Future generations benefiting
David and Samantha Turner of The Grange at Eltham have won the Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards champion sustainable farming and growing. The judges said The Grange was an immaculately presented farm, with the Turners striving to enhance sustainability for the benefit future generations. They were highly motivated and farming at an exceptionally high standard on behalf of the family trust.
Judges comments included: ‘‘They have a strong focus on improving the inter-generational asset.’’
‘‘They’re striking a great balance between work, life and community.’’
The Turners will host a field day in spring.
David’s great grandfather George Turner bought The Grange in 1880, cleared the land and established it as a successful farm that is now being managed by the family’s fourth generation.
‘‘David’s parents George and Glenyss often turn up looking to be involved in what’s going on. Our children George and Sarah enjoy being involved in the farming activities whether it be planting trees or working in the wool shed.,’’ Samantha says.
David’s sister Alison, an accountant, is also a helpful financial advisor and a frequent visitor and helper on the farm.
‘‘Over the years, each generation has made their contribution towards the farm, and just our turn to have a go,’’ David adds.
‘‘It has definitely always been a family farm, and each generation has had the attitude that we’re here to look after it and sustain it and keep it going forward. I think over the years our family does tend to work fairly quietly behind the fence, you know, not really promote ourselves. So I think it is quite amazing that after all these years, we have put our hand up.’’
Half of the business is dairy heifer grazing on a weight-gain payment system, with the balance split between sheep and beef. As well as adding valuable
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