Based above Lake Dunstan at Northburn Station, Bevan and Tiff McKnight farm 11,000 merinos and 250 beef cattle. An hour down the road, they also run their home block, Merino Ridges in the Ida Valley, with a further 13,000 merinos and 250 beef cattle, as well as wintering 1,000 dairy cows.
It’s beautiful country, but the landscape and climate bring their share of challenges when it comes to managing two large farming operations.
Before direct-to-satellite with Halter, Bevan would have had to install 25 towers to get service across most of Northburn Station (and more for the home block) to use virtual fencing. Incredibly costly, logistically difficult and not feasible for his operation.
Disappointed Halter wouldn’t be able to help his farm at the time, he received a call 10 days later that changed the game – direct-to-satellite collars had landed in NZ. No towers needed, and full coverage across the farm. Northburn and its dramatic landscape was one of the first stations to trial Halter’s satellite-enabled collars.
“Areas where you would’ve spent days or weeks to locate stock can now be managed and monitored instantly on the mobile app,” says Bevan.
This has also meant an unlimited fencing budget for Bevan & Tiff – being able to graze areas they’ve never been able to hold cattle in before. The challenges thrown up by Central Otago’s weather on the other hand? They’re not going anywhere, but Bevan can plan ahead, move stock without going out in icy conditions, and ensure he’s maximising pasture utilisation.
Despite a difficult few years, he reckons the outlook for the ag industry is about as bright as it’s ever been, and is excited about the technology to come.
“Whether you’re running beef, dairy, wool or another kind of operation, it’s a great time to be farming.”
The Wanaka A&P Show with Halter. Celebrating 90 years of rural and the future of farming.
