Brent and Antonia Mountfort of Mountfort Puriri Farm

2025 Bay of Plenty Finalists: Brent and Antonia Mountfort of Mountfort Puriri Farm – Sheep and Beef

The second-generation farmers at Mountfort Puriri Farm are focused on both productivity and environmental stewardship, seamlessly integrating conservation into their sheep and beef farming practices. 

Antonia and Brent returned to the family farm in 2008, purchasing it outright in 2020. There’s almost a 50:50 split between cattle and sheep across the 267ha (145ha effective) property, with the couple running 130 Angus breeding cows, 650 ewes and 200 hoggets.  

The Mountforts believe that profitable farming and environmental stewardship go together. They prioritise sustainable farming practices and actively explore methods to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.  

The couple’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in their meticulous approach to farm management. They have a clear picture of the farm’s soil class through extensive mapping, enabling them to carefully apply fertiliser only where it’s needed. Stock class is carefully tailored to land and most stock is finished on-farm, except for heifers which are sold as yearlings after picking out replacements. 

More than 80ha of native bush is fenced off, including 29ha protected by QEII covenants. In addition, 6ha has deer fencing to keep deer out, and a further 32ha is planted in pine. The Mountforts have actively restored waterways, planted native trees, and implemented robust pest control measures. 

To diversify their income and further integrate conservation into the business, the Mountforts are developing a tourism venture – building a lodge that will allow visitors to experience the farm first-hand.  

One way the Mountforts actively support their wider community is by allowing groups to visit the farm for projects and demonstrations of good farming practices. The judges were impressed with their support of others in the industry, helping to provide clear pathways to a career in farming. 

By embracing innovation, prioritising environmental stewardship, and fostering community engagement, the Mountforts are demonstrating that a thriving farm can also be a cornerstone of environmental conservation.