Paul & Kerry Harmer
Castle Ridge Station

At Castle Ridge Station, Paul and Kerry Harmer are proving that dedication to land stewardship and environmental innovation can thrive, even in a sensitive high-country environment.

Their breeding operation – which produces high-quality Merino wool, sheep, cattle and deer – is built on a commitment to reducing the property’s environmental footprint while maintaining a profitable business for future generations.

The team runs just over 14,000 sheep, almost 800 cattle and about 230 deer across the 5,930ha (5,700ha effective) property.

Central to their sustainability drive is an impressive water monitoring and protection programme. Working in collaboration with their catchment group and Canterbury University, Castle Ridge Station conducts regular, extensive surface and groundwater monitoring. This provides robust data that guides farm management decisions and actively demonstrates measurable improvements in the water that is flowing from their property into the wider catchment.

Their commitment to protecting the natural environment is tangible. The Harmers have fenced 17km of waterways to exclude stock and reduce bank erosion. This is complemented by establishing more than 3,000 native plants​ ​in riparian areas – enhancing biodiversity and creating exclusion zones that protect sensitive parts of the land.

The team’s commitment to innovation and data collection extends beyond the fences, with the couple involved in numerous on-farm and catchment-wide research projects. Even their children are involved – leading a sheep breeding programme that is focused on a long-term foot-rot solution while maintaining good stock performance genetics.

This constant quest for improvement is evident in their careful winter grazing practices, which use catch crops and tailored fertiliser applications to protect soil and water.

By strategically reducing overall stock numbers to increase per-head performance, the Harmers are showing how balancing productivity with environmental sustainability builds resilience into the business and supports the vibrant community and stunning landscape they call home.