Pāmu shares insights into premiums for best practice at Hanmer Open Farm Day
Pāmu welcomed nearly 80 guests, including farm teams, agribusiness professionals, and local farmers, to an Open Farm Day at Hanmer Farm last week. The event showcased Hanmer’s evolving farm systems and the dual benefits of meeting high standards for assurance and sustainability.
Farm System Changes Driving Profitability
Hanmer Farm has shifted to a farming system that integrates dairy beef alongside traditional lamb and beef enterprises. This change supports higher stocking rates and is part of a broader move towards a system finishing more animals. As of July 2025, Hanmer stock numbers were 3,851 head (cattle, dairy beef, and sheep), with the drive for improved feed conversion efficiency expected to further increase stocking rates and overall CWT production.
Farm Manager Ben Fahey, along with Upper South Island GM Cam Walker and Operations Manager Dan Mears, shared how system changes and rotational grazing have delivered faster weight gains and higher stocking rates, resulting in a 10% lift in overall production.
“Improved feed quality and conversion efficiency have been key drivers,” said Dan. “Over the last year our total product output increased by 10%, beef production rose by 12%, and wool by 8%. Overall farm expenditure dropped by 8%, while EBITDA surged by 170%, supported also by improved red meat pricing.”
Opportunities for Premiums through Assurance and Sustainability
Hanmer Farm’s focus on an integrated finishing system over the past year has created opportunities to access market premiums through assurance programmes such as FAP+. By participating in assurance and sustainability programmes, Hanmer is strengthening its transparency and social licence to operate. Partnerships with processors and the strategic use of tools like FarmIQ have reduced compliance costs and improved audit readiness. These initiatives have positioned Hanmer to unlock significant premiums, reflecting the integrity and provenance of its products.
- Market premiums at Hanmer increased by 336% in the past year, with livestock revenue up 25%.
- Assurance programmes, including 100% dairy farm audits and certifications for beef and lamb, have enabled Hanmer to meet evolving consumer expectations and secure long-term value.
- The farm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its participation in environmental and ethical certification schemes, which are increasingly demanded by global markets.
Expert Insights: Parasite Management and Agronomy
A highlight of the event was the expert-led sessions on parasite management and agronomy. Sarah Williams from North Canterbury Vet Clinics joined farm manager Ben Fahey and Pāmu agronomy specialist Joanna Hoogenboom to share best practice for feed conversion efficiency, rotational grazing, and parasite control. The team discussed targeted selective treatments, integrated grazing strategies, and the importance of nutrition and pasture management in maintaining animal health and productivity.
Sharing Knowledge for New Zealand Agriculture
Cam Walker, GM Upper South Island, updated attendees on the dairy beef strategy, with Pāmu aiming for all dairy farm-born animals to be reared by 2030.
"Integrating dairy beef into our farm systems has been a game changer for Hanmer and the wider Upper South Island.” said Cam. “By focusing on efficient animal flow and optimising our stock mix, we’re able to lift productivity and profitability while supporting sustainable farming practices as we respond to market opportunities."
Jack Raharuhi spoke about innovation in calf rearing as part of the systems change needed for dairy beef. "On the West Coast, the introduction of automated calf feeders has been an exciting change,” he said. “It’s improved animal welfare, streamlined operations, and allowed us to scale up profitably our dairy beef integration. Sharing these innovations across our farming network means we can lift standards and outcomes for everyone."
Mark Leslie, Pāmu CEO, reflected on the company’s strategic role and the importance of open days like this event. “Sharing our lessons learnt and experiences that are supporting our Pāmu lift in productivity and financial performance is something we are proud of, supporting the wider New Zealand agricultural sector.
“The Pāmu team always appreciates the questions and challenges on these days,” says Mark. “By working together, we can help drive sustainable progress for all farmers."
Mark also highlighted the extra pressure the farm team and many farms across the South Island had been under with extra cleanup and more than 100 trees down from the Canterbury wind storms a couple of weeks earlier. It highlighted the need for ongoing consideration of building resilience into our farm systems as modelling shows more extreme weather events are to be expected in the future.
Attendees enjoyed a guided farm tour, lively discussions, and a barbeque thanks to Silver Fern Farms, as well as chats with representatives from Ospri and MPI Biosecurity New Zealand about the TB free programme and wilding conifer removals in the area.
The full handout for the day is available online.
