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FIELD NOTE:
Charles Douglas Clifford knows what he’s talking about, so we listened to him.
Nestled in the picturesque region of North Canterbury, Stonyhurst has been a family-owned sheep, beef, and deer farm for six generations. Established in 1850, this farm extends across 13 kilometres of breathtaking coastline north of Moutanau.
A Diverse Landscape
The terrain at Stonyhurst varies from flat to rolling contours, with steeper gullies leading down to the sea, where you'll find abundant native plants. The farm boasts a healthy mix of north and south-facing lands, with the latter holding onto moisture longer during the summer months – a valuable asset in the often summer-dry region of North Canterbury.
Today's Operations
Stonyhurst is currently home to over 20,000 stock units. Each year, 9,500-10,000 half-bred ewes are bred, along with 3,500-4,000 replacement ewe hoggets and an additional 3,000 wether lambs in winter. The farm also operates a stud, breeding rams for both their commercial flock and outside sales.
With a focus on sustainability, Stonyhurst raises 450-500 cows and finishes all male offspring by 18 months. Their deer operation includes 400 hinds on 100 hectares, with all progeny finished for the chilled spring/summer venison market. Notably, the farm finishes all livestock on a grass-based system.
A Family Legacy Continues
The sixth-generation family member, Charles Douglas Clifford, currently manages Stonyhurst. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Charles continues to use Optimise Lime-based fertilisers to maintain soil health and enhance nutrient availability.
They use pelletised fine Lime and Sulpher, as their soil is deficient. Top dressing their 1800 ha of Hill Country - something which wasn't economical with traditional aglime. Getting the timing of the application right in the autumn sees a kick in the production of clover to keep the pasture covers going into winter.
Embracing Sustainability
Stonyhurst's strategy revolves around efficient nutrient application and a focus on agronomy. They prioritise legumes for nitrogen-fixing and maintaining optimal pH levels. By making smart, sustainable decisions, Stonyhurst has adapted traditional practices to ensure their farm remains successful for generations to come.
A Bright Future with CP Lime Solutions
Charles firmly believes in the effectiveness of Optimise by CP Lime Solutions. As they look ahead, Stonyhurst is dedicated to making sustainable, innovative choices that foster the well-being of their land, livestock, and family legacy.
