Winter on the Farm: Rest, Renewal, and Preparation

Winter has arrived in New Zealand, bringing icy temperatures and a fresh layer of snow. With the cold snap, our chicory and clover pastures have now gone dormant and will remain so until the soil warms again in mid-September. That’s when the chicory will surge back to life. We rotate these paddocks every 2–3 years, giving the soil time to restore its nutrients before replanting. This year, new chicory will be planted in late September and should be ready for grazing by Christmas.

Meanwhile, mating is complete, and our ewes will be scanned in mid-July to confirm pregnancy numbers. Thanks to our strong genetics, we’re expecting a high scanning rate of around 190%—nearly two lambs per ewe. After scanning, each ewe is individually assessed and grouped based on her condition and how many lambs she’s carrying. This ensures every ewe receives the right nutrition through winter.

As we move through the coldest months, our team keeps a close eye on the flock—monitoring their health and wellbeing, all while maintaining our commitment to sustainable and responsible farming. Spring may feel far off, but every day now is about preparing for its arrival.