Farmer King Country
THURSDAY MARCH 19, 2026
King Country Farmer | 1
March 2026
Weathered, not beaten Flooding has delivered another blow to some King Country farmers already stretched by years of pressure but the soon to be signed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement will open up a lucrative new market for sheep farmers. Agriculture minister Todd McClay says resilience, stronger sheep prices and renewed confidence are helping many farmers steady themselves again. Farmers like Hamish Nelson and Bridget St George at Nukuhakari Station where the black sand western coastline, endless native bush, rolling farm paddocks, winding tracks and an extinct volcano provide trekkers with three days’ variety and supplement the couple’s income during challenging sheep and beef seasons. • Read: Confidence returns as resilience tested, page 3 and Tradition, tourism and farming, page 4.
Agriculture minister Todd McClay is confident the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement will open markets for King Country farmers. Photo: Mary Anne Gil
Sheep graze the slopes at Nukuhakari Station with the 649m high extinct volcano Mount Whareorino, part of the Herangi Range southwest of Te Kūiti, in the distance. Photo: Chris Gardner
Starting from
$115,900
+GST *
T5S.100
New Holland T5S.100, Cab and loader, 16 speed semi power shift, 100hp, versatile farm tractor. 1 ONLY
*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.
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OTOROHANGA 1 Progress Drive 07 873 4004
Bryan Ferguson Branch Manager 027 551 1621 bryan.ferguson@gaz.co.nz
Finance available from
1.75% p.a. *
STARTING FROM
$69,900+GST
*
FARMALL JX 75 ROPS AND LOADER
36 months, 40% deposit
The Case IH Farmall JX 75, 75hp, 12 speed wet clutch transmission, a hard working no frills tractor. With its straight forward and low maintenance design, it is ideal for around the farm. 2 ONLY. *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
David Thompson 027 208 9002 david.thompson@gaz.co.nz
gaz.co.nz