BETTER BULLS BETTER CALVES
Simmental and commercial cows and calves on the Hammond farm on the Herekino Harbour.
Get smart
B
Farming smarter rather than harder is paying dividends for Herekino Harbour beef farmers. Jenny Ling reports.
EEF farmers John and Sarah Hammond were working a bit too hard on their Far North property and their chances for family and leisure time were being eroded. Though they enjoyed their work, during busy periods their farming decisions were reactive instead of proactive, and though they had some visions for the future were not sure where to start. Quite simply, their labour-intensive operation on the isolated shores of the Herekino Harbour didn’t allow for a good work-life balance or give them time to focus on farm growth. But with guidance and support from Extension 350 the long-term, farmer-tofarmer learning programme that aims to lift farm profitability, environmental sustainability and farmer wellbeing the couple have made significant steps toward achieving their goals. They are now farming smarter rather than harder. They increased stock numbers from 740 to 800 over 12 months on their 903ha steer finishing and breeding operation since they started working with the programme in 2017. They have also improved their water and fencing infrastructure, made better 60
use of their pasture and identified ways to maintain their environmental sustainability while increasing production. “It has been great to have our mentors and adviser to help develop ideas,” Sarah says. “John has found it useful to have people looking from the outside in at what you do, to get a different perspective. Yes, it’s been hard work but we’re getting to the fun part now because we’re seeing the results of what we’re doing.” The primary business operation at the Hammonds’ farm is finishing export quality steers. They also run a mix of stud Simmental cows and predominantly Hereford
commercial cows to keep on top of the kikuyu pasture. The Hammonds finish all their homebred calves and top up calf numbers buying weaner steer calves at autumn fairs. Pedigree Simmental service bulls are sold in late autumn through Sloane Livestock. Meeting with mentors, neighbouring beef farmers Don and Linda Lunjevich, along with E350 agribusiness consultant Gareth Baynham and the Northland Regional Council has been invaluable, the Hammonds say. They identified important focus areas around productivity but wanted to work within their environmental constraints.
The Hammonds run a mix of 800 stud Simmental cows and Hereford commercial cows.
DAIRY FARMER
September 2019