2011 CANTERBURY WINNERS
ERIC AND MAXINE WATSON
‘RANGITATA HOLDINGS LTD’
SUPREME AWARD WINNERS
ALSO WINNERS OF:
BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT AWARD
ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY WATER EFFICIENCY AWARD
AND HILL LABORATORIES HARVEST AWARD
Eric and Maxine’s combination of efficient
productivity and environmental consideration
on their 490ha arable property just east of
Ashburton drew comprehensive praise from the
award judges.
The judges wrote in their feedback report: “It is clear that with
your sound agronomic management, thorough understanding
of the science behind the production system, efficient and
sustainable use of the available resources and a keen desire to
excel, you are well on your way to becoming one of the best
arable operations in New Zealand.”
With the help of just one full-time staff member, Eric and
Maxine grow a wide range of crops for seed production
including cereals, grasses, vegetables and pulses. The judges
pointed out: “With a reputation for being a top performer,
further opportunities have been opened up as companies seek
out the best growers to multiply high-value seed.”
The Watsons purchased their property in 1992, a favourable
conclusion to their 10-year search for such a place. “We wanted
Ballance Farm Environment Awards National Partners
a good size in one block, with the right soil, and overhead spray
irrigation already in place,” says Eric. “We didn’t want to have to
do a lot of development; as it has turned out we have, but we
have no regrets. Everything we have invested in technologywise has had to justify its cost.”
Commented the judges: “Nothing is done by recipe or because
it is common practice. Research is undertaken and a lot
of thought put into why something should be done. Each
technological advance is considered in great depth. If it doesn’t
stack up, it won’t be invested in.
“Eric and Maxine have been quick to apply new technology
to the farming system, and every management decision is
reasoned, fully understood and science based. Variable rate
irrigation, self-steer machinery, and minimum tillage equipment
are features of the farm that make it stand out from the crowd
and contribute to its outstanding performance,” the judges
wrote in their feedback report.
Previously the Watsons ran an 800ha mixed farm at Ealing
that had been in Eric’s family for 90 years. It had border dyke
irrigation, and in addition to crop they farmed 5000 ewes.
Regional Partner
SUPREME AWARD WINNERS
But the couple says the decision to move and concentrate on
sustainable arable farming was not difficult. “We are arable
farmers,” Maxine states simply, “and we depend on good
quality soil. If you look after the resources, they will look after
you.” And Eric admits with a grin, “they say you are either born
a stockman or you are not. I’m not.”
Eric has a keen interest in machinery that fits well with the
couple’s focus on productive and sustainable arable farming.
The couple are “a clear partnership, sharing the strategic
planning and overall management,” noted the judges.
They glean knowledge and practices both nationally and
internationally with travel to attend conferences, shows and
displays. An added bonus to this travel, says Maxine, is they
have a grandchild in the US. (The Watsons have two adult
children, Katharine and Philip.)
It was at a Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) conference
in Ashburton in 2007 they first heard about the innovative VR
(variable rate) irrigation technology they now have in place
controlling five of their nine laterals. “We were sitting at either
end of the room listening. We both thought ‘yes, that’s what
we need’. As soon as the break came we met in the middle of
the room, it was quite exciting,” recalls Maxine.
They were the first arable farmers in the South Island to use
VR irrigation. Developed and made by Precision Irrigation New
Zealand in Feilding, the VR system is controlled using GPS
wireless technology through a computer on each separate
irrigator machine. Because of electromagnetic mapping each
machine knows what soil type it is over and how much moisture
holding capacity that soil has, meaning water can be applied at
a varying rate, according to soil needs. The EM maps have also
been ground truthed, to quantify soil water holding capacity.
“No water is wasted. The crops are getting exactly the amount
of moisture they require, even if that varies according to soil,”
explains Eric. Over- watering crops is now eliminated on areas
that previously were being watered twice, due to overlaps.
Noted the judges: “By matching application rates to the soils’
water holding capacity and eliminating overlaps between
irrigators, the VR system saves approximately 100,000 litres
of water during the season – enough to run another small
irrigator.”
When Eric and Maxine came to the farm, it had two Bisley
irrigators installed and had been laid out specifically for
lateral irrigation. Further development means the property
is now 97 per cent irrigated using nine laterals including two
that can water in pivot mode. Three bores feed the irrigators
with variable speed drives on the pumps. The judges noted
the power and water saving these drives afforded: “Power
consumption reduced by five per cent when variable speed
drives were installed on the pumps and a further six per cent
with the introduction of VRI.”
The farm is flat contour but has three terraces stepping down
to the Ashburton River. The intimate knowledge of the soil
types and their optimum moisture needs at any given time has
resulted in the terraces becoming infinitely more productive.
The top terrace is the best and heaviest land; the middle terrace
has more variability and on the bottom terrace soils are shinglier.
Now the same lateral can irrigate the upper and middle terraces
at the same time, custom-applying water. “Previously we could
only use the lower terraces for growing winter feed, now we
can crop the whole area,” says Maxine.
The Watsons used to run some stock on the place – for example
cows were fed silage on the terraces for up to six weeks in the
JUDGES COMMENTS
Clear focus on soil health, seen as ‘life-blood’ of operation; high nutrient inputs based on scientific research.
Continual consideration and promotion of the science behind arable farming.
15 neutron probes read weekly to ensure irrigation application rate matched to infiltration rate.
Pioneers in the field of Variable Rate Irrigation; currently saving 100,000 litres water annually.
SUPREME AWARD WINNERS
winter – but in recent years
they have gone out of
livestock farming altogether.
They estimate this has allowed
them to decrease 1.5 labour
units and also reduces the risk
of contamination of their grass
seed crops and compacting soil
structure.
In winter and early spring they
do still graze a neighbour’s
lambs however. “But I debate
the viability of grazing other
people’s lambs because of the
extra cultivation that has to be
done after you’ve had stock
on in a wet season,” says Eric.
“Lambs are getting harder to find in the area too, so we may
look at mechanical topping instead.”
The Watsons are acutely aware of their proximity to the
Ashburton River, and the responsibility they have to avoid
nitrate leaching. All wheat, ryegrass and fescue is tested for
residual soil nitrogen in the spring and this information is
used to calculate the amount and timing of nitrogen fertiliser
application.
Measures such as these are part of Eric and Maxine’s constant
vigilance for the environment they rely upon, and their concern
for the property’s ongoing viability. They are also a nod to
possible future restrictions on farming activities. “With the
intensive cattle grazing we could foresee a day when we might
be told, ‘you’re breaking the law’,” reflects Maxine.
They view the ryegrass and fescue crops as an essential part of
their crop rotation schedule both because of the fibrous root
system and the length of time these crops are in. “During the
grass phase, soil structure and organic matter levels improve to
the extent that soils coming out of a five year stand of fescue
are visibly superior to those under other crops,” noted the
judges.
Instead of conventional cultivation methods, a considerable
investment has been made in non-inversion equipment, aimed
at incorporating residues and creating a seedbed without
inverting the soil. A tracked Caterpillar tractor provides the
required high horsepower, pulling up to three implements in
one pass. The tracked wheels minimise soil compaction and
the self-steering fitted allows passes accurate to within 2.5cm.
For some crops just one pass to cultivate and consolidate is
needed before drilling the seed. Compaction is minimised and
fuel, fertiliser, seed and labour costs reduced.
The Watsons have just one full-time staff member who does
much of the driving and fertiliser spreading. Eric does most of
the spraying using their own self-propelled sprayer, “so we can
be sure”, using low drift nozzles with auto shut down to ensure
high value crops adjacent to that being sprayed are not harmed
by spray not intended for them.
A neighbour helps out during the busy harvest period. Maxine
does all the paper work and “odd jobs” but also makes a
significant community contribution off the farm. The judges
were impressed with this efficient use of manpower on the
property. They wrote in their feedback report: “There is minimal
use of contractors. Staff levels on the farm are remarkably low
considering the scale and intensity of the operation.”
JUDGES COMMENTS
Investment in non-inversion equipment; incorporates residues, minimises labour & has made huge improvement to soil structure.
Grass seen as important component to build soil structure; long-term grass stands are incorporated into the rotation.
A penetrometer in the tractor used to estimate bulk density of soil and cultivator depth is set accordingly.
Through first class management, high yields in the top 5% of arable farmers are consistently obtained.
BRIAN AND LINDA GROOME
‘ANNAVALE STATION’
BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND LIVESTOCK AWARD
PGG WRIGHTSON LAND AND LIFE AWARD
BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS HABITAT IMPROVEMENT AWARD
On Annavale, a 2800ha hill country property west of Springfield, the Groomes
demonstrate a clear understanding that responsibility for land stewardship reaches
beyond land ownership.
“We do treat it as if it was our
own,” admits Brian, who came
to manage the station with
Linda (Lin) in 2001 when it was
purchased by two investors. The
award judges were impressed
with the Groomes’ approach,
writing in their feedback
report: “Brian and Lin have a
strong focus on maintaining the
property and improving value
for the owners and community
where possible.”
For their part, the Groomes downplay their stance saying they
are simply guided by “commonsense” and “just trying to think
ahead for the land, the owners and the next managers. Our
motto is, ‘pay attention to the basics and try to farm smarter
not harder’.”
Last year the Groomes and one full-time employee wintered
4100 ewes, 1100 hoggets, 70 rams, 330 breeding cows, 56 R1
heifers, 30 R1 bulls, 17 R2 bulls and 3 mixed age sire bulls. The
judges commended the management of the station’s livestock
writing: “Animal welfare, genetics and production are also
strong focuses on Annavale with the policy of fitting stock to
country.”
A place where many are welcomed – agriculture students, dog
trialists, hunters, trampers, conservationists - the farm shares a
boundary with the Selwyn Plantation Forest and a Department
of Conservation block known as 13 Mile Bush. Brian describes
the land as, “fifty percent north-facing and very good winter
country, fifty percent south-facing and very good summer
country, so it is well balanced. However, we only have 202ha of
lower hill country or paddocks and the rest is steep hill.”
The couple are firm believers in concentrating development
and farming resources – both human and financial – on only
their productive areas. Accordingly they have identified just
over 800ha of Annavale that is being taken out of production,
designated “conservation areas”. Brian credits his environmental
insight to Professor (now Sir) Alan Mark. “When I was managing
Mt Stalker, lots of people were saying he was troublesome, so
I sought him out. I thought, he wasn’t a professor for nothing.
I found him to be a great visionary with tremendous research
which, though not popular with some at the time, is now being
acknowledged.”
Mostly native scrub covered, Annavale’s conservation areas
are on steep, unproductive land, some of which Brian and
Lin consider “of major importance” because within it is the
headwaters of the Hawkins River. Ensuring the water that
leaves the property is in pristine condition is both a priority and
responsibility say the couple.
Many waterways and side streams of the Hawkins River make
their way down through the property. Since coming to
the property Brian has had a policy, when undertaking any
development work, to fence off and leave a generous riparian
JUDGES COMMENTS
Attention to detail and passion for monitoring stock; high emphasis on animal welfare.
Very strict culling policy has allowed quick genetic and performance improvements.
Land use is carefully matched to the land type; great awareness of sensitive areas of the farm.
Sphagnum moss/tussock wetlands retired – these serve both water harvesting and biodiversity functions.
strip “for filter value”. In places
where
native
vegetation
(mainly beech, manuka and
dracophyllum) battles weeds,
they plant pines to suppress
unwanted vegetation like gorse.
The pines will be felled as soon
as the natives no longer need
weed suppression help.
Lin takes great pride in the comprehensive recording particularly
of the station’s Aberdeen Angus cattle; “I really believe the
more information you can get the more efficient your herd is
going to become”. They have been artificially inseminating cows
selected on a range of attributes, including temperament and
calf production, to great effect. “We have some very good
cows with 50-60 per cent efficiency on the place now,” says
Brian.
The couple are heartened
by the increase in wildlife,
particularly birds, in their time
on Annavale. But aside from
conservation values, they
stress the economic sense of protecting riparian areas, “as
you go along”, because of the possibility this could become
compulsory.
Originally a Corriedale flock, Brian changed to Wairere Romney
rams and now the flock is Romney. The lambing percentage has
been lifted from 100 per cent to 132 per cent survival to sale,
“unshepherded, and we haven’t hit our straps yet”. Minimising
worm burden is another priority. Rams are purchased from a
breeder with a low drenching regime. He describes their grazing
management as “quite fussy”. “We don’t run cattle and sheep
together. The cattle go ahead, their grazing promotes the feed
for the sheep, but we ensure a good gap between them.”
Both from England, Brian and Lin’s respective paths to the life
they unmistakably enjoy together today were very different.
Brian came to New Zealand on a 1965 immigration scheme. His
first job was on a Taranaki dairy farm. 16 years ago he left his
position managing Mt Stalker Station to return to the UK to
care for his elderly parents. He worked on a dairy farm there
and met Lin, who lived nearby.
A shift to second shearing, at pre-lamb and in the early autumn
using a cover comb both times, has proved a sound decision.
“The vm in the wool has reduced, the need to drench has
dropped dramatically and the sheep are now using the full
scope of the hill country,” says Brian. “When the weather is
good you can see them sitting contented at the top of the hills
now.”
Lin was a training manager with a major retail store chain. She
had no farming experience. Brian returned to New Zealand 11
years ago, and Lin joined him; they married three years later
on Annavale. “Everything I have learnt about farming, Brian has
taught me,” she laughs. The judges noted the value of Lin’s
administrative management experience, “it has been a helpful
background in making Health and Safety a priority” and, “Lin has
been keeping electronic records of all their stock for years”.
The judges praised Brian and Lin’s consideration of the future.
The farm’s other employee is recognised as being able to take
over from Brian, and the couple have purchased their own
property in Springfield. “For a couple who are not farm owners,
Brian and Lin’s planning for the future (both themselves and the
property) is remarkable,” the judges wrote.
JUDGES COMMENTS
Kea and falcons nesting; invited Forest and Bird and DoC to research and monitor well being.
Good future planning for life after farming – for Brian and Lin and also for the property.
Record keeping is a real strength that will make future handover or eventual succession a lot smoother.
Trampers/hunters/organisations always greeted positively; host students for work experience.
MARK AND LOUISE EDER
‘OMIHI CREEK’
MASSEY UNIVERSITY DISCOVERY AWARD
Purchasing their 171ha Waipara property in 2006 to specialise in growing blackcurrants and
building a grape contracting operation was a significant step away from the three-generation
Eder family market garden business for Mark and Louise.
Their achievements since then have been
“remarkable” according to the award
judges who commended the way the
couple had forged multiple new paths by
a combination of innovative and creative
thinking, and careful planning and hard
work.
“You both deserve the highest credit and
satisfaction from your achievements at
Omihi Creek,” the judges wrote in their
feedback report. “You have moved to a new area, developed
an intensive horticultural property, built a major contracting
business, established new products (including an award winning
blackcurrant wine) and markets for them, and then arranged
substantial input to your local community through ‘Greening
Waipara’ and the local school. This is a remarkable achievement
in a short time.”
Mark’s grandfather began the family connection with commercial
growing in 1949 on a two-hectare block at Woodend. Mark’s
father first planted blackcurrants in 1969, one of a wide range
of crops that they had under cultivation on a total of 130ha
at Woodend when the couple decided to make the move to
Waipara with their three girls Taylah, Madison and Piper, now
aged 13, 10 and 7 respectively.
They had insight into international market potential for
blackcurrants from the Woodend crop.
The couple had
purchased a harvester that could also be used on grapes.
Putting the machine to work for the grape harvest up the road
in Waipara, Mark says he “fell in love” with the area, and the
germ of an idea began.
After establishing the firm possibility of more vineyard work
in the area – they now have four harvesters and pruning and
spraying contracts - Mark and Louise decided to combine this
with exclusively growing blackcurrants on their own place.
They converted the deer farm they bought, establishing Omihi
Creek with 80ha of blackcurrants in 2006. Plants producing the
delicious anti-oxidant rich berries now cover 160ha of their land
that has a microclimate warmer and less windy and frost-prone
than much of the region.
Planting was carefully planned and innovatively approached. The
ground was worked then, using GPS for precision placement,
irrigation trickle tape and the blackcurrant cuttings were placed
in the ground in one pass. A nitrogen-fixing annual mini-clover
established between the rows is an original solution that is
ticking all the boxes for the Eders and allows them to evade
spraying. It suppresses weeds and doesn’t require mowing so
soil moisture robbing and compaction is avoided. The clover
dies down in November after flowering, forming organic mulch
through the summer. Rain in February germinates the dropped
seeds and the growth cycle begins over.
The Eders appreciate the lifestyle change having four established
buyers of their blackcurrants allows them. “When you grow
veges it is hard to have contracts,” explains Mark, “you have to
make lots of phone calls almost begging the markets to take
your product. Now we have a great relationship with our buyers
and we’ve got time for other things.”
JUDGES COMMENTS
Remarkable transformation of the property in five years.
Innovative use of Subterranean clover between blackcurrant rows.
Unique combination of direct involvement with overseas clients and focus on the environmental health of the farm.
Development of three innovative and complementary businesses; production, contracting and an award winning sparkling
blackcurrant wine.
ANDREW AND NICKY WATT
‘CLOVERDALE HOLDINGS LTD’
LIC DAIRY FARM AWARD
The 3000 cow Ashburton dairy enterprise Andrew and Nicky run is impressive, with a strong
focus on business sustainability, according to these award judges.
The Watts, a self-described
“good team”, came to the 750ha
(730ha effective) property of
flat, irrigated land southwest
of Ashburton in 2006, in
charge as equity partners. A
workforce of between 14 and 21
predominantly South American
staff milk the farm’s four herds
through two 80-bale rotary
sheds. “It is a lot of cows and a
lot of people,” admits Andrew.
The judges agreed, commending the Watts’ staff management
and “strong commitment to looking after staff”. Andrew and
Nicky believe, “the staff are the key to the whole operation
running smoothly. As long as you have good staff and a good
system, you have a good farming operation.”
The couple came to Canterbury in 2005 from the Waikato where
they had been holding down three sharemilking jobs totalling
800 cows. An objective to grow their business but improve
their lifestyle and effectiveness by working within one unit led
them south where they spent a year as equity managers on one
property before settling on their current Cloverdale Holdings
property.
The Spectrum group is the major shareholder in this large dairy
business. Two years ago the couple altered their relationship with
the Cloverdale business, selling their shareholding to allow them
to make other investments, but staying on in charge. Andrew is
the operations manager, overseeing day-to-day function. Nicky,
a founding consultant for Intelact Ltd, combines consulting
for several local clients with Cloverdale work including wages,
accounts, feed budgets and, with Andrew, planning and setting
financial budgets. The judges said this was a dairy farm business
with a “high producing, low cost, high profitability focus”, a
feature of which was “the complimentary roles that Andrew
and Nicky play in the management of the property”.
The judges summarised: “Innovation is evident in a number of
areas including the monitoring of farm performance, pasture
cover recording, the use of liquid fertiliser, the building of soil
biological activity and staff management.” For example, they
have reduced their nitrogen use from 300 kilograms of nitrogen
per hectare (kgN/ha), 2 years ago, to less than 140 kgN/ha, today,
though the improvement in soil biology.
In recognition of the South American tradition of having
their main meal at midday, Andrew devised with staff a work
schedule that allows them to combine their breaks into a
2.5-hour lunchtime. For 11 weeks over spring calving, the farm
provides a cook and a substantial hot midday meal at lunchtime
five days a week. The cost to the business is about $9 per meal
but the couple say the results justify this. “Calving can be a
really stressful time, but we don’t get any illness or absenteeism,
everyone is happy and well-fed.”
The couple are involved in a range of off-farm activities,
including contribution to the schooling and sporting interests
of their children Michaela (12), James (10), Aidan (7) and Ryan (4).
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent staff management, including staff retention and development.
Complimentary roles in the management of the property is a key to success.
Innovative approaches to the management of a large operation.
Innovative approach to nutrient management using a liquid urea, folic acid and trace element mix.
FINALISTS - WHY?
Mark & Louise Eder
Innovative farming system making wise use of the region’s soils
and climate and growing and securing the business through key
relationships.
Eric & Maxine Watson
Leading arable farmers managing challenging soils extremely
well and making every drop of irrigation water go as far as
possible, while contributing to the wider industry.
David & Jan Morgan
Intensive operation integrating multiple classes of stock with
high awareness of environmentally sensitive areas.
Adam & Krystal Thacker
Excellent stock management in a unique, challenging
climate. Strong focus on stock performance and a low input
operation.
Brian & Linda Groome
Exceptional farm managers who have careful reasoning for
every decision they make and who balance the social, physical
and human sides of farming.
Andrew & Nicky Watt
A large scale dairy operation using innovation and initiative to
simplify management, use resources wisely and achieve cost
effective production.
THE AWARDS
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are designed to encourage farmers to support and adopt sustainable farming
practices. The awards are now held in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Manawatu/Whanganui, Wellington,
Canterbury, Southland and Otago.
This is their eighth year in the Canterbury Region.
THE AIM
The aim of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards is to recognise farmers who pursue good environmental practices.
When farmers enter the awards, a team of assessors visit the farm and discuss the entire farming operation. The awards are
designed to be a positive experience for everyone, an exchange of information and ideas, plus a chance for farmers to also
get information and advice from the various assessing representatives.
UPCOMING EVENT – FIELD DAY TO BE HELD AT THE SUPREME WINNERS
PROPERTY
Supreme Winner – Eric & Maxine Watson, Rangitata Holdings Ltd, Ashburton
There will be a field day to showcase the Supreme Award winning farm in spring 2011. Keep an eye on the Ballance Farm
Environment Awards website for more information or contact the Canterbury Regional Coordinator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.bfea.org.nz
The Canterbury awards process is managed by the Ballance Farm Environment Awards Management Committee.
Environment Canterbury is the award operator for the Canterbury region.
For more information about the awards or if you would like to be included on the mailing list, please phone the Regional
Coordinator on (03) 314 0112. Environment Canterbury staff can also offer advice and information on sustainable land
management, riparian fencing, farm conversion and environmental management. Phone (03) 365 3828.