Northland

Mahipatua is a mixed sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation with 727 hectares of effective sheep and beef area, wintering 1,194 beef cattle and 2,065 sheep. 

The livestock system includes around 1,300 breeding ewes and 260 breeding cows, alongside intensive bull finishing and more extensive beef finishing systems.

A key component of the system is the integration of dairy-beef, with surplus calves from the Trust's dairy farms brought onto Mahipatua for finishing. The Trust is actively investing in beef genetics to lift the performance and value of these animals over time.

Farm production currently sits at an average of ~213 kg meat and fibre per hectare across the whole farm, reflecting a more traditional sheep and beef breeding system. But a higher performing bull finishing block of 132 ha keeps that average production up.

The farm operates under the governance of the Pouto Topu A Trust, an Ahuwhenua Trust representing its shareholders and is supported by long-term advisory input from AgFirst.

Farm Story

Mahipatua is a kaupapa-driven farming business focused on balancing profitability with environmental, cultural and social outcomes for its owners and future generations.

The Trust has invested heavily in recent years to strengthen farm infrastructure, environmental performance, and team capability. This has created a well-capitalised and well-managed business, positioned to take the next step in system productivity.

A key feature of the wider Trust operation is integration across multiple land uses, with Mahipatua operating alongside its two dairy farms with 1,040 cows as part of a broader farming system.