2022 Finalist: Julian McPike and Trevor & Joy Smyth of Oneriri Station – Sheep and Beef

Protecting the environment while improving performance is the driving philosophy behind this profitable sheep and beef farm which is located along a sweeping Northland coastline.

Julian McPike is the owner of Oneriri Station which has been in his family since 2009. Stock is run across 2,750ha of the Kaiwaka property that also features extensive areas of native plants including impressive stands of historic Kauri. Trevor Smyth, the Farm Manager is at the helm of all day to day decisions on farm and is fundamental to the success of the business.

The business is driven by a successful winter lamb trade. In 2020, about 20,500 sheep and lambs brought in 60% of the farm’s income between a mix of breeding and lamb finishing. The balance was derived from the breeding and finishing of 1,260 cattle.

The rich natural environment of Oneriri Station is valued equally to its farming performance. Almost all of its 47km of coastline has been fenced, along with all waterways and large areas of established native bush. Mānuka, pittosporum and flax are some of the species that have been planted extensively across the property.

Oneriri Station features 40ha of pine and about 800 ha of native trees which are sequestering carbon. There’s an active focus on reducing pests and weeds, with extensive trapping, and possum and cat control across the property.

The farm successfully combines these environmental initiatives with high-quality management practices.

Paddocks have been subdivided, grazing is carefully controlled and there’s a strong focus on protecting the quality of freshwater. Stock grazing is tailored to soil type and nitrogen is strategically used to drive pasture production.

When it comes to fertilising, accounting and cropping, Julian and his farm manager Trevor Smyth draw on the expertise of trusted advisors.

This beautiful property looks set to continue on its successful journey into the future, as the owner and farm manager continue to carefully balance profit with sustainability.

Julian, Trevor and Joy were the winners of Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award and Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award.