Farmer King Country
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
King Country Farmer | 1
Fruits of persistence
Rachel and Patrick Downard in quality control mode.
Au g u s t 2 0 2 6
Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media
After 20 years of hard work on an organic kiwifruit orchard northeast of Ōtorohanga, Patrick and Rachel Downard are enjoying the rewards of the lifestyle they’ve built. Through frosts, setbacks and steady growth, the couple have created a thriving family operation built on resilience, community and a love of the land. See: Growing a family legacy, page 4
BOOMER 25C
STARTING FROM
Finance available from
$36,895+GST
1.75% p.a. *
Starting from
+GST *
$26,995
36 months, 40% deposit
FARMALL 35B ROPS & LOADER
INCL. LOADER
New Holland Boomer 25C, 25hp, 3 cylinder diesel engine, 2-speed hydrostatic transmission, selectable 4WD, rear & mid-PTO & rear 3 point linkage.
*Terms and conditions apply. Finance provided by CNH Capital to approved business applicants only. Pricing valid only at Giltrap AgriZone branches. See your Giltrap AgriZone branch for more information.
_
OTOROHANGA 1 Progress Drive 07 873 4004
Bryan Ferguson Branch Manager 027 551 1621 bryan.ferguson@gaz.co.nz
Case IH Farmall 35B Rops tractor with 12x12 Trans, loader, 3-range hydro. The perfect tractor for all those little big jobs around the lifestyle block. The Farmall B has big tractor features in a small package. *Terms and conditions apply. Finance provided by CNH Capital to approved business applicants only. Pricing valid only at Giltrap AgriZone branches. See your Giltrap AgriZone branch for more information.
Graham Anderson 027 497 9849 graham.anderson@gaz.co.nz
Lindsay Ferguson 027 203 5022 lindsay.ferguson@gaz.co.nz
gaz.co.nz
*
2 |
King Country Farmer
lamb bain laubscher law yers
Areas of Practice
• Asset protection • Commercial law including sale & purchase of businesses • Commercial leases • Company law • Conveyancing Rural, residential & subdivisions • Estate planning • Rural law • Trust law • Wills & estate administration • Wind farming 127 Rora Street, PO Box 412, Te Kūiti, 3941 P 07 878 1011 W www.lbllaw.co.nz E sam@lbllaw.co.nz • katie@lbllaw.co.nz
• Quality, professional advice to farmers and businesses • Expert taxation and business structure planning • Family trust management • Friendly, personalised service
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Organic future takes root A new organisation aimed at supporting the next generation of organic and chemicalfree farmers and growers has been launched, signalling growing momentum for New Zealand’s organic sector. Young Organic Growers Aotearoa (YOGA) was established to create a supportive community for young people who are currently farming organically, transitioning to organic production, or operating in related sectors such as market gardening, micro-businesses and supply chain production. The initiative, launched near Cambridge recently, responds to a recognised need among younger growers for stronger professional networks, knowledge sharing and peer support. According to organisers, many young farmers, particularly those working in multi-generational family businesses, can feel isolated within the wider agricultural industry. YOGA aims to connect like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for learning and mentorship across the sector. The organisation is still in its early stages but has already attracted significant interest and is developing an ambitious vision for the future. Alongside advocating for chemical-free food and fibre production, YOGA hopes to provide
a stronger voice for young people within New Zealand’s rural communities and contribute to conversations shaping the future of agriculture and horticulture. Monavale Blueberries hosted YOGA’s sold-out launch event at its orchard café, drawing strong support from local businesses including Annton Nurseries and Quality Mushrooms. BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency, also supported the launch, while Taupō MP Louise Upston attended as a guest. Organisers said the response highlighted growing interest in organic production and reflected increasing consumer demand for chemical-free food and fibre products. They believe these systems can play an important role in New Zealand’s future food security while helping strengthen the country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality, environmentally responsible products. The launch also coincides with the United Nations Year of the Woman Farmer. YOGA recently sent two representatives from its membership to a conference in India, including Waikato grower Taysha Sangster. Delegates witnessed examples of large-scale organic adoption, including an entire Indian province that has transitioned to organic
farming. While recognising the differences between New Zealand and overseas farming systems, organisers say the international experience demonstrates what can be achieved when communities work collectively towards a shared goal. YOGA coordinator Alex Morrissey said the organisation is focused on building connections, encouraging innovation and ensuring young growers have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of New Zealand agriculture. The Waikato-based initiative is already attracting attention nationwide as it seeks to strengthen the country’s growing organic movement.
Grower Taysha Sangster, right, with Taupō MP Louise Upston. Photo: Ilse de Klerk
Contact us for a
FREE NO OBLIGATION INTERVIEW
to discuss your financial requirements
www.baileyingham.co.nz 18 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 7325 97 Sloane St, Te Awamutu 07 870 1888 29 Hakiaha St, Taumarunui 07 895 7312 info@baileyingham.co.nz
CONTACTS
News/Editorial Roy Pilott 027 450 0115 Mary Anne Gill 021 705 213 Viv Posselt 027 233 7686 Dan Tasker 021 544 615
editor@goodlocal.nz maryanne@goodlocal.nz viv@goodlocal.nz
Advertising Director Janine Davy 027 287 0005
janine@goodlocal.nz
Owner/Publisher David Mackenzie
david@goodlocal.nz
Office/Missed Deliveries 07 827 0005
admin@goodlocal.nz
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The King Country Farmer is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is distributed to the wider northern King Country area.
REGIONAL COUNCIL VIEW
Where are we at? The government had set a timeline for councils to get their proposals in for reform by August 9. Any council without a Head Start plan drops into the “backstop” scheme. Ōtorohanga and Waitomo have submitted to merge into a King Country authority. They are not part of any wider plan at this stage. Waipā has backed the Western Waikato Unitary authority. If accepted, this will bring five councils (Waikato, Hamilton city, Waipā, South Waikato and Taupō) under one umbrella. These councils would also take over their share of the Waikato Regional Council functions. All of this is still very high level, and a lot of the detail needs to be worked through. It must be stressed that these are “draft” plans. Mayor Mike Petitt was right on the money, when he said that ‘Amalgamation was not about the here and now, and it’s not about the people around these tables either (I assume he was talking about all council tables). This is about building a
By Garry Reymer, Waipā-King Country regional councillor
strong Waikato for the future”. This is at the heart of what is being asked of councils and ratepayers; how we can work together for the benefit of the whole, while ensuring there is a level of autonomy in the districts to ensure their needs are also met. In saying this, we need to ensure that Waikato is properly resourced and represented in Wellington. We cannot turn up to parliament with 11 mayors, with 11 different messages. Economic growth does not stop at a line on a map. Improved regional infrastructure and employment will be felt by the districts. How we balance the regional and district needs, I feel, comes down to how, and more importantly where, we want democracy to work. Waikato Regional Council chair Warren Maher has been clear in his opinion that we need strong community boards with explicit mandate to make local decisions around community resources. I believe this is where democracy should take place. From there, you feed up to the central unitary council where a different level of governance
management occurs namely, a chair elected from the unitary council and not by ratepayers. In my opinion, how we govern the unitary is going to be more critical than the structure of it. In summary, we have several proposals from the greater Waikato region going to Wellington. Cabinet will consider the proposals and report back in September if the high-level proposals have been accepted. If the Waipā and Ōtorohanga, Waitomo proposals have been accepted, they will have until March to provide details of their proposals. If the government does not accept the draft proposal, those councils will fall into the backstop process. This will be the government deciding the structure of the region and councils, to occur after the election. There have been several meetings around the region, and I suspect there will be many more in the months ahead. Get involved and be informed. Your rates bill depends on it.
TRUSTED LOCAL OPERATORS Independent AirSpread is a locally owned and operated aerial spreading (topdressing) company based in the beautiful King Country.
Variable rate Spreading Technology Integrated with
My Balance • Hawkeye • Tabula
GRANT LENNOX
grant@airspread.nz
027 276 5566
King Country Farmer | 3
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Farm donations feed thousands Meet the Need is calling on more farmers to donate livestock and milk as demand for food support continues to outstrip supply across New Zealand. The appeal comes as the farmer-led charity released its 2025/26 Impact Report, showing it delivered 1,277,241 mince and milk meals through its nationwide foodbank network during the past year. That takes the total number of meals provided since the organisation was established in 2020 to more than 4.2 million. Meet the Need chair Nick Fisher said the agricultural sector has a critical role to play in helping families facing hardship. “New Zealand grows enough food to feed everyone. The challenge isn’t supply, it’s connection. Meet the Need exists to bridge that gap, ensuring
quality New Zealand protein reaches families who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” Fisher said. Founded on the idea of connecting food producers with people in need, Meet the Need processes donated livestock and milk into foodbank-ready products which are distributed throughout the country. Despite delivering a record number of meals, the organisation says the need continues to grow. The report found one in three New Zealand households experienced food insecurity in the past year, while 68 per cent of affected households said they had only begun struggling to afford enough food within the previous 12 months. Meet the Need general manager Zellara Holden said the people seeking support are increasingly those who
have never needed help before. “These aren’t just the families people might traditionally expect to need food support. They’re working families, rural households and people who have never had to ask for help before,” Holden said. The charity now supports 148 foodbanks around New Zealand, up from 135 a year ago. Foodbanks report growing numbers of first-time users, longer waiting lists and rising demand for protein-rich food. Helping spread the message is Meet the Need’s first ambassador, Ben Purua, winner of the 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year award. Purua says farming has the power to make a real difference in communities and is encouraging more farmers
to get behind the charity’s work. As demand continues to
rise, Meet the Need says additional livestock and milk donations are essential to
ensuring Kiwi families have access to nutritious protein when they need it most.
Zellara Holden, left, Ben Purua and Danielle Williams at the Silver Fern Farms Conference. Photo: Supplied.
Bridges boost iconic trail Rural careers for youth Fifteen new bridges and boardwalks are planned for sections of Mountains to Sea improving access to major backcountry trails used by visitors travelling through the King Country. The work will focus on the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka tracks, which attract riders, walkers and trampers exploring the backcountry between Taumarunui, Whakahoro and Whanganui National Park. The Department of Conservation is leading the project, with construction on the Mangapurua section scheduled through to mid-October. Work on the Kaiwhakauka section will follow in November and December. Most of the existing bridges will remain open while replacement structures are built, helping minimise disruption for visitors. However, DOC says there may be brief periods when tracks need to close completely, with advance notice provided through its website. The Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka tracks form part of one of New Zealand’s most iconic cycling and walking journeys, taking visitors through remote valleys rich in history, native
A rider crosses the Bartrams section of the Mangapurua Track on the Mountains to Sea Great Ride. Photo: Supplied
bush and waterways, including access to the famous Bridge to Nowhere. DOC project manager Louise Brown said the work had been planned to ensure trail users could continue enjoying the experience while upgrades were carried out. Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust general manager Lynley Twyman said the upgrades would help protect long-term access while maintaining the unique character of the
trails. “These bridge upgrades are not about changing the character of the experience. They are about protecting access, improving safety, and making sure this remarkable journey can continue to be enjoyed into the future,” she said. The replacement programme includes aluminium truss bridges, timber bridges and two new boardwalks in the Kaiwhakauka Valley.
More than 50 young people at risk of disengaging from education will get the chance to explore careers in New Zealand’s primary industries through a new governmentbacked programme with potential benefits for rural communities, including the King Country. The NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund to deliver its Agri Futures Pathways pilot programme over the next 13 months. The trust will match the funding dollar for dollar, creating a $200,000 initiative aimed at helping young people aged 12 to 24 gain practical skills and work experience. Youth Minister James Meager said the programme would provide hands-on learning opportunities for young people who may otherwise miss out on pathways into employment and further training. Participants will take part in workshops covering sheep shearing, quad bike safety, fencing, arboriculture and forestry, agriculture and horticulture, stock handling and pasture management. The programme has particular relevance for districts such as the King Country, where farming, forestry and related industries continue to play a major role in the local economy. Young people involved will also have the opportunity to compete in Clash of the Colleges, a national secondary school competition focused on agriculture, horticulture and primary industry skills. Meager said the initiative would connect participants with industry professionals who can provide insight into qualifications and career opportunities in the food and fibre sector while helping them remain engaged in education and training.
DISHER CONTRACTING WALTERS CONTRACTING • Baling • Pit silage • Undersowing • Farm maintenance
• Baling • Pit silage • Undersowing • Discing • Discing • Power harrow • Roller drill • Diggerharrow and general cartage • Power • Roller drill
Neville Disher | 027 483 9052 | walterscontracting@xtra.co.nz Neville Disher | 027 483 9052 | n.disher@yahoo.com.au
4 |
King Country Farmer
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Growing a family legacy From a leased hectare to a thriving family orchard, Patrick and Rachel Downard have weathered setbacks, embraced organics and built a lifestyle they wouldn’t swap for anything, writes Jesse Wood.
Three generations of Downards were there during the Gold3 harvest – Patrick, Luke, Dyan and Rachel.
Success on Patrick and Rachel Downard’s orchard isn’t measured solely in harvested kiwifruit. For the couple, the real rewards are the family lifestyle, community connections and legacy they’ve built over two decades on the land. On their 6ha organic orchard northeast of Ōtorohanga, those rewards are easy to see. There are the bins of fruit heading down the driveway at harvest, but also the generations working side by side and the opportunity to raise their family close to home. Patrick’s mother, Dyan, remains a regular presence in the orchard, while son Luke, 16, is already comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor. Patrick learned the ropes alongside his late father, Peter, and now Luke is doing the same. “I’d be out grafting in the orchard when Luke was three and he’d be out there, dipping his fingers into the wax,” Patrick says. “We live right on site, so when the kids were young there was no real concern about them being in the orchard. It’s a great office.” The Downards’ journey at Ōrakiwi Orchard began in 2005 after they leased a property they’d initially thought was out of reach. “We were in our early 20s and couldn’t afford it,” Patrick says. “We knocked on the owner’s door and he offered us a three-year lease with purchase at the end. That’s how we got in. A bit of good luck and a lot of hard work.” The couple had already spent two years running a 1ha orchard in Pirongia after hours and on weekends. Patrick grew up around horticulture. His parents ran an organic kiwifruit orchard at Pukeatua and he spent years working in his father’s contracting business while building up his own operation. Rachel’s path was different.
Ōrakiwi Orchard is a great office says Patrick Downard.
Originally from the South Island, she spent about 15 years in commercial interiors sales before eventually swapping corporate life for the orchard. “Patrick always wanted me to work in the orchard, but I don’t think I was ready to trade a corporate role for working on the land,” she says. The move proved to be a good fit. While Patrick enjoys the practical side of orchard development and vine management, Rachel brings strength in administration, compliance and quality control. “Rach’s attention to detail is good. We’re pretty good together,” Patrick says. When the Downards bought the property, it had just 1.5ha of kiwifruit. Over time they expanded, developing new blocks and steadily growing the business. Today the orchard includes 1ha of Gold3
and 4.5ha of Hayward kiwifruit, with further development planned. “It’s been blood, sweat and tears but it’s cool turning a piece of dirt into an orchard,” Patrick says. The orchard is also a continuation of a family story. Peter and Dyan bought into a nearby orchard in 1982 and later owned it outright. Patrick credits much of his knowledge to his father, who had a passion for horticulture, organics and healthy soils. “It was Dad’s field really,” he says. “That’s probably where I got a lot of my knowledge.” Although Luke enjoys helping around the property and can see the benefits of orchard life, his parents are encouraging him to keep his options open. “We’d like him to go away and get a degree first,” Patrick says.
Patrick and Rachel Downard during the organic Gold3 harvest earlier this year. Photos: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media
Contact Bruce Johnston M 021 914 541
Son Luke enjoys helping his parents during harvest season.
P 07 873 8335
Daughter Ellice, 18, is already doing just that and is studying physiotherapy in Auckland. Finding balance away from the orchard has also become increasingly important. After Rachel joined the business fulltime, she missed the social connection that came with her previous career. “I needed something social,” she says. The answer was squash. The couple became heavily involved with the Te Awamutu Squash Club, while Rachel has also taken up golf. Patrick and Luke enjoy heading out fishing when work allows. For Patrick, stepping away from the orchard every now and then has become essential. “There was always a job to do,” he says. “I needed something else.” Like many growers, the Downards have faced their share of challenges. A severe late frost in October 2022 wiped out most of their crop and reinforced the need for greater protection measures. Since then they have invested in frost protection, water storage and other improvements aimed at reducing risk. Psa, a bacterial disease that affects kiwifruit vines, remains an ongoing challenge for growers. “You’ve got to be so proactive. You can’t be reactive,” Patrick says. Wind is also an ongoing battle, with new artificial shelterbelts being installed to help protect the orchard. Despite the setbacks, the couple remain focused on improving consistency and building on what they have created. More than anything, they value the lifestyle the orchard has given them. “We are now reaping the rewards of the hard work,” Rachel says. “We love our lifestyle. It’s a good balance of kiwifruit and family.” • This is an abridged version of Jesse Wood’s article which ran in Kiwifruit Journal.
For all of your hay and silage, cultivation, roller drilling and direct drilling services, digger and truck services contact Ross on 0274543909
Servicing Ōtorohanga and surrounding areas
King Country Farmer | 5
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Briefs Future fears
North Waikato dairy farmer Jimmy Cleaver fears proposed Waikato Plan Change 1 rules could threaten his long-term future in farming. The 26-year-old says farmers Jimmy Cleaver support environmental improvements but want recognition for investments already made in water quality and sustainability. He hopes future regulations provide certainty and confidence for ongoing investment in farming communities.
Board nominations
Nominations have opened for two farmerelected positions on Fonterra’s Board of Directors. The election process includes an independent assessment stage to identify and recommend strong governance candidates before shareholder voting. Fonterra says the process helps ensure directors have the skills and experience needed to guide the cooperative into the future.
Myth busting
The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust is challenging common misconceptions that may discourage farmers and growers from entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Organisers say entrants do not need to be Ballance customers, perfection is not expected, and repeat entries are welcomed. The campaign encourages farmers to share their stories and celebrate continuous improvement.
Women encouraged
Connexis’ Girls with Hi-Vis programme is introducing more young women to careers in infrastructure. More than 800 students from over 80 schools attended events nationwide
this year, gaining hands-on experience and meeting employers. Female participation in Connexis training programmes has doubled over the past decade, helping address skills shortages across the sector.
Racing roadmap
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing New Zealand and TAB NZ have unveiled Project Stamina, a long-term strategy to reshape the country’s racing infrastructure. The plan recommends concentrating investment into fewer, higher-quality venues to improve sustainability, wagering performance and racing quality, while extensive consultation will continue before any final venue decisions are made.
Centennial celebration
Rural Women New Zealand has concluded its centennial year with a special morning tea hosted by GovernorGeneral Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House. The event recognised a century of service, leadership and community contribution by Rural Women rural women. Celebrations New Zealand president held nationwide throughout Heather the year honoured past Sorensen achievements while strengthening connections with future generations
Kokako call sparks career A childhood encounter with a kōkako near Ōtorohanga sparked a lifelong passion for conservation in Alan Saunders, who joined fellow conservationists at the biennial Kōkako Recovery Group Hui in Rotorua last month. Saunders was just nine years old and a member of the Hamilton Junior Naturalists Club when he first heard the distinctive call of the native bird while camping at Te Kauri Lodge between Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia. “I got up very early one morning and heard this wonderful mournful bird
song. It was kōkako,” he recalled. The experience left a lasting impression and ultimately led to a career in conservation. Saunders went on to work for the Wildlife Service and later the Department of Conservation, spending about 27 years helping protect native species. He was involved in developing one of DOC’s first species protection plans for kōkako, a bird whose survival became closely linked with efforts to protect central North Island forests, including Pureora. Thanks to habitat protection and predator
control, kōkako are still found in Pureora today. Saunders said the species had proved to be a conservation success story despite once facing serious threats from habitat loss and predators. He was particularly pleased to see kōkako populations increasing in several locations, including Mt Pirongia near his home. The Rotorua hui brought together conservation veterans, community groups and DOC staff to discuss research, translocations, predator control and best practice for managing kōkako populations around New Zealand.
Festival boost
New Zealand country music star Kaylee Bell will headline Equifest’s Festival of Speed at Hamilton’s Claudelands Events Centre in October. The spectacular will combine showjumping, barrel racing, scurrying ponies and live music. Bell’s appearance is expected to draw visitors from around the country to one of Equifest’s flagship events.
A kōkako in the bush.
Photo: David Cook
™
OUR PRICE ™
YOUR SUPPLIER OF ROADING AGGREGATE, FARM TRACK METAL & RACE RUBBLE 027 231 8088 |
matt@eightmilefarms.co.nz
T BES LITY QUA EST LOW ES PRIC
Parka - $199.95 Overtrousers - $119.95 Bibs - $139.95
Parka - $299.95 Overtrousers - $189.95 Bibs - $199.95
THE OUTDOOR AND CASUAL CLOTHING SPECIALISTS SINCE 1965
Phone 07 873-8377 • 67-69 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga
Septi-Cure™ is: Easy To Use Cost Effective Eliminates Nasty Odours Improves Soakage Reduces Solids and Scums Reduces Costly Pump-outs
Breakthrough Product Developed for your Septic Tank Also Available at:
0800 109 202 www.ecoworld.co.nz
6 |
King Country Farmer
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Life after the pies Colin and Keryn Brown may have stepped back from one chapter of the business, but their award-winning farming philosophy remains as strong as ever. Monique BalvertO’Connor caught up with them to see what’s keeping them busy. Colin and Keryn Brown remain true to their farming philosophy that caught the interest of the Country Calendar team, and the nation, a good many years ago. Back then, they and their Angus cattle stud were all happily and quietly doing their thing on their Lake Karāpiro farm until the iconic television programme came calling in 2018 and shot them to fame. (The word “quietly” is of relevance as docile cattle are celebrated at Lake Farm.) That episode, highlighting their artisan farming philosophy, remains “the greatest thrill,” Colin says. He still loves to report how the response was so overwhelming it temporarily crashed their website. “The show’s producers told us they’d never seen such a reaction. It was a moment we’ll never forget”. Other big buzz moments for the owners of this Angus Cattle Stud came when they twice won the now-defunct Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin Competition – they were placed finalists seven times over a nine-
year span. While the Browns were in the media spotlight a good few years ago, Colin’s happy to report his enterprise remains true to its values and practices that both captured the interest of the country for its points of difference and won awards. Points of difference encapsulate their weaning programme and single herd farming, emphasis on marbled meat, interest in high-growth genetics, and commitment to sustainable land use. Perhaps the most significant difference between the Browns and that of other breeding farms is they don’t wean their young ones. As many of the animals as possible are kept in one herd to minimise stress between the calf and its mother. “We are still adhering to a single herd – although keeping the bulls and bull calves out, of course. I don’t know of any other farmers who farm like this,” Colin says. “The idea came over time. When you appreciate just how loving the mother is to
Colin and Keryn Brown on their Waikato farm.
Photo: Supplied
the calf it is so inspiring, you can’t just ignore that. And when the next calf comes along, they’re all in the herd together.” Having relaxed, docile stock remains key. The fact all the animals are born and live their entire lives on the farm enables that and allows for a closer relationship between stock and humans, Colin says. “Because our farm is small (just 18.5 hectares), we naturally have a more interactive relationship with our animals. “And because we don’t buy any animals in, they are all so relaxed. If we do get the odd animal that is not particularly docile, we will cull it as we don’t want an animal that upsets the herd. We want animals that enjoy our
company as much as we enjoy theirs. That’s really cool and more important than ever now we are getting older,” Colin says. As the award wins indicate, carcass eating quality is “a really big thing” at Lake Farm, and the biggest driver over the years has been marbling. It’s a no-brainer for Colin, given marbling is reputably the single biggest influence on beef taste. “There’s not such a great emphasis on high-marbled carcasses in NZ in general, but there is on our farm. Why wouldn’t you want to do it when it’s the most influential character of meat because of the taste. And I do it for self-pride.”
Continued next page
MUDFORD Contracting Ltd NZ Designed Filtration Systems for the Removal of iRon NZ Designed Filtration Systems forRural the Removal and Manganese and Other Problemsof iRon NZ Designed Filtration Systems forRural the Removal and Manganese and Other Problemsof iRon and Manganese and Other Problemsof iRon NZ Designed Filtration Systems forRural the Removal NZ Filtration Systems for the Removal of iRon • Designed Results guaranteed and Manganese Other Rural Problems •• Results guaranteed and Fully andautomated Manganese and Other Rural Problems •• Results guaranteed Fullydesigned automated NZ systems tailored to suit your water needs • Fully automated NZ designed systems tailored to, wireless suit your&water needs Results guaranteed Latest inguaranteed electronic technology alert systems •• Results •• NZ designed tailored suit your needs Latest in electronic technology , wireless &water alert&systems Fully automated Servicing thesystems Waikato, Bay ofto Plenty, Taranaki Gisborne • Fully automated • Latest in electronic technology , wireless &water alert&systems Servicing thesystems Waikato, Bay ofto Plenty, Taranaki Gisborne NZ designed tailored suit your needs • NZ designed systems tailored to suit your water needs • Servicing the Waikato, BayNO of Plenty, Taranaki &systems Gisborne Latest electronic , wireless & alert CALLinTODAY FORtechnology YOUR OBLIGATION FREE SITE • Latest in electronic technology , wireless & alert systems CALL TODAY FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION FREE SITE • Servicing the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki & Gisborne ASSESSMENT AND QUOTATION* • Servicing the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki & Gisborne CALL TODAY FOR YOURAND NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT QUOTATION*FREE SITE (*water test report costs not included) ASSESSMENT AND QUOTATION* CALL TODAY FOR NO OBLIGATION FREE SITE (*water testYOUR report costs not included) CALL TODAY FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION FREE SITE
(*water test report costs not included) ASSESSMENT AND QUOTATION* ASSESSMENT AND QUOTATION* (*water test report costs not included) Phone: 0800 109 202 (*water test report costs not included)
Phone: 0800 109 202 www.ironfiltration.co.nz Phone: 0800 109 202 www.ironfiltration.co.nz Phone: 0800 109 202 www.ironfiltration.co.nz
• Round Silage & Hay • Discing • Powerharrowing • Undersowing • Tractor & Trailer • Truck & Trailer Phone Lee on 021 189 4871 or 07 873 7595
U n i c o nt r o l 3 D G P S
For all your Drainage, Excavation & Transporting Requirements l Site prep and excavation l Tracks and races l Farm drainage l Underpasses l Entrances/driveways l Metalling l Carting fill l Transporting to 27 tonne l Effluent ponds l Grader, roller and bulldozer l Site stabilisation l Muckspreading Contact: Ross 027 484 8751, Andrew 027 304 2915 rldrainage@yahoo.co.nz
King Country Farmer | 7
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
Continued from previous page
There remains a strong focus on breeding and genetics at this cattle stud and farm. Colin’s been scouting prime bulls and is on a mission to acquire prized semen from a bull in the USA renowned for the incredible marbling of its meat. He excitedly reports his chances of acquiring some next year will be good. “There’s nothing quite like it – imagine breeding from that”. The ticks Lake Farm has acquired over the years for its sustainable land use remain justified. About 1.6 kilometres of the Karāpiro farm runs along the lake frontage where there’s little chance of any fertiliser seepage. “While it’s not a common practise approach, we don’t put fertilisers on our land. We don’t want things like that getting sucked into the lake. What we do every year, is apply lime to make sure our PH level is perfect. Our soil is pretty rich anyway, so it’s not as if we are going backward because of our no-fertiliser approach,” Colin says.
Huge boulders from the Maungatautari eruption thousands of years ago are on the property. Fencing has recently been completed. Photo: Supplied
Colin and Keryn have been farming this way since about 2010. They “mucked around a little” prior to that, finding their feet, as they were not blessed with a farming background. Colin, in fact, owned the biggest computer assembly business in New Zealand. “It ultimately failed and we had to start again. I actually feel blessed that all that happened as we ended up farming.” Things remain busy at Lake Farm. Their busy artisan pie enterprise may have ceased (note: 100,000 sold in the
Heifer Sally is the daughter of Storm, one of the Browns’ special commercial cows and a “keeper”. Photo: Supplied
best year) but there’s still plenty going on. In terms of the hands on, new action has included removing barbery hedging, and replacing all the fences (now with battens, nine wire high fencing and number eight wire), mapping the farm, planting specimen trees like Willows for stock shade, and introducing solar panels in a paddock close to the house. “The farm is looking stunning,” Colin’s happy to report. And it’s still home to the same number of cattle – during spring and summer that’s 96 animals, likely to be down to 64 in winter. Colin’s also investigating the opportunity of trucking cattle to Te Awamutu rather than Auckland when it’s processing time – less stress on his cattle, he explains. And importantly, he’s started a weekly blog, which is mainly geared at their former mailing list of Lake Farm beef and pie customers. “It’s not an agricultural blog as such. Its goal is to show our former customers
and any others interested that farmers do care for their animals, and to give them a better appreciation of farmers and their interaction with the animals,” Colin says. His blog even includes a weekly profile of one of his animals, further emphasising that throughout it all his humane farming philosophy is big on the relationship between stock and their owners. Colin mentions one cow dating back to when they moved to focusing entirely on pure Angus beef. She’s 19 and deserves to retire on the farm, he says. Also excused from any breeding duties is a 13-year-old. “She’s my little favourite, but she’s suffering a little, so she can just relax and fatten up here.” As for financial philosophy? That hasn’t changed either. “Money is the focus but, no, its not,” Colin says. “We want to earn as much as we can but that’s in terms of keeping our herd intact, allowing them to enjoy their lives and us enjoying our lives with them.”
FAR M SERVICES EFFLUENT SERVICES
Effluent Spreading of Oxidation Ponds • We have over 2 kilometres of hose • We run high horse power pumps and secondary pumps to boost flow when needed
Farm Effluent Services P: Trevor de Malmanche on 0508 GETS FES M: 021 964 150 A/H 07 873 8224 FARM AUTOMATION
• Milking Machines • Dairy Meal Feeding • Poultry Solutions • Effluent Systems • Water Solutions
24/7 After Hours Service
4 Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga • 07 873 8900 office@landmore.co.nz • www.landmore.co.nz
EQUIPMENT SERVICING
Quality Servicing & Repairs: All types & brands of outdoor power equipment:
• Ride-ons / Lawnmowers • Chainsaws • Linetrimmers / Brushcutters • Hedgetrimmers • Water Blasters / Sprayers STIHL SHOP™ Ōtorohanga 4 Te Kanawa Street Ōtorohanga Phone 07 873 4016
What to look out for in a Pre-settlement Inspection You’re purchasing a property and have chosen to do a pre-settlement inspection prior to settlement, but what does this mean for you? As a purchaser, you are entitled to inspect under the Agreement for Sale and Purchase, provided you are not taking over a tenancy. It is important to remember that this is not a building inspection. Instead, the inspection is for you to confirm nothing has changed since you signed the Agreement. Things to look out for include but are not limited to: 1. All included chattels and fixtures are present and in reasonable working order. 2. The property is in the same condition as when the Agreement was signed. 3. There is no new damage, such as broken chattels/fixtures or stains. 4. The plumbing and water system is in order. 5. The electrical systems work such as lights, power points, the dishwasher, and oven/stove. 6. All doors, windows, and locks operate properly. 7. Any work that the Vendor has agreed to do by settlement is complete. If you do find issues, you should raise these with your lawyer by 4pm at the latest on the day before settlement
Macayla Brdanovic
YOUR BUSINESS
Advertise with
FA R M
SERVICES Call 027 287 0005 or email sales@goodlocal.nz
Te Awamutu | 486 Alexandra St Ōtorohanga | 142 Maniapoto St Cambridge | 79 Victoria St P 07 872 0236
8 |
King Country Farmer
THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
SPECIALISTS IN AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING Forage Harvesting Grass & Maize • Loader Wagons Maize Planting • Full Cultivation Service • Portable Weigh Bridge Direct Drilling - seed, fertiliser & slug bait Baling • Cartage • Farm & Forestry Earthmoving
Get your docking order in to secure your choice of promo item!*
*conditions apply - while stocks last
SERVING PIOPIO, TE KUITI, OTOROHANGA AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR A QUALITY JOB CONTACT: NIK 027 215 4213 | BRENDON 027 766 2537
give us a call or email john@piopiovets.co.nz if you need a copy of our docking order form 32 Taupiri Street - Te Kūiti 07 878 8137 53 Moa Street - Piopio 07 877 8106
LTD
GRASS HARVESTING • Kuhn Combi Round Baler / Wrappers - Net / Film on Film option • Case Big Square Baler & Wrapper • Forage Harvester with Trucks or Tractors / Trailers • Loader Wagon • Full Mowing Services • Bale Stacking
CULTIVATION/PLANTING • Full service available - Disc, Power, Harrow, Plant • Striptill Maize Spraying • Striptill Maize Planting • Row Crop Side Dressing / Spraying of Maize post planting • Tractor Sprayers x 2
• Maize Silage contracts available • Solid Muck Spreader for effluent / Drain Cleanings / Chicken Manure • Bobcat for calf sheds ROUND OR • Digger AY SQUARE H • Metal Cartage E • Level Blade for tracks AND SILAG
For further information please contact John and Julie Clark
ORDERS TAKEN
83 Kio Kio Station Rd, RD4, Ōtorohanga • 07 873 1800 • 029 833 0011 • johnclarkcontracting@xtra.co.nz