Regional Supreme Winners 2022: Patrizia Vieno and Rod Clutton of Rewa Rewa Station – Sheep and Beef breeding

Patrizia and Rod emigrated to New Zealand in 2011 after purchasing Rewa Rewa Station. They were looking for fresh challenges and new perspectives, and committed to managing the farm’s resources sustainably and profitably.

They now run 4,300 Romney sheep and 140 Angus cattle across the 988ha property. Over the past 10 years, they’ve made significant improvements to infrastructure to ensure the business is more resilient as it evolves and responds to climate change.

A combination of bi-annual soil testing and careful fertiliser management is the team’s number one tool. The result is a significant correction in the soil balance – resulting in improved pasture, increased animal weight and birth rates, and – ultimately – better profits. Building the land’s resilience also means it now bounces back from drought.

Returning to the pure Romney breed means survival rates have increased dramatically. Production has also been boosted by a strong focus on both parasite management and condition scoring.

Patrizia’s passion for wool and natural fibres has led to them recently introducing 30 purebred cashmere goats. This is part of a diversification strategy and aims to boost their thriving fine-fibre business that also includes sheep and alpacas.

A sustainable environmental programme includes forestry and riparian planting, water conservation and a filtration scheme. They also recycle baleage wrap, household waste and even dags which are used as garden mulch.

As part of their sustainable-tourism and educational enterprise, they regularly welcome the community and agricultural students onto the station.

Patrizia and Rod are focused on the wellbeing of their staff, and also prioritise animal welfare – including that of their working dogs.

Ultimately, Patrizia and Rod want to continue improving Rewa Rewa Station for the benefit of the farm animals, wildlife, the environment and future generations of farmers.

As well as receiving this year’s Regional Supreme Award, Patrizia and Rod also received:

Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
Norwood Agri-Business Management Award
QEII National Trust Farm Stewardship Award