⛏️Sharpening the Tools...The Journey continues...

We next had the opportunity to move to Southland, in the South Island of New Zealand, where we took on a sharemilking contract that stretched and strengthened us—especially in the administrative side of farming. Though we were only there for one year, it was a season of deep focus. I dedicated time to studying accounting papers and absorbed everything I could to grow my understanding.

Southland presented its own set of challenges, distinct from those we’d faced on the West Coast. As part of our contract, we worked with a consultant whose insights were invaluable. They emphasized not just the practical aspects of running a business, but the importance of establishing a clear theoretical framework first—so we knew exactly where we were heading and why.

It was a year of learning, refining, and laying down direction.

The move to Clutha felt like a natural next step. We’d gathered hard-won experience through earlier contracts, and this new opportunity offered a chance to stretch further—to test our systems, refine our approach, and build something from the ground up. The farm was brand new, which meant we weren’t just stepping into someone else’s legacy—we were shaping our own.

There was a quiet thrill in seeing fresh pasture and knowing it would soon hum with life and purpose. We brought with us not just practical know-how, but a deeper understanding of what it meant to steward land, manage teams, and balance the business side with the human side. It wasn’t just about cows and spreadsheets—it was about creating a rhythm that worked for our family, our values, and the community we were becoming part of.

The seasons moved, the herd grew, and so did we.

But that’s a story for another time.