The Post February 2024

Welcome to the February edition of The Post. This month, we look at the agriculture sector as a whole and showcase farms that have worked hard to get to where they are today. Our first profile is on Walter Peak High Country Farm, a 45-minute boat ride from Queenstown. This picturesque property focuses heavily on tourism and features a range of farm animals, including sheep, cattle, deer, goats, alpacas, and donkeys. They have recently added an eco-tour to their operation and are using farm-grown produce for their on-site restaurant.

Based in Rangiwahia, an hour’s drive from Palmerston North, Mike Gee-Taylor showed us around Tawai Farm and the restoration projects that he hopes to achieve in his five-year succession plan. Tawai Farm was in a bad state when it was sold to him, so he’s been busy working on fencing, cleaning out dams, and fixing yards, to name a few. Over time, Mike hopes to increase sheep and cattle numbers and leave it in better condition than when he purchased it.

Mike is also the owner of Tawai Fencing, a 20-month old venture established to outsource Mike and his fencer Taylor Barr’s workload and subsidise costs for Mike’s latest farming project. Mike talked us through the batten techniques he uses whenever he constructs a fence using the product.

Fossil Creek Farm Trust has created a beautiful and safe space for those struggling with their mental health, where they can go to heal and be nurtured by animals and nature, with trained therapy staff on the 42-hectare farm.

Our State of the Industry article for this month focuses on the agricultural sector. We talk to key leaders and individuals within the industry as they share their insights and experiences.

We intend to continue supplying you with the best stories, activities and techniques in agriculture. If you have anything that you would like us to share, please get in touch.