Our sustainability story
We're proud of our sustainability efforts on our whenua (land). Our sustainability focus covers our water, soil, animals, people, finance, and overall emissions balance. If our land and animals are healthy, the people are healthy too.
Water – The farm covers the headwaters of two principal catchments: Waitahuna to the northwest and Tokomairiro to the southeast. Our elevation goes from 160m above sea level at the mailbox to 432m at the top of the farm, and there are lots of hills and gullies in between. We have six streams that run off the farm to eventually join larger rivers. We keep a close eye on these streams with annual scientific water testing and more informal regular observations. One of the methods we use is our regular check for kōura/freshwater crayfish (paranethrops planifrons). The presence of these rare freshwater invertebrates indicates high water quality and good habitat. Other aquatic life we look out for include tuna/long fin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and a rare galaxiid (native fish) only found in New Zealand and only between Kaka Point in South Otago and Shag River in North Otago.
Over 80% of our waterways have already been fenced-off from stock to help preserve their water quality and fencing of the remaining 20% is planned. This fencing-off is accompanied by riparian planting of trees and native species such as harakeke/flax (Phormium tenax), tī kōuka/cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) and toetoe (Austroderia). Harakeke, kowhai (Sophora microphylla) and red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) seeds are sourced from the farm and propagated in our own nursery along with oaks and other larger trees.
We are careful to ensure that fertiliser doesn't enter our waterways through protection by buffer zones and the targeted application of the correct level of fertiliser in the right areas. The quantity applied is precisely determined through annual soil testing and precision application, ensuring we only apply what is needed and where it is needed.
Our animals – We care about the wellbeing of our animals, and it's no hardship for us to work within the 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.
Carbon measurements and biodiversity – The farm has been measured by Toitū as sequestering (capturing and storing) more carbon than it emits. We've achieved this by a number of means, including 170ha/approximately 250,000 trees of production forestry and 32ha of conserved QE2 blocks. We're currently establishing another 20ha of QE2 blocks to protect regenerating native bush for perpetuity.
Our QE2 blocks are a bit like having a dedicated scenic reserve at home. Most are areas of regenerating native bush and we also have one block of tussock land. They are locked up in a permanent biodiversity enchancement and reforestation/carbon sequestration initiative, and can't be cleared in the future.
In addition, we have a number of amenity plantings including kowhai, southern rātā, harakeke/flax, toetoe, broadleaf, beech, native grasses and much more. These plantings provide shade and shelter for stock and native critters, increase the farm's biodiversity, and add to our enjoyment of the farm. Fruit trees have been planted near our stock yards for staff to pick from in autumn.
Pests such as deer and possums like to eat the tasty young shoots in our QE2 blocks and wild pigs in particular disturb the soil looking for things to eat. We actively try to control these pests due to the damage that they can cause to our pasture and trees and to minimise disease spread as all three are known to transmit bovine TB. We have an TB testing programme to ensure we remain TB free.
At the high point of the farm we’ve allowed Pioneer Energy to install and run an 8MW, 9 turbine wind farm. This feeds into the local network and produces enough renewable energy for approximately 3,000 homes.
Regenerative agricultural practices – 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, tillage, 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 below the soil as we aspire to be on top of it.
NZFAP Plus certified – In 2023 we were very proud to be certified under the NZ Farm Assurance Programme Plus . This is a voluntary programme that involves a rigourous audit process. It shows that the farm is meeting high integrity, traceability, animal health and welfare, people, farm and natural resources and biosecurity standards and practices.
Our production partners and our people – The farm supports employees from four different families, more during peak times, plus us the owners. We encourage our team to care for our stock and land while at the same time extending their knowledge by encouraging attendance at field days, conferences and additional learning.
The partners we work with to turn the wool from our lambs into your beautiful blankets and throws have been chosen with care. Our shearers have worked with us for many years, are quality certified, local, and know our flock and farm well. The wool scour which washes the raw fleeces to make them ready for the yarn maker has high environmental and sustainability standards. The by-products from the scouring process, such as the lanolin that comes out of the wool when washed, go into a range of other products such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The yarn maker meets EU standards in its manufacturing process, and aims to be as efficient as possible to minimise waste. Our weaver is Toitū Enviromark diamond certified, giving both us and you assurance that its practices meet a high environmental standard.
The values woven throughout each part of the supply chain mean that we are creating a product for you in the best way we know how.
Water – The farm covers the headwaters of two principal catchments: Waitahuna to the northwest and Tokomairiro to the southeast. Our elevation goes from 160m above sea level at the mailbox to 432m at the top of the farm, and there are lots of hills and gullies in between. We have six streams that run off the farm to eventually join larger rivers. We keep a close eye on these streams with annual scientific water testing and more informal regular observations. One of the methods we use is our regular check for kōura/freshwater crayfish (paranethrops planifrons). The presence of these rare freshwater invertebrates indicates high water quality and good habitat. Other aquatic life we look out for include tuna/long fin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and a rare galaxiid (native fish) only found in New Zealand and only between Kaka Point in South Otago and Shag River in North Otago.
Over 80% of our waterways have already been fenced-off from stock to help preserve their water quality and fencing of the remaining 20% is planned. This fencing-off is accompanied by riparian planting of trees and native species such as harakeke/flax (Phormium tenax), tī kōuka/cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) and toetoe (Austroderia). Harakeke, kowhai (Sophora microphylla) and red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) seeds are sourced from the farm and propagated in our own nursery along with oaks and other larger trees.
We are careful to ensure that fertiliser doesn't enter our waterways through protection by buffer zones and the targeted application of the correct level of fertiliser in the right areas. The quantity applied is precisely determined through annual soil testing and precision application, ensuring we only apply what is needed and where it is needed.
Our animals – We care about the wellbeing of our animals, and it's no hardship for us to work within the 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.
Carbon measurements and biodiversity – The farm has been measured by Toitū as sequestering (capturing and storing) more carbon than it emits. We've achieved this by a number of means, including 170ha/approximately 250,000 trees of production forestry and 32ha of conserved QE2 blocks. We're currently establishing another 20ha of QE2 blocks to protect regenerating native bush for perpetuity.
Our QE2 blocks are a bit like having a dedicated scenic reserve at home. Most are areas of regenerating native bush and we also have one block of tussock land. They are locked up in a permanent biodiversity enchancement and reforestation/carbon sequestration initiative, and can't be cleared in the future.
In addition, we have a number of amenity plantings including kowhai, southern rātā, harakeke/flax, toetoe, broadleaf, beech, native grasses and much more. These plantings provide shade and shelter for stock and native critters, increase the farm's biodiversity, and add to our enjoyment of the farm. Fruit trees have been planted near our stock yards for staff to pick from in autumn.
Pests such as deer and possums like to eat the tasty young shoots in our QE2 blocks and wild pigs in particular disturb the soil looking for things to eat. We actively try to control these pests due to the damage that they can cause to our pasture and trees and to minimise disease spread as all three are known to transmit bovine TB. We have an TB testing programme to ensure we remain TB free.
At the high point of the farm we’ve allowed Pioneer Energy to install and run an 8MW, 9 turbine wind farm. This feeds into the local network and produces enough renewable energy for approximately 3,000 homes.
Regenerative agricultural practices – 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, tillage, 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 below the soil as we aspire to be on top of it.
NZFAP Plus certified – In 2023 we were very proud to be certified under the NZ Farm Assurance Programme Plus . This is a voluntary programme that involves a rigourous audit process. It shows that the farm is meeting high integrity, traceability, animal health and welfare, people, farm and natural resources and biosecurity standards and practices.
Our production partners and our people – The farm supports employees from four different families, more during peak times, plus us the owners. We encourage our team to care for our stock and land while at the same time extending their knowledge by encouraging attendance at field days, conferences and additional learning.
The partners we work with to turn the wool from our lambs into your beautiful blankets and throws have been chosen with care. Our shearers have worked with us for many years, are quality certified, local, and know our flock and farm well. The wool scour which washes the raw fleeces to make them ready for the yarn maker has high environmental and sustainability standards. The by-products from the scouring process, such as the lanolin that comes out of the wool when washed, go into a range of other products such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The yarn maker meets EU standards in its manufacturing process, and aims to be as efficient as possible to minimise waste. Our weaver is Toitū Enviromark diamond certified, giving both us and you assurance that its practices meet a high environmental standard.
The values woven throughout each part of the supply chain mean that we are creating a product for you in the best way we know how.
