Business Rural Magazine

06/12/2025

The Bell family at Criffel Station, Wanaka, is redefining farming with a future-focused, sustainable approach. Running a commercial deer farm alongside tourism ventures, they integrate ecosystem services and environmental care throughout their operations. Their newest enterprise, Dusk Hedges, grows mature hedges suited to Central Otago’s climate, supporting biodiversity while serving landscapers and the public.

Beyond the nursery, Criffel Station offers curated experiences like guided foraging, high country exploration, and outdoor activities at Crossfire. With a 30-year business plan and intergenerational vision, the Bells are proving that holistic, innovative farming can balance productivity, sustainability, and community engagement.

Read more about their story and vision for the land: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/11/

Aspiring Fencing Ltd Upper Clutha Transport

05/12/2025

Southland’s Three Rivers Contracting Ltd is growing stronger than ever, expanding its services while creating more full-time jobs for the local community. From traditional ag contracting to new trucking services and on-farm earthworks, the company is building year-round resilience for farmers across the district.

Recent ventures include MI Aggregates, a local quarry supplying rock for jobs, and Agrap, a high-quality silage wrap developed by managing director Jeff Robinson. Three Rivers is shaping the future of contracting, one-stop, all year round.

Read more about their innovative approach and community focus: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/85/

George Wilson Sales JJ Ltd - Gore

04/12/2025

Timo and Olivia Neubauer turned a massive pear harvest into a thriving agri-tourism success with The Pear Orchard Lodge in Hope, near Richmond. Their eco-friendly lodge, set on 5.5ha, now welcomes guests from around the world, offering fresh produce, homemade jams, and a true country experience.

From experimenting with new crops to restoring wetlands and raising animals, the couple has created more than just a lodge, it’s a destination. Timo’s community passion also shines through as he takes his experience to Tasman District Council.

Read more about their inspiring journey and how passion turned into a thriving destination: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/24/

Helicopters Nelson New Zealand Supa Energy

03/12/2025

Five years ago, Southland teacher Jade Ward combined her passion for education and horses to create Reigning Downs-Hauora Centre, a pioneering centre offering equine therapy and life-skills development for young New Zealanders and adults. The centre addresses gaps in the education system, supporting rangatahi with resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills through tailored courses and mentoring.

With a family-focused, community-driven approach, Reigning Downs also provides ACC support, NCEA tuition, and charitable access for those in need. Jade hopes to expand the service nationally, helping more young people reach their potential.

Read more about this inspiring journey: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/42/

Cross Group

02/12/2025

Kakahu Farm In South Canterbury, Kakahu Farm is shaping the future of NZ’s dairy beef sector. With over 100 years of heritage, the Hargreaves family continues to innovate, breeding Angus, Charolais, and now developing their unique Changus line to deliver the calving ease, growth, and colour-marking dairy farmers want.

By creating reliable beef-cross calves that meet global demand, Kakahu is helping farmers move beyond bobby calves and tap into a billion-dollar opportunity for the industry.

Read the full story here: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/28/

HC Partners LP Timaru Can-Am and Sea-doo Downlands Deer Clayton Station

01/12/2025

Hokotehi Moriori Trust is gearing up for major growth, with a newly leased 400ha block and a reliable new shipping service set to transform operations. The additional land brings improved infrastructure and prime lamb-fattening country, helping strengthen the Chatham Islands farming base.

With a new 78m vessel expected in 2027, doubling current stock capacity, farm manager Levi Lanauze says the certainty will allow HMT to intensify production and finally move past the limitations of the aging Southern Tiare.

Discover what this means for Chatham Islands farming: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/87/

Turanganui Romneys Koanui Polled Herefords

30/11/2025

KWS New Zealand is transforming fodder beet farming in New Zealand with its innovative CONVISO® SMART® system. By combining herbicide-tolerant beet varieties with a dedicated herbicide, farmers are achieving stronger w**d control, healthier crops, and more reliable yields with less risk.

Backed by decades of research and a commitment to Kiwi farming needs, KWS continues to develop varieties suited specifically to NZ conditions, helping farmers grow smarter, not harder.

Read more here: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-summer-25/83/

North Otago Pastoral

27/11/2025

B***e Bros agronomist Jamie Wells has earned the 2025 Shining Star Award, recognising his leadership, passion, and contribution to New Zealand’s potato industry. From starting as a summer job to becoming a senior agronomist managing crops across Franklin and Waikato, Jamie’s journey reflects hard work, humility, and a drive to keep learning.

He’s also dedicated to mentoring young people into horticulture, helping shift the spotlight onto the many opportunities in the sector. A true champion for growers and “spud boy” at heart.

Read more here: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-north-summer-25/3/

Seed and Field Services Pukekohe

26/11/2025

In the Summer issue of Business Rural South...

Hokotehi Moriori Trust steps into a new era, expanding land, boosting stock capacity, and preparing for reliable 2027 shipping 🐑 🌄

Taits Rural Ltd is booming, supplying quality used farm machinery parts NZ-wide, expertly tested, family-run, and trusted by farmers, contractors, and dealers 🚜🔧

Wilfield Sheep Stud leads NZ in dual-purpose breeding, delivering elite Corriedale and Suftex genetics with top fertility, wool quality, and meat performance 🧬🐑

Also featuring...

Agraforum New Zealand Balfour Engineering Brock Deer Contour Contracting Ltd Criffel Station Custom Fencing Fernvale Genetics Jeff Farm

A commitment to proven genetics is paying dividends for Anglesey Farms, a family-run sheep and beef operation in the Sherry River Valley, an hour southwest of Nelson. At Claxby Farm in Eyrewell, North Canterbury, fifth-generation farmers Marcus and Sam Spencer-Bower are proving that technology can d...

26/11/2025

Rock-End Herefords are raising the bar in performance genetics, fertility, and constitution, producing hardy, fast-growing cattle suited to New Zealand’s toughest hill country. At Te Matai Station, the McCormick family’s careful breeding and data-driven selection are delivering record results, with bulls performing under real farm conditions.

With DNA-tested, polled bulls, Rock-End ensures fertility, efficiency, and top-quality progeny for both beef and dairy farmers. The 2026 bull sale promises exciting new sires, including Limehills Belter and Injemira Robert Redford.

Read more here: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-north-summer-25/26/

Agri-Tech Imports NZ John Clark Contracting

25/11/2025

In the heart of Northland, Northern Rural Haulage has been keeping farms and construction sites moving since 2009. Owned by Doug Wilson, the team delivers everything from fertiliser and feed to hay, silage, and farm machinery, ready whenever the job calls.

With a reliable fleet, experienced drivers, and a hands-on approach, they’re known for responsive, safe, and flexible service. When Northland’s farmers and builders need it, Northern Rural Haulage is there.

Read more about their story and services: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-north-summer-25/50/

Donaldson Brown Insurance Brokers Ten4 Engineering YHPJ Chartered Accountants

24/11/2025

Kaiser Ag Limited has earned its reputation across the Waikato for reliable service, practical solutions, and a hard-working team grounded in old-fashioned values. From effluent disposal and silage contracting to general agricultural work, the Walton-based business continues to support farmers with dependable expertise.

Alongside this, Kaiser New Zealand manufactures quality vacuum tankers and suction trucks used nationwide. With a strong team culture and loyal clients, Kaiser Ag remains focused on consistency, quality, and helping farmers get the job done right.

Read more in our latest issue here: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-rural-north-summer-25/46/

Strautmann Hopkins Piako Tractors Morrinsville AgPlus Itec Products