End of an era for Taranaki farming family

A 90ha Taranaki farm which has been in the same family since 1903 will be auctioned next month closing an era for one family, but presenting an opportunity for a new owner to optimise the value of the property on New Plymouth’s city fringe.

Brothers Kevin and David Smith have farmed the property in Carrington Road just 5km from the city in partnership. However, with no succession plan in place, and a desire to retire, the farm has to be sold.

“Our grandfather started out with 15-20 cows in 1903 on the original 44ha home block which was originally owned by the Atkinson family, one of New Plymouth’s pioneering families. Over the years we acquired neighbouring land on either side to bring it up to the 90ha farm in three titles that it is today,” says David Smith.

“My father ran the Hookner jersey stud in his time here and was one of the first farmers to trial AB when it was in its infancy. There’s a lot of family history tied up with the property but sentiment has to go now. It is time for us to move on.”

David has already moved off the farm while Kevin and his wife, Nancy, are in the process of subdividing off a small block where they will build their retirement home.

Mark Monckton of Bayleys Taranaki is marketing the property ahead of the 14 March auction and says this is one of the last remaining dairy farms in the immediate area.

“Whilst it has always been a productive farm and is currently on track to exceed last season’s milk solids production, the future value of the property perhaps lies in the land itself and the potential it may have for lifestyle block conversion.”

Under its current ownership and management the property is an efficient and well-maintained dairy operation producing 72,000kg of milk solids in the 2010/2011 season.

“The property is subdivided into 40 main paddocks with a good mix of electric and post and batten fencing. Farm water is reticulated and pumped from the Te Henui Stream and the property has a sound fertiliser history,” says Mr Monckton.

There is a 22-bail rotary dairy with meal feeder and a good range of farm buildings including calf sheds and implement sheds.

“This property has a lot in its favour and who knows what will happen on auction day? Maybe it’s time for a change of direction. The successful bidder will ultimately determine its future,” says Mr Monckton.