Video or image
6 August 2020
Categories
Wool Street Journal

Wool News: Progressive approach sets Creekside well for productivity

Adam Lindsay has owned Creekside Farms on the Maniototo Plains near Ranfurly since 2011.

Creekside primarily runs Perendale sheep, with around 11,000 breeding ewes on the 2,000 hectare property. In the nine years he has farmed the property Adam has made a significant impact, increasing drought resistance by augmenting an irrigation system that previously covered 65 hectares, digging a 1.5 million cubic metre storage pond and installing four additional pivots to now irrigate 520 hectares.

“We have water rights to draw from the Kyeburn River, which runs alongside our eastern boundary, pumping to the top of the hill to fill the pond through winter and spring. We gravity feed to the pivots during summer. Irrigation enables us to make operational decisions on our terms, unconstrained by adverse weather,” says Adam.

As a consequence, Adam’s farming approach is far more progressive than if he were constantly guarding against the risk of drought. PGG Wrightson plays an important role in assisting this, with Senior Livestock Agent Ryan Dowling, Wool Representative Graham Bell and Wool Procurement Manager Rob Cochrane among Adam’s trusted advisors.

“Although wool is at a low point, as and when it rebounds, I am confident of making the best of it. Currently, with the wool cheque being insignificant, profitability rests on red meat returns. Development of Creekside is therefore focused on growing more protein. However, we also grow more fibre as a consequence of the new irrigation, which will be a benefit should wool prices recover,” Adam says.

Rob Cochrane admires Adam’s farming skill and approach.

“He is a progressive farmer, always looking to make productivity gains. His development of the farm has increased its capacity to sustain stock, ensuring increased production, whether protein or fibre. Regarding wool, Creekside’s clip weights relative to stock numbers are excellent.

“Well respected among local farmers, it is a pleasure to work with someone who understands how to make the best of his property, his stock and his productivity. In the hands of farmers like Adam, the future of New Zealand’s primary production sector is positive,” says Rob.

Back to News

Proudly Supported By