Our farm spans the headwaters of two key Clutha catchments: Waitahuna (northwest) and Tokomairiro (southeast), with elevations ranging from 160m at the mailbox to 432m at the top, across a landscape of hills and gullies. Six streams flow from the farm into these larger rivers. We monitor them through annual scientific water testing and regular informal checks, including surveying for kōura/freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons), whose presence signals clean water and healthy habitats. We also observe tuna/longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and a rare native galaxiid fish, found only in this part of New Zealand between Kaka Point and the Shag River.

The majority of our waterways are fenced off from stock to protect water quality, with the remaining ones scheduled. These areas are enhanced through riparian planting using native species like harakeke/flax (Phormium tenax), tī kōuka/cabbage tree (Cordyline australis), and toetoe (Austroderia), purei/pukio (Carex secta).

We propagate toetoe, pittosporum, harakeke, kowhai (Sophora microphylla), and red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) seeds from the farm in our nursery, along with oaks and other large trees.

Fertiliser use is carefully managed to prevent runoff: buffer zones are maintained, and application is guided by annual soil testing to ensure precise, targeted delivery, only where and when needed.

We care about the wellbeing of our animals, and it's no hardship for us to work within the internationally recognised, Five Freedoms animal welfare model: freedom from hunger & thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury & disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear & distress. Our stock are free-range and have access to clean water, shade, shelter, and a varied pasture-based diet throughout the year.

The whole farm follows broad aspects of regenerative agriculture as defined by the Savory Institute: rotational grazing, multi-species pastures, biodiversity, ecological and biological monitoring, minimal chemicals, minimal cultivation, and appropriate animal remedies used only when needed.  A pasture-based free-ranging grazing system is about managing complexity, dynamically.  The interaction between the land, animals, people, plants, fungi is complex and ever-changing. We regularly monitor the soil biology and carbon to ensure we are equally as good farmers in the soil as we aspire to be on top of it.

In 2023 we were very proud to be one of the early farms Gold certified (the highest possible) under the NZ Farm Assurance Programme Plus. This is a voluntary but rigorous programme that involves a thorough audit process. It shows that the farm is meeting high standards and practices for animal health and welfare, food safety, people, the environment, biosecurity, origin and traceability. It provides assurance to you, our customers, that we are doing the right thing on the farm.

Toitū Envirocare has measured our farm as sequestering more carbon than it emits and our now larger operation is still carbon neutral. This is achieved through 220ha of production forestry (approx. 300,000 trees) and 52ha of protected QE2 blocks.

Our QE2 areas, akin to private scenic reserves, mostly feature regenerating native forest, with one block of tussock land. These are permanently protected for biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and reforestation, and can’t be cleared.

We’ve also planted a wide range of amenity species: carex secta, red beech, kanuka, totora, kahikatea, ake ake, hoheria, pittosporum, kowhai, southern rātā, harakeke/flax, toetoe, broadleaf, beech, native grasses, and more. These provide shade, shelter, and habitat for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and bring us daily pleasure. Fruit trees near the stockyards give staff a seasonal harvest in autumn.

To protect plantings and pastures, we actively control pests like deer, possums, and wild pigs, which damage vegetation and can spread bovine TB. We also run an annual TB testing programme to ensure our stock remain disease-free.

At the farm’s highest point, we’ve partnered with Pioneer Energy to host a 9-turbine, 8MW wind farm that powers around 3,000 homes in the local community with renewable energy via the local grid.

Our farm supports four families year-round, with more staff during peak seasons, including us, the owners. We foster a culture of care for both land and livestock, and encourage ongoing learning through field days, conferences, and training opportunities.

We’ve carefully selected partners who align with our values to turn our lambswool into your NZ-made wool blankets. Our local, certified shearers have worked with us for years. The wool is then washed by a scouring facility that meets strict environmental standards; by-products like lanolin are transformed into pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The yarn is spun to EU manufacturing standards, focused on efficiency and waste reduction. Our weaver holds Toitū Enviromark Diamond certification, ensuring the highest environmental performance.

Every step in our wool processing is deliberately chosen to be in New Zealand, built on integrity, care, and sustainability which is woven into each item we create.