Fiona & Jon Sherlock
Otorohaea Ltd

Succession planning has been central to the evolution of this 660ha West Waikato sheep and beef farm.

Now in its third generation of Sherlock family ownership, Otorohaea Ltd is jointly owned by Rory and Sue Sherlock’s children. Today it is managed by Jon and Fiona Sherlock who are continuing to guide the business into a more sustainable and resilient future.

The farm comprises 347ha of pasture, 155ha of production forestry, and extensive areas of fenced native bush and retired land that is now permanently protected.

Over the past few years, the Sherlocks have transformed their traditional sheep and beef operation into an innovative, technology-enabled hill-country grazing system that aligns production with land capability.

A small initial trial of cell grazing on Class 6 hill country delivered outstanding results, prompting the expansion of the system across 240ha. The introduction of virtual fencing has been the key enabler, allowing cattle to be grazed with precision and flexibility on steep terrain. This has significantly increased utilisation, while supporting soil health, pasture cover and improved water outcomes.

Virtual fencing has also allowed the family to retire all streams, wetlands, seepage zones, and sensitive gullies from grazing without installing physical fences. This has been a major step forward for water quality, erosion control, and biodiversity recovery. Riparian planting, gully stabilisation, and regeneration of native vegetation are also well underway.

Otorohaea is contributing to science through an AgResearch hill-country project, sharing real-world data and insights that are helping refine sustainable grazing models for New Zealand’s steep country. This partnership validates the Sherlocks’ system changes and supports broader industry learning.

Through thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and a willingness to innovate, the Sherlocks are building a hill-country farming model that is productive, regenerative, and ready for future generations.