Regional Supreme Winners 2023: Cameron Grant and Robert Grant of Grant Brothers – Sheep and Beef

The fifth-generation owners of this Croydon sheep and beef farm are being guided by a successful long-term vision that has both business and family at its core.

Known as Grant Brothers, the business is comprised of four farms that span 4,444ha (4,200ha effective) – all owned and managed by Cameron, Robert and Peter Grant. Since 1884, the original block has been added to and their overarching goal today is to continue running a sustainable operation that emphasises productivity and family.

The Grants run 21,800 ewes, 950 beef cows and 7,500 hoggets, aiming to fatten all stock, with the addition of 4,000–5,000 store lambs.

A lot of work has gone into growing the business through additional land purchases and sustainable development – guided by simple yet effective systems.

The approach is working, with the Grants achieving exceptional performance for a hill country sheep and beef farm – including a consistent lambing average of close to 150%.

When it comes to protecting and enhancing the natural environment, an impressive number of waterways have been fenced, complemented with large riparian buffers. Native trees are planted to reduce bank erosion and run-off, while peat bogs and tussock areas are being protected and there is extensive weed and pest control.

The Grants have a strong work ethic, balancing this with good community connections that include working with local iwi when planting native species, and being part of local catchment groups.

There has been significant investment in infrastructure, including the farm’s water system. Business planning is guided by good financial awareness, including the setting of targets and regular measuring to ensure numbers are stacking up.

The Grants future-focused farming practises are combined with active succession planning to help ensure they pass on their hard-earned knowledge and a sustainable business to the next generation.

Cameron and Robert are the winners of the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award, Environment Southland Water Quality & Biodiversity Award, and Southland Regional Supreme Winner 2023.