James & Krista Franklin
Ā Mua Ltd

This Dargaville family farm is showcasing extraordinary resilience and a clear growth mindset by strategically diversifying their operation and embracing sustainable agricultural practises.

Second generation farmers James and Krista Franklin diversified the 129ha (126ha effective) a Mua following 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle. Coming from farming backgrounds themselves, they have bought multiple farm properties since starting their own kumara and farming journey. After being involved within the family business, strong succession planning has led to them fully managing today’s operation after James’s parents retired.

Kumara remains their core income, supplemented with sheep and beef farming. Following the cyclone, they introduced garlic production – significantly boosting business resilience. They run 200 beef, plus finish 500 lambs during the winter months, and in 2026 will take their first crop of garlic to market.

This forward-looking approach is reflected in the couple’s environmental management which includes reducing reliance on chemical inputs and introducing a precision water management system.

James and Krista have invested in laser levellng and drainage across the paddocks. This precision water control system creates optimal growing conditions for kumara and garlic, plus significantly reduces surface water runoff – minimising nutrient and sediment leaching into local waterways.

The judges said the couple’s farming philosophy aligns with national efforts to enhance food safety, meet evolving market expectations, and protect New Zealand’s natural resources.

The property’s diversification has included retiring wetland areas which is bolstering native habitat for species including the nationally endangered Bittern. The couple is participating in the Lighter Touch programme and embracing agro-ecological crop protection strategies. This is safeguarding soil and water quality, while promoting biodiversity within the growing systems.

The judges praised the couple for their outstanding leadership and unwavering growth mindset. They said that James and Krista’s ability to continuously improve, invest in their staff, and rebuild with vision after a major crisis sets a strong benchmark for the wider farming community.