Greater Wellington / Beef, Sheep
Shaun Draper and Victoria Draper & Tyler Morrison
Draper Land Co
4 Feb 2026
With an approach that embraces continuous improvement and adapting to change, this sheep and beef farm exemplifies a pragmatic approach to intergenerational agriculture.
Claremont is a 1,550ha breeding, finishing, and trading property, with 1030ha devoted to pastoral farming and 138ha planted in pines. Operating as Draper Land Co Ltd since 1958, Claremont is owned by the Shaun Draper Family Trust and managed by Shaun Draper alongside his daughter Victoria and her partner Tyler Morrison.
Sheep contribute to 60% of the farm’s income, with the balance coming from beef. About 3,000 ewes and 800 head of cattle are wintered on the property, with additional trade stock carried through the winter which boosts stock units to about 9,300.
Driven by a sense of stewardship, the family is committed to leaving the land and business in a better state for future generations. They’re achieving this through continuous improvement and adapting to change. Despite being a summer-dry property, the farm maintains flexibility by using trade stock to efficiently manage seasonal fluctuations and maximise carrying capacity.
While maintaining an open, adaptable approach to farming, the focus remains on methodical, data-driven decisions that balance productivity with environmental resilience.
They have integrated advanced monitoring tools into the operation and use years of historical data to pinpoint trends and refine practices. Recent investments include implementing satellite technology which helping them to boost animal performance and pasture health while protecting biodiversity.
Sustainability initiatives include careful water management, riparian protection and erosion control – aided by the planting of pine trees.
The team is also actively developing new, clover-based forage mixes to enhance production.
With early-stage succession planning underway, Claremont serves as a strong model for efficiently managing a dynamic farming system and planning for the long-term.