OTAGO
2015 SUPREME
AWARD WINNERS
ALSO WINNERS OF:
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
Massey University Innovation Award
Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award
Dave and Janene Divers,
Divers Farms Ltd
Tucked away five kilometres inland from Milton is Table Hill, an impressive 1600ha family-owned
property consisting of fingers of productive land above steep gullies and river gorges containing
native bush with trees up to 1000 years old.
O
n the 1000ha of effective land around
10,800su are wintered annually in a
breeding and finishing operation with
a sheep to cattle ratio of 83:17.
Also on the property is Cascade Creek
Retreat, a luxury eco-tourism enterprise
established two and a half years ago with an
off-the-grid log cabin in a stunning private
setting.
For the past four years Table Hill has been
run by Dave and Janene, who the award
judges described as, “an extraordinarily
focused, motivated and enthusiastic couple”
with a stated business philosophy of
“Sustainable Farming, Sustainable Tourism,
Sustainable Lifestyle”. Wrote the judges: “It is
obvious this is not just a philosophy but an
BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS NATIONAL SPONSORS
ethos embedded into both their personal and
business lives.”
The couple wrote in their award entry
document: “As farmers and landowners,
UICK FACTS
Type: . . . . . . . . Sheep/ Beef/ Tourism
District: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Table Hill
Total area: . . . . 1600 ha (1000 ha eff.)
Stock units:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,800
Rainfall: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800mm
Elevation: . . . . . . . . . . . 50-350 MASL
owners of an eco-friendly Retreat, outdoor
enthusiasts and lovers of nature, we are
wholeheartedly invested in running a
sustainable business with family values
that enhances our local environment and
community.”
Dave and Janene, who have a baby
son Charlie, clearly take environmental
stewardship seriously but alongside this,
focus on productivity and growth. Quips Dave,
a well-travelled Lincoln University graduate:
“You can’t be green when you are in the red!”
The judges wrote: “Continued development
allows the Divers to increase productivity in
a sustainable manner as areas are cleared of
unproductive gorse and re-grassed leaving
Continued over page >
NEW ZEALAND FARM ENVIRONMENT TRUST PARTNERS
REGIONAL PARTNERS
Otago | 1
OTAGO
2015 SUPREME
AWARD WINNERS
“THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY, WHO ARE ALL PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO, RESULTING IN A WELL-ROUNDED,
PROGRESSIVE, INTERGENERATIONAL FARMING BUSINESS THAT WILL REMAIN ROBUST AND SUCCESSFUL WELL INTO THE FUTURE.”
Continued from previous page >
high-producing new pastures and native
gullies, free of gorse and broom.”
The farm sits between east and west
branches of the Tokomairiro River. Just three
kilometres of the approximately 16kms of
waterways remain to be fenced. Protecting
water quality is a high priority; Department
of Conservation was invited to investigate
aquatic life and found key native species
present. Dave designed and had made an
innovative solution to moving sheep across
the river. A portable 10m span bridge, towed
behind a quad bike, works a treat!
There are some wide riparian areas to
allow possible bike trails in the future,
complementing existing private walking
tracks, all built or planned in keeping with
their desire to encourage appreciation and
so broaden protection of the environment.
Around 500 eco-sourced natives are planted
annually.
Dave’s parents Lindsay and Jill purchased
Table Hill in 2000. The purchase of two
properties adjacent in 2007 and 2012 added
620ha to the original 980ha block. In 2007,
as part of succession planning, Divers Farms
Ltd was created as the farming entity for
Table Hill.
Dave’s brother Mark and his wife Kelli have
a neighbouring dairy, sheep and beef farm,
purchased in 2013. In 2011 the brothers
formed a machinery partnership MD AG
which owns all the major machinery shared
between the two properties. This includes
a bulk spreader Dave has connected with
TracMap software and has a digital map
2 | 2015 Ballance Farm Environment Awards
of the farm, allowing variable-rate fertiliser
spreading. The partnership leases a 3000su
property nearby which is run by Lindsay.
There are three farm employees, Jason
Renwick, Barry Connor and Dave’s mother, Jill.
“This is an exceptional family,” wrote the
Award judges, “who are all passionate about
what they do and have built a strong network
within their farming team resulting in a
well-rounded, progressive, intergenerational
farming business that will remain robust and
successful well into the future.”
Janene, who is a Massey University Physical
Education graduate and has extensive travel
experience, drives Cascade Creek Retreat
but its creation was very much a combined
effort, and dream. Up to six people can be
accommodated in the Retreat, which has
Qualmark 5-star Enviro Gold rating. They
sourced material to build and furnish the
building from the property, or used recycled
and upcycled material where possible. Dave
learning the art of log cabin building enabled
the Retreat to become a reality, opening for
business in 2012, “a little touch of luxury in a
little slice of paradise”.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
• Great custodians; real passion to manage sustainably; genuine commitment to
understanding and managing biodiversity on significant scale
• Clear breeding programmes; well-matched production targets focusing on
productivity and profitability, supported by comprehensive monitoring
• Embracing responsibilities around water quality and identifying best practice
management of soils and pastures in challenging areas
• Excellent staff management – valuing people a key driver of the business;
commitment to training people in industry
OTAGO
2015 AWARD WINNERS
PGG Wrightson Land And Life Award
Bill and Pam McCall, Viewlands
The home block of Viewlands, a 340ha (effective) West Otago breeding and finishing operation, has
been in the McCall family since 1908. Bill and Pam purchased the original 145ha in 1990 and have
since purchased two adjoining farms and lease another.
A
part from a year overseas and three
years shearing, Bill has worked the farm
all his life. “It’s perfect,” says Bill, in a
telling summary of the couple’s commitment
to their partnership, home, business and
community. That ethos continues with their
young adult children Gareth, Tessa and
Megan all also demonstrably connected to
their home and community.
The award judges summarised, writing:
“They have a fantastic team approach
to achieving business goals supported
by excellent financial management
enabling expansion of the family farm and
underpinning ongoing sustainability. Bill and
Pam’s involvement in both the community
and industry related groups are outstanding.
They have led by example in this community
and have instilled in their children the
importance of good values and need to work
UICK FACTS
Type: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheep/ Beef
District: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waikoikoi
Total area: . . 380 ha (incl. 80 ha lease)
Stock units: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000
Rainfall: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 863mm
Elevation: . . . . . . . . . . . . 259-304 MASL
as a team both on farm and in other facets
of life.”
Total area of the property, at Waikoikoi north
east of Gore, is 380ha, including 80ha leased.
Around 5000su are wintered with a sheep
to cattle ratio of 92:8. Ewes are composite,
lambing at around 137-140 percent. Dairycross cattle, mainly used to maintain pasture
quality, are either reared as calves or bought
in as weaners and finished annually.
An excellent laneway system is in place.
Contour is predominantly rolling with flat
tops and about 50ha of steep sidings. The
judges noted: “Management of the winter
crops to limit both soil damage and nutrient
run-off is well understood and practiced.
Commendable emphasis on shelter with
established and newly planted shelterbelts,
particularly as higher parts of the farm can
be exposed to cold east to south-easterly
weather, limiting production.”
There is a wetland area of about four
hectares at the top of the farm, which has
been kept in its original state. They are
exploring permanent protection of this
valuable environmental asset with QEII
National Trust covenanting. The judges
praised the McCall’s awareness of the
importance of wetlands, and water quality.
They noted: “A strong focus on water
quality and a commitment to educating the
wider community and industry. Proactive in
employing a consultant to carry out water
testing and building a strong data base for
the future.”
All three McCall children have achieved their
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. As well as
the family’s extensive school, community
and sporting involvements, Bill has industry
commitments including being a long-term
elected member on the farmer’s council of
the Southern South Island region of Beef +
Lamb New Zealand.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
• Fantastic team approach to achieving
business goals; excellent animal
health and performance monitoring;
stock matched to land class
• Focus on water quality and
commitment to educating community
and industry; retention of wetland,
initiating water testing
• Excellent financial management
allowing expansion and underpinning
sustainability; emphasis on succession
planning
• Continued adaptation of management
practices to farm profitably and
sustainably; outstanding community
and industry involvement
Otago | 3
OTAGO
2015 AWARD WINNERS
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Alliance Quality Livestock Award
Richard and Kerry France,
Longview Farm & Hazeldale Perendale Stud
Richard and Kerry purchased this 568ha West Otago property in 2000 and two years later brought
the Hazeldale Perendale Stud to the farm.
S
ituated at the north western end of the
Moa Flat area, Longview Farm has a
distinct mix of Southland and Central
Otago climate and soils. About 6000su are
wintered with a ratio of 75 percent sheep, 17
percent deer and 8 percent cattle. Lambing
percentage is around 159 for the stud and
144 for the commercial ewes.
Initially the 540ha effective property was
farmed with Richard’s brother Andrew. The
partnership later purchased a nearby farm,
however in 2008 they divided the business.
Richard and Kerry retained Longview and the
stud.
The Frances are, according to the Award
judges, “an impressive husband and wife
team that effectively complement each
other in their skills required to manage this
complex operation”.
The couple had a small Romney stud
in Canterbury for 20 years which was
disbanded when they moved south. Soon
after arriving at Moa Flat they found it was
difficult to source the Perendale rams they
wanted for their new operation, “so we went
looking and were lucky enough to secure
Hazeldale,” says Richard.
The Award judges commented: “Kerry is very
involved in the business – particularly the stud
sheep recording and performance analysis.
Richard has a strong focus on stockmanship
4 | 2015 Ballance Farm Environment Awards
and is generous in his willingness to share his
expertise with others.
“In addition to his stockmanship skills, Richard
exhibits excellent crop husbandry skills
as they grow a wide range of feed crops
including summer and winter brassica, fodder
beet, whole crop oats for silage, and lucerne.”
The Perendale stud has a registered flock
of 1100 ewes. Last season 380 rams were
sold. When purchased it was a high fertility
UICK FACTS
Type: . Sheep/ Deer/ Beef/ Sheep stud
District: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moa Flat
Total area: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568ha
Stock units: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000
Rainfall: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635-840mm
Elevation: . . . . . . . . . . . . 220-520 MASL
stud, so a meat yield focus has been added.
Eye muscle scanning is used and about 20
top ram lambs are CT scanned at Lincoln
University each year.
The couple are proud of the reputation
their rams are building. “We don’t do much
advertising but they are going pretty good,”
says Richard, “our sheep are in just about
every extreme place you can go now”. “We
both really enjoy the stud,” admits Richard,
“we are pretty passionate about it. When
you’ve got a stud you are thinking about it
every day, not just once a week or so.”
They have a demonstrably strong interest in
progressing not just their stud but the whole
sheep industry through involvement in trials
and research with the NZ Perendale Society,
AgResearch and Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s
Central Progeny Test. They participated in
AgResearch lamb survival research and as a
result still weigh lambs at birth.
The deer on Longview trace back to animals
Richard and Kerry bought south with them.
They developed their deer unit on 180ha
at Longview. There are 200 hinds and 160
velveting stags. Hinds are wintered on a pad
where they self-feed on whole crop silage.
180 mixed sex weaners are taken through to
yearlings, spending time through the winter
on swedes.
About 34ha of swedes is grown and used
OTAGO
2015 AWARD WINNERS
THE JUDGES COMMENTED: “ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND TIMING IS WELL REFLECTED IN THE CROPPING OPERATION THROUGH
EXCELLENT HUSBANDRY, CLEAN CROPS AND GOOD YIELDS.”
for ewes, hoggets, cattle and younger deer
in the winter. This winter, for the first time,
they also have five hectares of fodder beet
established. About eight hectares of lucerne
is cut and carried to stock in winter. The
oats and grass, from which the whole crop
silage is made, is used for lamb grazing over
summer, within about two weeks of being
cut for silage.
A separate pit of silage is kept as insurance
against a dry summer. Six hectares of a mix
of rape, plantain and red and white clover
is used for lambs for finishing through the
summer and in winter for weaner calves.
There is also about nine hectares of Pasja
used for summer and autumn grazing.
A mix of cultivation and direct drilling is
employed to reduce soil erosion. The judges
described the use of a wide range of specialist
feed crops for all livestock as “outstanding”.
They wrote: “Attention to detail and timing
is well reflected in the cropping operation
through excellent husbandry, clean crops and
good yields.”
Snow is expected every year. The contour of
the property is rolling tops which descend
into about 115ha of steep gullies, containing
oversown matagouri and tussock, providing
good shelter. The Frances’ say there was
shelter on the farm when they purchased
it “especially at the top where it was most
needed” and they have added to it, planting at
least a kilometre a year in shelter belts.
A branch of the Benger Burn stream runs
through Longview. Native shrub land remains
along some waterways and a pond has been
fenced and planted with a range of natives.
Richard and Kerry have three young adult
sons, Morgan, Justin and Jackson; all are
interested in farming. They have one
permanent staff member, Matt Sutherland.
They give preference when hiring to
students who have gone through agricultural
training schools like Telford and enjoy giving
the young people a start into farming. The
couple say moving south was “the best thing
we ever did” as it enabled them to double
stock numbers and purchase the stud.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
• Impressive husband and wife team
approach, complementary skills in
running a complex operation
• Remarkable passion for stock and
genetics combined with excellent
stockmanship; well-respected, high
performing stud stock operation
• Industry recognition of excellence in
their Perendale genetics reflected by
demand
• Maximising production through
effective management of differing
soil types and pasture quality;
detailed fertiliser recording
• Excellent crop husbandry of range
of crops supporting differing stock
needs; well maintained and ongoing
shelter development
• Diversification into lucerne in nontraditional area, creating high quality
supplement and finishing feed for
dry periods
• Exceptional financial performance
from a diverse, high producing
business; prudent off farm
investments
• Outstanding client management and
commitment to enhance outcomes
on client farms; considerable
contribution to wider sheep industry
Otago | 5
OTAGO
2015 AWARD WINNERS
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award
Otago Regional Council Water Quality Award
Wilson (Wick) and Angela Wylie, Glenelgin
Wick and Angela spent several years and looked at “a lot of farms on the market” before they
found their “right place”, Glenelgin, a 270ha predominantly flat to rolling Tahatika property,
northwest of Owaka.
“
Y
ou get a feel for a place, and we knew
straight away this was the right one,”
says Wick of the South Otago farm they
purchased and moved to in 1999, from the
Wylie family farm in Eastern Southland. The
couple have three children, Matt, Emma and
Nathan.
Glenelgin winters approximately 3250su with
a ratio 90 percent sheep and 10 percent
cattle. Top priority is finishing lambs to the
highest possible standard and clearly, this is
what they are achieving.
The award judges noted “a pride and
UICK FACTS
Type: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheep/ Beef
District: . . . . . . . . . . . Tahatika, Owaka
Total area: . . . . . . 270 ha (240 ha eff.)
Stock units: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,250
Rainfall: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500mm
Elevation:. . . . . . . . . . . 100-360 MASL
6 | 2015 Ballance Farm Environment Awards
passion for producing a quality lamb
product that meets market demands”.
The judges wrote: “This is a consistently
high performing sheep and beef operation
producing in the top five percent for its
class. A simple, efficient and well-executed
predominantly sheep operation strategically
utilising cattle for pasture management.
There is an attention to detail through
monitoring and recording.”
In 2009 the Wylies won the CMP Waitrose
Lamb Supplier of the Year and since then
they have been placed in the top 10 twice.
Their prize in 2009 was a trip to the UK with
visits to farms, processing plants and retail
outlets. They relished their tour, which
gave them lasting insight. “Every farmer
should go and see what happens once their
lamb leaves the farm,” says Angela.
Wick has lobbied hard to have his lambs
processed the same day they are picked up
from the farm, and is happy to load lambs
at 4am to ensure this happens. “It’s taken
me a long time, but now this is getting
done,” he says.
Angela points out they know their lambs
are in top condition when they leave the
farm “so it is very important, we want our
product to be still looking amazing on the
other side of the world”. Explains Wick: “We
like to present the best quality lamb we can
to the works, then they can do something
with it. If you present a second-class lamb,
they can’t do much with it. When you’ve
been farming it all year, it makes sense to
get the most you can for it.”
Their ewes are Wairere Romney based but
they are now using Peters Genetics. They
average 75kgs live weight and lamb with
minimal shepherding at around 156 percent.
All replacement ewe lambs are put to the
ram; this season they scanned 110 percent
and tailed 92 percent. “We are both visual
farmers,” says Angela, “we like to see our
stock in prime condition all year round.”
No winter supplements are made, with
lambs getting the priority to grass. Ewes are
wintered on swedes but hoggets are on grass
all winter. “If we put the hoggets on swedes
we’d have to feed them supplements.” The
farm, about 18kms from the coast, lies well
to the sun and has far fewer frosts than their
previous property.
They are mindful of management and
handling decisions that influence the quality
of their stock. “Everything you do with
them matters,” says Angela. For example,
testing showed the lambs with the lowest
pH (and therefore the most tender meat)
were those that travelled to the yards
the least. Accordingly they use the more
expensive sustained release iodine and
cobalt products. “Our country is not that
long out of bush, so a smart shot of cobalt is
necessary and given at tailing sees most of
the lambs right through.”
The farm, which has about 10 percent
steep country, has an effective area of
240ha. There is a 16ha area of significantly
regenerating native bush, which the Wylies
OTAGO
2015 AWARD WINNERS
“THE AESTHETICS OF THIS FARM ARE VERY APPEALING, BEING LOCATED
IN A VALLEY WITH A NATIVE BUSH BACKDROP. THE EXCELLENT RIPARIAN
PLANTING AND SHELTER BELTS COMBINED WITH THE TIDY HOMESTEAD AND
BUILDINGS MAKE THIS FARM EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE.”
are in the process of protecting through
QEII National Trust covenant. The southern
boundary of the farm, including their bush,
borders the 28,000ha Cedar Hill, part of the
Catlins State Forest.
The judges wrote: “The aesthetics of this
farm are very appealing, being located in
a valley with a native bush backdrop. The
excellent riparian planting and shelter belts
combined with the tidy homestead and
buildings and the very good standard of
fencing and maintenance make this farm
extremely attractive.”
The Wylies were early adopters of riparian
planting. While Wick is happy to help out, this
is Angela’s passion, along with photography,
which she does commercially “as much as I
want to and have time to”.
They have a good working relationship with
Pukerau Nurseries, have Otago Regional
Council water monitoring sites on the farm
and recently became involved with the
Working Waters Trust for advice, planning
and assistance, and are looking at involving
the community and school.
Most months they take in a Telford student.
When each student arrives they make a
point of finding out what tasks and skills
each student has
to work on to
progress to earning
the Certificate in
Agriculture. “We
believe they are here
to learn, not just do
jobs we don’t want
to do, or the same
thing all week. We enjoy
what we are doing and
want to pass that on.”
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
• Motivated and driven couple with
strong desire to succeed running a
simple, efficient and well-executed
sustainable operation
• A consistently high performing sheep
and beef operation in the top 5% for
its class; excellent stockmanship
• Strong focus and passion to produce
a quality product that consistently
meets market demands
• Focus on efficient pasture and crop
systems with minimal supplement
is testament to their management
skills
• Committed to enhancing water
quality; fencing of almost all Owaka
River and some tributaries; extensive
riparian planting
• Excellent understanding of soil and
nutrient management; whole farm
soil testing, strategic applications,
nutrient budget and management
plan
• Emphasis on financial strength and
diversity, utilising sound regular
external advice to enhance decisionmaking
• Inherent understanding of
environment; wise use and
consideration of natural resources;
early adoption of exemplary riparian
management
Otago | 7
OTAGO
2015 AWARD FINALIST
Peter and Sarah Adam, Wilden Station
Wilden Station is a West Otago sheep and beef breeding and finishing
operation spread over the home block of 570ha and the run block,
14km away, of 1200ha.
The judges commended the business
structure, support and planning between
owner and managers and they wrote: “An
impressive property with some unique
features in its trees and historic buildings
in a special location. The stock are well
presented and producing well.”
Around 12,300su are wintered with a
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A field day will be held at the 2015 Supreme
Winner’s property. Date and time to be confirmed.
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8 | 2015 Ballance Farm Environment Awards
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LIC Dairy Farm Award
This Award recognises the farmer who has developed and implemented integrated water
management systems and processes for water used within their farming system. This award
will take into account the design of systems and the efficiency of monitoring water usage, water
saved and cost effectiveness in any land based farming system. While the WaterForce Integrated
Management Award was not presented this year, we thank Waterforce for their continued support.
BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS NATIONAL SPONSORS
HIL
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WaterForce Integrated
Management Award
FURTHER INFORMATION
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Camille McAtamney
Otago Regional Coordinator
Ballance Farm Environment Awards
027 418 3414
Email: [email protected]
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Name: Mobile:
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FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:
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Dave and Janene Divers,
Divers Farms Ltd
34 Mill Road,
RD1, Milton (See map.)
AN
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Name:
Where:
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P
eter and Sarah Adam have been
managing the Moa Flat property since
2000 when it was purchased by Sarah’s
uncle, Hamilton businessman John Maisey.
The award judges wrote that they were,
“impressed with your stewardship of the
property and the way you treat the property
as if it were your own”.
sheep to cattle ratio of 77:23. Generally
it is summer safe country, but snow and
cold conditions are winter considerations.
Contour on the home block is rolling hill
country and there are extensive shelterbelts
established. On the run there is about
200ha of cultivatable country and the rest is
medium hill with some steep gullies, which
provide good shelter.
Peter and Sarah have two sons, Thomas (17)
and Campbell (15). There are two staff on
Wilden, Peter Standish and Karl Schlosser.
This Award recognises the dairy farmers who demonstrate choices that
have been made to farm for the long term. Considerations will be made
around the wise use of the land, labour and capital resource available
or created. Increasingly the effects of dairy farming on both surface and
groundwater and its impact on soil properties are also factors.
There were no dairy entrants in the finalist line-up this year and we
thank LIC for their continued support.
Find out more by visiting: www.bfea.org.nz
NEW ZEALAND FARM ENVIRONMENT TRUST PARTNERS
REGIONAL PARTNERS