Murray and Janet Easton from Mamahi

2021 Finalists: Murray and Janet Easton from Mamahi – Dairy and Sheep

The Easton’s farm in the Waitomo District on State Highway 4 near the 8 mile junction was started by Murray’s parents as a ballot farm in 1954, with Murray and Janet taking over from them in 1984. Their soils are predominately Oparure yellow brown loam and Mananui yellow pumice.

Primarily they run dairy grazers and have a high performing ewe flock with excellent growth rates and monitoring for stock health. They have been involved with various industry organisations over the years including being the site of the Te Kuiti Field Research Area and a heifer grazing focus farm for Dairy NZ.

Numerous areas that have been established for planting are wetlands, steeper sidlings, pine tree crops, QEll, and stock shade and shelter. This planting, along with fencing all waterways off from stock is an ongoing activity.

With their daughter having expressed interest in returning to the farm, the Easton’s are focused on continuing the family legacy at Mamahi.

Judges Comments

· Huge pride in development and hard work have gone into this farm, whilst respecting the previous generation and their vision. Actively working towards a workable succession plan

· Highly accomplished Dairy Grazing system complimented with high performance Ewe flock – suits the soil type and land class. A great example for the industry.

· Importance is placed on good ethical business relationships with dairy grazier clients and rural industry.

· Have been active in community life involved in hosting field days and governance while also involved in a wide range of activities.

Murray and Janet were winners of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award.