2021 Finalists: Russell and Mavis Proffit, Raupuha Stud – Sheep

With Russell’s parents originally purchasing the current property in 2003, Russell and Mavis Profitt have since taken over the property. They own 720ha, 690ha effective and lease 750ha, 700ha effective of river flats through to class 6 hill country. Soils are predominately Mairoa Ash and Mahoenui Clay.

They have invested in fencing waterways and planting 25,000 mainly home grown native plants over the past 4 years in an effort to improve the land and waterways.

Raupuha Stud is a very successful sheep stud operation and is recognised as a leader in the NZ and global sheep industry, having the highest FE tolerance flock with all stock fully DNA recorded. With a family history of breeding rams for 45 years, this stud has 5579 sheep, 568 beef and 1000 dairy heifers and bulls.

The farm produces rams & bulls for commercial sheep & beef farmers around NZ, fattening lambs bred on their property, grows dairy heifers out for owners of the lease block and now also includes a native nursery. Established 5 years ago, and originally eco-sourcing native seedlings and growing native plants for their own use, they have expanded the operation to meet demand and sell to local farmers.

With a community focus and wanting to lead by example, the Profitt’s are involved with Growing Future Farmers and have taken on a cadet.

Entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards provides them with an opportunity to gather guidance on how they can further improve the environment on their farm.

Judges comments

· Actively expanding through lease and purchase has improved scale over the years, enabling them to diversify as well as secure their stud operation.

· Recognising a need, the Nursery was born out of a shortage and potential demand for eco sourced seedlings to plant up their own farm and now also to supply local farmers.

· Highly sought-after Sheep stud recognised as leaders in FE tolerance around NZ and internationally.

· Working well on establishing plantings and retiring of land. Focused on getting it right first time with fencing and infrastructure. Leading by example.

Russell and Mavis were winners of the Massey University Innovation Award and Waikato Regional Council Water Protection Award