Page 117 - NZ Hereford Magazine 2023

Richard and Suze Redmayne.

spread workload. Lambs are weaned at 75 days with a growth
rate of more than 300 grams a day. The winter lamb finishing
platform includes 60ha of pivot irrigation.
Twelve years ago the Redmaynes started the Coastal
Lamb brand, which now also includes Coastal Spring Lamb,
supplying their own lambs to a few outlets in the lower North
Island. The group has expanded to include 15 families from
both the east and west coasts of the North Island, supplying
domestic and international customers.
Richard says the group has a new initiative called Coastal Care.
“Healthy habitat plus fresh water plus fertile soils equals
biodiversity, and so we’re measuring the outcome of our
success on the biodiversity we have on our farms.”
Suze, who will contest the Rangitikei electorate for the
National Party at the 2023 election, says they have adapted
their business to their land, which has created different
markets for them. She says the awards programme made
them look at their business through new eyes.
“Sometimes you need to take note and quantify what you’re A 25ha regenerating wetland on the Redmaynes’ farm.
actually doing to make you realise how much you actually are
doing. You can’t be farming for four or five generations if you
haven’t looked after your land.”
Richard’s family started farming at Tunnel Hill when
his great grandfather Wilfrid Perry bought it in 1936. It’s
called Tunnel Hill because of a tunnel built in 1889 as part
of a flax mill employing more than 100 people. Regular
maintenance has ensured the tunnel and nearby flume
are still in perfect condition, and connected waterways are
preserved and enhanced.
Richard says it was thrilling to share their lifetime’s work,
and the work that had been done before their arrival, with
like-minded people during the BFEA process.
“Farming is an amazing industry where we’re not
competing against each other. We’re working beside each Richard Redmayne points out boundaries at their Ballance Farm
other and all doing our best.” Environment Awards field day.

Year 2023 HEREFORD MAGAZINE 115