres. This record was set at the Skellerup New Zealand Gumboot Throwing Championships, held alongside the 2021 Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North. “I would like to keep the title as long as possible,” she said.
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON FEILDING
Keeping the family farm together
Since opening the gate of their Stormy Point farm in Waituna West, the Clare family has achieved a goal to provide a place for horse trekkers and hikers to share their piece of paradise.
Scott and Claire Clare with their sons Ben and Logan
Scott and Claire own and run the 800-acre property with the help of their teenage sons, Ben and Logan. The farm has been in the Clare family since the early 1900s. “We bought half of the farm and took over running it in 2013,” said Claire. “The original woolshed and other farm buildings are all still used today. The farm is a lot smaller than it used to be in past generations.” The family runs 1,700 Romdale ewes, 500 hoggets on the property
and nearly 2,500 lambs. Claire said there are also 70 share-farmed Angus beef steers, and they graze around 140 cows in winter. A main mob of Perendale/Romney cross ewes lamb in September, and a terminal mob of ewes go to the Southdown ram to lamb in August. Lambs are sold store, mainly through Ovation. Scott and Claire have also set up trails for horse riders and hikers on their farm to suit different ability levels and distances.
Taste of farming sowed career
The 2023 Manawatū Dairy Manager of the Year, José Hamber, set his sights on farming from a young age. Growing up in Auckland, José didn’t have any farming history in his immediate family. However, farming seeds were sown early after receiving children’s tractor and farm machinery books as a two-year-old. José graduated with a Bachelor of AgriScience at Massey University. In his final year of study, he was awarded a dairy bursary scholarship, leading to his first farm assistant position in the Waikato. After completing that season, he moved to Taranaki to work as 2IC under a contract milker. He then spent four seasons contract milking there. A year working for QCONZ followed. After meeting his wife, Kirby, the couple contract milked for one season in Kaponga before moving to a lower-order sharemilker position in Northland. When José entered the Northland Dairy Manager of the Year competition, he was
José Hamber, 2023 Manawatū Dairy Manager of the Year
approached to manage Cheltenham Dairies. José and Kirby have worked on this property for the past couple of seasons. He was also runner-up in the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Manager category and won the DairyNZ People and Leadership Award.
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FAMCO WATER Household Drinking Water Delivery
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Proudly Supporting The Local Community
14
January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
SPOTLIGHT ON LEVIN
Lifestyle among the olives
Sixteen years ago, Glenn Wigley and Lisa Buchan bought their 10ha Waikawa Beach property, specifically with growing olives and blueberries in mind. The couple started from the ground up, planting thousands of trees on their bare land, including 550 olive trees. Shelter belts, as well as native trees alongside the stream and in the designated wetland area, were also planted. Glenn and Lisa’s property location is ideal for growing olives and blueberries due to the climate and the soil type. After achieving a 10-year plan on their block of land, and with a passion for increasing diversity in the environment, Glenn and Lisa began converting the property to organics. Waikawa Glen Olives and Waikawa Blueberries are now fully certified with OrganicFarm NZ. In the past few years, the couple has won several awards for their olive oil. At the 2023 New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards, Waikawa Glen Blend
Farming legacy for future generations
As the regional supreme winners of the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA), the McErlean family is continuing to create a farming legacy for future generations.
The McErlean family with some of the team
Lisa Buchan with a range of award-winning Waikawa Glen Olives products
took home a gold medal and a Best in Class award. “We are very happy with that,” said Lisa. FARM SUPPLIES | IRRIGATION | COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC SUPPLIES | LIFESTYLE BLOCKS WELL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
The family’s Poplar Partnership primarily focusses on a large dairy operation and a Hereford stud, which runs alongside. John and Karen McErlean bought their initial 43ha Horowhenua block in 1983. The couple settled on Friesians, with selling bull calves providing another avenue of income. In 2002, the couple merged their property with the original family farm owned by John’s brother, Peter, to
form the Poplar Partnership Limited. This partnership employs a team of 28 staff, including several family members. With additional property purchases in the Foxton and Shannon areas, the farm now totals 1,719ha. The formation of another company, called 164 Partnership Limited, is a move by the McErleans to retain staff. Under this entity, eight employees and the McErleans share co-ownership of a 200-cow dairy unit.
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Cow & Horse Processing in Levin
ASH BOYD ALUMINIUM & GLASS Ph: 06 368 3296 Email: ash.boyd@xtra.co.nz SHOWROOM
74 Cambridge Street South Levin
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No Moore Hassel Pet Food is an MPI approved and recognised primary meat processor. Based in Levin we offer local farmers a free and highly professional pick-up service for unwanted healthy cows and horses in the Manawatu-Wanganui region. If you would prefer to transport your animal yourself or have your horse or cow put down on the farm then we can arrange this with a No Hassell guarantee.
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Our in-house processing plant enables us to guarantee the consistent quality and reliability of the process from the picking-up to the putting-down of the animal. As a recognised specialist you can rest assured that our years of expertise and close connection to the farming industry makes our service as convenient, respectful and professional as it can be.
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON LEVIN
Generations of strawberry growers
Three generations of the same family are involved with Shirley’s Strawberries, each with their own role to play.
From left: Three generations of the same family, Kevin, Shirley, Savannah, Sue and Rob, are all involved with Shirley’s Strawberries
The 12-acre strawberry farm near Ōhau was established by Kevin and Shirley Donovan in 1992. Shirley had worked in a nearby strawberry packhouse for close to a decade when the opportunity to buy a block of land came up. She and Kevin bought the land, built a new home and started growing strawberries. In 2018, their daughter Sue and her partner, Rob Fifita-Tovo, took over the business. Sue said it’s neat to work
alongside her parents who put so much into establishing the business. “With Rob, take it to the next level in terms of increasing our customer base to our packhouse shop. It’s also neat to have daughter, Savannah, work for us.” During the strawberry season, it’s all hands on deck. “We have seven blocks of strawberries, and these need picking at least every second day. At times of unusually warm weather, we need to pick one and a half days apart.”
SERVICES OFFERED: • Fertiliser spreading • All bulk silage requirements • Round baling and wrapping • Square baling and wrapping • Hay - Large rounds / large squares • Cultivation • Bulk cartage • Ravensdown Consignment Store with certified weigh bridge
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A feat of engineering As part of the lower Manawatū River Control Scheme, the Moutoa Sluice Gates were constructed between 1959 and 1962 to divert flood flows out of the Manawatū River and down the Moutoa floodway. The late Paul Evans, chief engineer of the Manawatū Catchment Board from 1946 to 1970, was the main architect and driving force behind the construction of the Lower Manawatū River Control Scheme. Nine 15-tonne steel radial gates within a curved reinforced concrete structure measure 15m in width and 4.5m in height. The gates are raised by pulleys, wire ropes and electric motors and operated individually with a control panel in the nearby operations building. In the event of electricity failure, standby power is available. The floodway consists of 10km of flat farmland, 600m wide and bordered by stopbanks up to 5.5m high. The initial surveying of the Moutoa floodway was undertaken by the late Geoff Brougham. Geoff joined the Manawatū Catchment Board as an engineering cadet in January 1953 and, within two
An aerial view of the Moutoa Sluice Gates during construction
weeks of starting work, experienced a 100-year flood. Construction of the Moutoa sluice gates and floodway was completed in 1962. This scheme was one of the first major flood control schemes completed in New Zealand and a structure unique to the southern hemisphere.
CENTRAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES DIESEL SPECIALIST (TRUCKS, TRACTORS & MOTORHOMES) LUBRICATION COF SERVICE ENGINEERING (TOWBARS & DRAWBARS)
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Trotter Contracting Ltd - Agricultural Contractors - Levin Contact - Garry 027 232 2380 Rowan 027 452 2562
33 Main Road South, Levin central.autoslevin@gmail.com
Over 46 years of providing all properties from Kapiti Coast to Manawatu with a reliable, prompt and guaranteed service for all plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting jobs. Kingston & Kemp Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying team are large enough to take on industrial jobs, and small enough to care for small home plumbing services, you can consider them your one-stop-shop for everything plumbing. Master Plumber guarantee for all your plumbing needs
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Levin Truck Services Ltd Keeping you on the road
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16
January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGANUI
Long days for log loader
by Denise Gunn
Winner of the 2023 inaugural Golden Loader Forestry Championship, Daniel Purcell, grew up around the industry. Daniel’s father used to drive logging trucks and whenever he had the chance, Daniel tagged along with him. Since starting out in the forestry industry at 17, Daniel has driven a loader, learning on the job. He now owns a Tigercat 865 and established HCD Contracting two years ago. “I used my initials and my two daughters’ initials in the business name,” said Daniel. Currently, Daniel is working as a sub-contractor for Clint Newland of C.J. Newland Logging Limited. Early starts are part of the job and Daniel’s working day begins at 2am. Throughout the day Daniel is at the helm of his Tigercat 865, either loading
Titipounamu returned to ancient homeland
Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, north of Whanganui, welcomed the arrival of 60 titipounamu or riflemen, translocated from Mount Taranaki last year.
Inaugural Golden Loader Forestry Championship winner Daniel Purcell
logs on to trucks or stacking away timber cut by the processor. “We usually work 12 to 14 hour days,” he said. “It’s pretty good. I like it because you are busy all the time. There are good people in the industry and everyone gets on.”
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From left: Translocation specialist Kevin Parker and Kura Niwa (Taranaki hapū) release a titipounamu into Bushy Park Tarapuruhi
The translocation of these tiny birds to this predator-free sanctuary was made possible due to the generosity of local hapū Puketapu, Pukerangiora and Ngāti Tawhirikura, all of the iwi Te Atiawa. This move follows a similar successful translocation of 60 titipounamu from Mount Taranaki to Rotokare Scenic Reserve in 2019. Bushy Park runs as a partnership between Forest & Bird, Bushy Park Trust and members of local iwi Ngaa Rauru
Kiitahi (Tamahereroto, Ngāti Pukeko, and Ngāti Maika hapū). Kura Niwa, from Pukerangiora hapū, said it was the second time titipounamu had been moved from the maunga in recent years to help establish a population elsewhere. “A decade ago, we would never have thought we would be leading a process of taurima (adoption) for manu, so we are thrilled our titipounamu population is doing so well that we are able to undertake this tikanga.”
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
by Denise Gunn
T, WORK, P EA L Y,
AY
Polocrosse passion fits with farming
BU
SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGANUI
17
Working as a shepherd and training his polocrosse horses on the family farm ties together well for Jack Kinder.
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Polocrosse player and farmer Jack Kinder
The Kinder family own two home blocks, covering a total of 3,000 acres between Whanganui and Ohakune. Another 1,400-acre block is farmed halfway up the Paraparas. “These are where we run 7,000 ewes and 800-odd steers,” said Jack. On lease blocks, which are mostly scrub, the family runs 1,000 cows and
another 4,000 sheep. Keeping the horses fit for polocrosse can be challenging at times. However, riding them out on the farm to check stock and muster is a huge help, particularly when covering the tougher terrain. “Being able to hack them up and down the big hills knocks them into shape pretty quick,” he said.
Jack plays for Te Mata Club based in Hamilton and has represented New Zealand in the NZ Juniors, NZ Intermediates and NZ Men’s teams. He plans to carry on the high standard of farming set by his parents. “I want to build on that and aim to put the same, if not more, into the farm.”
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18
January 2024
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
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Maungaturoto Motorcycles 117 Hurndall Street, Maungaturoto P: 09 431 8555 Northland Powersports 15 Rewa Rewa Road, Raumanga, Whangarei P: 09 437 5451 brownbrothersbikes@hotmail.com Rouse Motorcycles 1 King Street, Hikurangi, Northland P: 09 4338 471
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGANUI
Surfing initiative makes big waves
19
Farming a family legacy
From a young age, farming and continuing her family’s legacy was all Baylee Hodges wanted to do.
After a successful first season, Surfing for Farmers (SFF) Whanganui hit the surf again in November.
From left: Whanganui Young Farmers members Baylee Hodges, Charee Redington and Hannah McMillan ready to hit the surf
The mental health and wellbeing initiative, launched by Stephen Thomson in Gisborne in 2018, has since spread to 28 coastal regions around New Zealand. In those five years, more than 4,000 farmers and growers have taken part. Surfing for Farmers national coordinator Sarah Shanks said SFF gives farmers and growers the opportunity to step away from what can be an all-consuming business. A group of committed Whanganui locals approached the national organisation in August 2022 about holding the initiative in their region.
“With the support of SFF National, the committee was helped with finding local legend sponsors and providers to ensure the first season, and beyond, ran smoothly. Sourcing the sponsorship can be a daunting task, but the committee raised the funds to ensure the season was a huge hit,” said Sarah. “The aim of establishing Surfing for Farmers – Whanganui was to provide an opportunity for local farmers and growers to take a break from their daily routine, relax and try something new.”
Baylee Hodges won the inaugural Shepherd of the Year title at the Wairere Central Districts Red Meat competition last year
She is achieving that, winning the inaugural Shepherd of the Year title at the Wairere Central Districts Red Meat competition along the way. Baylee is the fifth generation on her family’s 440ha sheep and beef farm in Kai Iwi, north of Whanganui. The family currently run 2,200 Romney breeding ewes, 500 hoggets and 110 Angus breeding cows on the property. All stock are finished on-farm. “We also buy in trade lambs and bulls or steers to finish when we have surplus feed,” said Baylee.
For the past eight years, Baylee has worked on the family farm alongside her father, Bruce. She’s also helped out her uncle, Ian, during busy times. In 2019, Baylee travelled to Scotland, working on Robin and Fiona Wallace’s sheep and beef farm during lambing and calving. “This was an excellent experience and helped with my confidence in lambing ewes and calving cows as we did a lot of it. They were really cool people to work for and still keep in touch.”
• Scrubcutting • Planting & thinning • Pruning • Innovation
027 444 3440 www.silviculture.co.nz www.scrubcutting.co.nz
20
January 2024
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
SPOTLIGHT ON PALMERSTON NORTH
Food HQ makes Manawatū home base Ten years in operation were celebrated in style when FoodHQ launched a new physical office in Palmerston North.
Dr Victoria Hatton addresses the crowd during the launch of the new office in Palmerston North
The office, located in the building previously home to The Factory, is right in the heart of the science precinct of the city, creating a home for agrifood in the Manawatū. FoodHQ has taken on the lease from AgResearch. FoodHQ CEO Dr Victoria Hatton is excited that the physical presence will help to provide visibility to the organisation and demystify what FoodHQ does at a pivotal time in its development. “FoodHQ represents the largest collaboration of food science and
innovation in New Zealand. Its vision is to build a truly sustainable food system in New Zealand that is equitable, innovative and export-focussed. “Across the FoodHQ partnership, we have the power to shape the future of food with the research, science and innovation that is happening in the sector. The ability to take a physical stand and say this is us and where we are, is exciting, and it is poignant that this is 10 years on from the initiation of FoodHQ.”
Helping to meet the need
Meat the Need’s board member, Nicki Mackay, became involved with the charity in late 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services sector to the position. Previously working for BNZ, PGG Wrightson, and most recently FMG for the past 13 years, Nicki and her family moved to Manawatū when she took up a promotion. “We moved here in early 2020 as I was promoted into a role heading up our Agribusiness Centre in Feilding. Prior to this, we were based in Canterbury for 18 years.” Nicki is currently FMG’s head of claims. Although born and raised in Dunedin, Nicki has spent most of her life working and living in rural communities. “I married a sheep and beef farmer almost 29 years ago, and although our farming journey finished in two to three years in our married life, I have continued to either live in rural communities or work in the agricultural sector.” Nicki’s husband, Rory, is a senior business manager for MyFarm. “Our board is there to provide governance, and we have eight on the board, including the chair and our support
Nicky Mackay, Meat the Need board member
person. Our board is based across the country. We have meetings monthly, via teams, and meet face-to-face twice a year.”
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON PALMERSTON NORTH
Farm background opens gate to career
A childhood background growing up on a Northland farm gave the 2023 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year, Sarah Powell, a passion for the outdoors from an early age.
Sarah Powell won the 2023 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year award and placed third at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards
Up until the age of nine, when the Powell family moved to town, Sarah was usually found on the 90ha dairy heifer grazing and beef farm with her father, Barry. “My main job was being Dad’s personal gate-opener. Every opportunity I could, I was out there with him, after school and on the weekends,” said Sarah. Sarah decided to study agricultural science at Massey University. As part of the degree, students are required to work in one of the agricultural industries over
the summer. Sarah ended up working as a farm assistant at Thornton Park Fonterra in Longburn. This role developed into a permanent position. In addition to winning the 2023 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year, Sarah also placed third in the same category at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. Her strong technical knowledge was recognised, too, with the Federated Farmers General Farming Knowledge merit award.
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Training future farmers
A passion for the dairy industry led former Manawatū Dairy Manager of the Year, Angela Strawbridge, to set up her own business as well as become a licensee with Agricademy. Angela initially set out in the dairy industry as a relief milker and calf rearer on a Norsewood farm. In 2014, with 17 years of dairy farming experience behind her, Angela began working for Stewart Dairylands near Bunnythorpe. Angela’s hard work and dedication were recognised in 2018, winning the NZDIA Manawatū Dairy Manager of the Year title. The following season, Angela took up a farm management position with the Hopkins Farming Group’s Taonui farm in Rangiotu. At the 2022 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Angela received recognition for her work on Taonui, winning the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award.
Angela Strawbridge
When the farm was sold and changed ownership, Angela established her own Ange’s Agribusiness, offering relief work to farmers with positions that needed filling. She also became involved with the Dairy Women’s Network (DWN). It was Angela’s work with DWN that directed her towards the rural training organisation Agricademy.
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January 2024
SPOTLIGHT ON PALMERSTON NORTH
New avenues with wool Three generations of the Carpenter family have farmed Ruanui Station in the hill country northwest of Taihape. Now in the hands of Andrew Carpenter and his wife Meredith, the couple has taken the farm to the next level with fencing, fertiliser and new grass species. Additional land was purchased in 2006. Ruanui currently runs Romney sheep, deer and Angus cattle, alongside cropping on 3,130ha. The family’s Angus and Romney studs were established in the 1970s. Decades of selective breeding through SIL have produced topquality Romney progeny at Ruanui. All finished sheep are sold to Taylor Preston in Wellington, and cattle are sent to Alliance. With the ongoing decline in wool prices, Andrew and Meredith had considered for several years how to use their wool clip, particularly lambs’ wool. In 2020, they began producing a range of throw blankets named after paddocks on the property and the early settlers. “Now we do a knitted bed blanket as well as pet beds, baby buggy blankets, picnic blankets and cushions.
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Farm development rewarding
Tony and Lynda Gray purchased their 410ha Utuwai farm in 2003, developing the property to maximise returns alongside caring for the environment.
Linda and Tony Gray on their 410ha Utuwai farm
Meredith and Andrew Carpenter run Ruanui Station
We’ve just released a line of jerseys and beanies in collaboration with Manawatū Knitting Mills.”
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The couple’s Kinross Partnership operates as a mixed sheep, beef and deer breeding and finishing unit. Tony said the focus is on breeding quality stock in an environmentally friendly way to return a profit. “Finishing lambs and Wagyu beef, selling weaner deer and Angus steer calves store.” Lambs and cull or prime cattle are sold to Silver Fern Farms, and weaner Angus steers are sold through the Feilding
saleyards. Wagyu cattle, when reaching two and a half years, along with prime and cull deer, are sold to First Light. Weaner deer go to a finishing farm. Tony and Lynda’s efforts in developing their farm were recognised with two awards at the 2020 Ballance Environment Awards. They also received the Supplier of the Year award from First Light Venison in 2016. Now, the couple shares their skills and lifestyle with second-year veterinary students and international travellers.
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