'Look on farm for income options'

That's the advice from King Country farmer Dan Steele, who has been running Blue Duck Station farm as a diversified farming business for 20 years.

The 3000ha station runs livestock across two-thirds of the property: breeding ewes, breeding cows and a small deer herd for its hunting business. The rest of the station has a variety of lodges. Activities offered to guests include horse riding, jet boating, kayaking, bush safari and mountain biking.

Blue Duck Station's fine dining restaurant, The Chef's Table, recently won the specialist restaurant of the year in the Cuisine Good Food Awards.

Steele says the past 20 years has been "an absolutely great journey".

"It has been very challenging at times; bumping into rules, regulations and naysayers. But we have learnt so many new skills along the way, like marketing, social media, high-end hospitality and cuisine," he told Rural News.

"It took some time to learn balance and the importance of family, health and well-being."

 Read More

• Can't be green, if you're in the red
• Viability of farming questioned
• Growing spuds, milking cows - all about diversity

For Steele, diversification sprung out of an absolute love for the place and wanting to share the beauty, history and stories with people.

"Having travelled the world as a young Kiwi bloke I realised how much we had to showcase and how special the New Zealand story is.

"This farm is heartland, much of which should never have been cut out of bush, and we felt a responsibility to transition it back to its natural state. This worked into the tourism idea well.

"Adding diversification to your business can really help build up a great network of people around you. Especially with agri-tourism bringing so many interesting people into your world every week."

Steele acknowledges that many red meat farmers are struggling with lower income over the years. He suggests looking at other options for income on farm.

"Some are struggling and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'd suggest they reach out for help in many ways. Firstly, they are, by far, not alone in this complicated world; there are many others going through what they are.

"The Rural Support Trust is a great starting place. Get some advice, discuss ideas with anyone that is available. Go back to your values and why you are where you are and doing what you are doing."

Steele believes the Emission Trading Scheme "is easy money for anyone with more than a few acres".

"There are a few who could benefit from retiring their worst land into this golden goose of native bush and open it up to the public for walking, camping, put a small cottage or hut on."

He notes that it's a privilege to be guardians of the land as farmers are.

"And while it is tough now, it's about opening one's perspective and looking at the beauty and the opportunity right there on your property.

"Be creative, be brave, and get started now. What you have is precious and can offer so many diverse options for income. It does not have to be a quick and easy route through genetic modification (GM) or fast-track development. A more careful, thoughtful, respectful, long-term approach, sustainable, high-value approach an also yield great returns."

Steele says opening the award-winning restaurant was about "value add".

He says it's humbling to be recognised as New Zealand Specialist Restaurant Of The Year and awarded two hats. "Awards are great, but they won't take our focus off our road to sustainability, profitability and a meaningful life in the back country."