Environmental work aims for harmony

Stuart Child, farm manager.

01-05-2010 | Not Specified

Running so many stock classes while drafting lambs weekly can make for a heavy workload, but farm manager Stuart Child says the fact he and his wife, Jenny, have a 20% stake in Waitaka Farming Partnership provides an extra incentive to work hard and take pride in the farm.

"We were lucky to be offered such a deal."

Marcus Paterson junior has taken a similar career path to his father and now runs Independent Cattle Brokers - a company originally started by Marcus senior. Marcus junior and his partner, Dorothy Carr, live on a lifestyle block near Otorohanga and the bulk of Marcus' livestock business is conducted in the Waikato and King Country.

Marcus senior's other son, David, is South Island advertising manager for Country-Wide publisher NZX Agri.

Looking back on how he got to where he is today, Marcus Paterson senior is happy he went farming.

"I don't regret it one bit. It's definitely been my path."

In recent years he and Mary-Jean have focused heavily on improving the environmental sustainability of their farming operation.

Their coastal farm is home to many kahikatea trees and, where practical, groups of kahikatea are being fenced off and allowed to regenerate.

Much of the native bush has been fenced and Marcus says the long-term goal is to fence all bush areas.

The Patersons have also planted many trees for stock shade and shelter. Species planted include Chinese poplars, English oak, plane trees, cabbage trees, totara, kahikatea and flax.

The shelterbelts provide excellent wind protection and shade for stock, particularly for young lambs.

Mary-Jean says there has been a noticeable lift in the health of kahikatea stands and native bush since they were fenced off. "We believe the bird life is also increasing."

Both farms now have an excellent water reticulation system, with a trough or dam in every paddock. (Waitaka has 110 paddocks and Matuku 84).

Stock is no longer reliant on natural water and this means many of the farms waterways can now be fenced off and protected.

Other wetland areas are also being fenced and planted in flax and wet-tolerant trees.

Marcus senior says he sees the environmental work as an important part of ensuring that "harmony" is achieved between nature and productive farming.

A hydro-electric scheme - a joint venture between the Patersons and The Lines Company - is also being developed on Waitaka.

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