Four into one goes nicely
Instead of running Paparata as one station, Trevor Johnson has divided it into four separately managed blocks - each designed to complement the other and run by four separate managers.
It's something that has happened quicker than they'd expected. Johnson says they used to lamb late, with the idea of taking stock through on the farms after Christmas.
"But we got into a situation where the feed supply in January did not match the demand," he explains. "So, we are lambing earlier with the idea of getting as many stock off the properties in the November December period."
Johnson says, in the past, they relied almost entirely on natural water for stock but less rainfall now means the natural water sources are not giving 12 months cover. As a result, they have installed a large water system with 50 troughs and more will be installed. He says having trough water also means stock are not encouraged to get into natural sources and damage the water quality.
Johnson says with less water and higher temperatures, they've also had to change their farming systems. More research has been done on which legumes will grow where, and to find out what species might grow on the hills without the fertiliser they are using.
Johnson is committed to a sustainable farming system and is investigating ways of reducing methane emissions in sheep by way of a breeding programme.
"As a third generation farmer, my goal is have a happy farm team and to ensure that the property is sustainable for the next generation," he told Rural News.
To that end, Paparata is an innovative, practical model farm. It is led by a man who constantly has an eye on the future and who is willing to share his knowledge and experience.
