Page 110 - NZ Hereford Magazine 2023

With more changes afoot in the dairy and wider agriculture
industry, the couple are continuing to look for opportunities
to diversify income streams, future-proof their operation, and
position themselves globally. They have started using sexed
bull semen to guarantee bull numbers, and have launched
another project to get high-marbling cattle.
They have also started dabbling in regenerative multi-
species pastures. All of their winter feed is now multi-species,
and the new diet has made a noticeable difference in their
stock and conception rates.
They’re also in the process of setting up a hunting business,
to control wallabies and fallow deer populations, and have
built a hut on the home farm, something Hamish’s grandfather
always wanted to do. It is no ordinary backcountry hut, with
hot running water, flushing toilets and outdoor baths, and Hereford heifers at Shrimpton’s Hill.
has become a special place for the McKerchar family. Hamish
proposed to Abby at the hut – and it was a location for their
wedding photos last March.
The hut has potential as a business – Hamish and Abby
have a vision of hiring it out to hunting groups, or those just
wanting to head into the hills to relax and enjoy the views
of the Canterbury plains, and supplying their guests with
homegrown produce.
While there are a lot of challenges facing the rural sector,
the young couple are excited about the future.
“We’re pretty confident and we’re pretty excited, really,’’
Hamish says. “The next few years are going to be challenging, The McKerchars hold an annual on-farm bull sale featuring up to
everyone’s going to be faced with that, but bring it on.” 200 R2 Hereford bulls.

PLATFORM

The Platform Stud was re-established in 2018 by Charmaine and Mark Will, with the stud name taken over from
Charmaine’s parents, Ritchie & Elaine Robertson.

Platform are offering hill country bred R2yr bulls with excellent temperament and growth. These bulls are for sale on
th
Bidr 12 June 2023. Inspection welcome on request from April 2023.

PLATFORM EDMOND PLATFORM EDWARD

Enquiries: Mark & Charmaine Will
125 Coopers Road, Masterton * Phone: 06 3724896 * Email: platformfarm@gmail.com
Follow us on FACEBOOK @ Platform Hereford Stud

108 HEREFORD MAGAZINE Year 2023