Financial case study shows solid return from KMR action

Farmers Grant and Christine West have always strived to look after the land – just like their parents before them.

The 446-hectare hill country sheep and beef farm they run in partnership with Grant’s mother Joy, is 403ha effective and just a stone’s throw from the proud rural precinct of Tangiteroria.

The farm is home to 100 Angus breeding cows and progeny, around 300 dairy beef and 1300 sheep.

In collaboration Kaipara Moana Remediation, The West Partnership has embarked on a sediment reduction project.

Grant and Christine, with the help of their son Sean – who is also now hands-on farming the land – are targeting the protection of erosion-prone areas hillsides, established native bush remnants and .45ha of wetlands.

They believe fencing off those areas and planting them in natives will improve water quality, farm infrastructure, land management systems and productivity.

So far, they have retired 9.45 hectares of ecologically sensitive land across two priority areas by completing 2.45 km of fencing, subdividing one paddock into five smaller paddocks and adding a laneway for ease of stock movement – all to help protect select areas of sensitive land while optimising environmental outcomes.

With the help and planning of KMR Field Advisor Debbie Johnson, Grant, Christine and Sean believe their efforts will ultimately reduce sediment loss, enhance biodiversity and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Planting of native species will start in winter 2026.

An initial investment of over $60,000 should provide payback in under five years, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 22% and a revenue increase of $14,000 due to improved grazing efficiency and an annual boost of $12,800 through a boost in pasture productivity. The collaboration with KMR could even assist with future potential biodiversity credits (read the full case study below).

Grant says better stock flow, time savings and associated improved animal welfare also has the benefit of lowering stress for him and Sean, farm dogs, cattle and sheep.

Christine adds they have always planted native trees and looked after native blocks on the farm.

“It’s important and hugely essential for the environment and making the land more sustainable long-term. It also makes it a nice place to work,” says Christine.

Key to ongoing native planting is seeking the advice of KMR’s specialists.

“I have worked with Debbie in the past and her guidance has been invaluable. She is practical and knows the land. You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to the best native varieties for hillsides, gullies and wetlands,” says Grant.

“You often don’t know where to start on a larger property and Debbie just told us to start where we have wanted to do something for a long time. What we are doing will make things more sustainable on the farm. Like Debbie says – it’s a journey.

“On hill country, nothing is black and white, so you must look at things a little differently.

“If we can help protect Kaipara Harbour and make our farm better, then Kaipara Moana Remediation is a great thing to be part of.”