Waikato / Dairy grazing, Sheep
Jarrod & Danielle Hawkins
Otohina
4 Feb 2026
The couple who today run this family sheep and dairy grazing operation are both sharp business owners and dedicated environmental custodians.
Jarrod and Danielle Hawkins moved back to the farm in 2006, eventually purchasing the land from Danielle’s parents and grandparents to continue a proud family tradition they now share with their two children.
They manage a diverse operation across the 445ha (342ha effective) property, running 900 Coopworth ewes alongside 400 dairy heifers.
Their drive to conserve the land guides every investment and decision across the property, which the judges said is an exemplary model of family succession.
More than 80 hectares of native bush are protected under a QEII Trust covenant – a testament to the foresight of Danielle’s grandparents. Jarrod and Danielle are actively expanding this work – fencing off waterways, planting native trees and actively controlling pests.
This work has resulted in a thriving ecosystem where possum numbers are low and native birdlife is flourishing.
The visual beauty of the land is matched by excellent pasture quality – the result of Jarrod’s comprehensive subdivision and infrastructure development.
Pushing beyond traditional methods, the couple embraces new technology, including the use of virtual fencing. This tool saves countless hours otherwise spent moving standards and reels. It also enables them to manage sophisticated integrated grazing with precision over the entire farm while protecting sensitive wet or steep spots remotely.
The finely balanced 50:50 sheep-to-cattle ratio is deliberate, designed to enhance both animal health and pasture resilience. The system employs integrated grazing where cattle graze lambing paddocks, and weaned lambs graze land previously stocked by cattle. This practice has been instrumental in boosting the natural health of their livestock.
Jarrod and Danielle’s dedication to animal husbandry, strategic planning and technology means the farm is financially strong while employing farming practices that are conserving the wider environment.
