Our Operations
Forest Range consists of three properties totalling 18,500ha - Forest Range, Breast Hill and Bargour.
Our hill and high country properties have extensive improved pastures, with the balance in native tussock grasslands interspersed with areas of native podacarp (beech) forest and alpine shrublands. All stock are run under natural conditions with the improved range lands providing for their annual requirements.
The property is managed to maintain and enhance the natural attributes of tussock grasslands. The remnants of native bush, which lend their name to the property, are carefully nurtured to ensure their survival. Inputs such as fertilisers are applied after soil testing and only when deficits occur. Every effort is made to manage the property sustainably.
Management of our stock
Stock health is approached in a natural and environmental manner. Animals graze on extensive blocks with the minimum of disturbance to natural pastures with pure water available from mountain streams and additional mineral supplements through raw himalayan salt blocks.
The Elite Flock is managed to expose them to true high country conditions and values expected in a commercial environment. Ewes are not assisted at lambing. Female progeny are run and evaluated with the commercial ewe lambs. Ram lambs are grazed under a commercial situation with no supplementary feed. All sheep are un-mulsed.
Monitoring Practices
Monitoring of vegetation, soil health and stock health are regular and on going. This is carried out in co-operation with regional authorities, fertiliser companies and veterinarians. The aim is prevention rather that cure. Constant monitoring allows for quick reactions when required.
An R22 helicopter is used for all stock work, which is labour saving and ensures fast and efficient stock movement. Strategic laneways assist mustering and lead into the woolshed area for shearing or stock handling operations.
To view more about Forest Range please visit an episode featuring Forest Range on Country Calendar.