14 February 2025
2025 Northland Finalists: Rob and Mandy Pye of Mangere Falls Farm – Beef
This beef farm’s productivity, profitability and sustainability have made remarkable progress in recent years – driven by a strong commitment to animal health, the environment and community.
After dipping their toes into farming, Rob and Mandy Pye relocated to Mandy’s parent’s farm and started leasing 160ha. Shortly after, in 2012, they purchased their own 75ha support block and since 2021 started leasing the rest of the family farm.
Today they predominately run a feed system across the 335ha (325ha effective) property, finishing steers and bulls for supply.
Rob came from a teaching background and was fortunate to learn the ropes of successful beef farming from Mandy’s father. Meanwhile, Mandy is still involved in teaching at a local school.
The couple’s goal is to produce a high-quality product where both animals and the environment are cared for – and the support of their experienced farm worker has helped make this goal a reality.
Since taking over, Rob and Mandy have significantly enhanced the farm’s natural environment, fencing more than 5km of riparian areas above and beyond industry standards. They have also installed drains, prioritised water management and, over the past six years, planted more than 18,000 native trees.
This is backed up with a strong focus on protecting the property’s natural features, including the stunning Mangere River and waterfall.
Stocking numbers are carefully tailored to environmental conditions, with the judges praising the exceptional condition and temperament of animals.
The judges were impressed by the farm’s incredible progress, saying this was due to excellent management, strong governance, and tireless effort. They praised the strong focus on health and safety, and the wide range of comprehensive farm plans.
Guided by the principle that every day is a growing day, Rob and Mandy constantly strive for improvement – earning multiple awards for their efforts.
Enter the Ballance Farm Environment Awards
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(same industry: Beef)
