Sheep and beef industry commentators have long talked about the many opportunities for experienced farm managers to grow their equity through farm business partnerships - but are these opportunities a reality?
Stock Manager and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Leadership Advancement Scholarship recipient Richard Cameron is exploring this subject as part of his Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme research project, specifically asking how the sheep and beef industry retains experienced managers in absence of traditional farm ownership opportunities.
He says he is not looking at the structures already in place, rather the missing link that ensures the idea of these partnership structures becomes a reality that serves the needs of both parties.
Through his own networks, he has seen skilled managers get lost in the process – and unable to see a way in which they can build equity for their family’s future – have exited the industry.
“Two or three years ago I had good mates who couldn’t see a future for themselves and their families. There just weren’t the opportunities for wealth creation over and above their manager’s wage, so they left the industry.”
Richard says these were young people who were passionate about farming, and having been in the industry since leaving school, they had a wealth of skills and experience.
“It’s sad for them and it’s sad for the industry that we’re losing experience we can’t afford to lose.”
He acknowledges that while there have been some real success stories with equity partnerships, he believes that more often than not they don’t work.
As part of his research, Richard has been interviewing farm managers who have left the industry, farm managers who are considering their next move and farm owners who employ farm managers and have strategies in place to retain these managers.
Richard is keen to talk to anyone who fits any of these categories and is willing to share their experiences. Contact Richard at richiecameron25@gmail.com
In his final report, Richard will outline his findings and offer up some possible solutions and recommendations.
Richard Cameron manages a 600ha sheep and beef farm near Martinborough and along with his wife Lauren, owns 50 ha and leases a further 50ha at Gladstone.
He was one of two recipients of the inaugural Beef + Lamb New Zealand Leadership Advancement Scholarship. The other was Te Kuiti farmer Natasha Cave. Both received a full scholarship to complete the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and Richard has had mentorship from Nick Beeby and Will Halliday, both part of B+LNZ’s Senior Leadership Team.
Applications for the next Beef + Lamb New Zealand Leadership Advancement Scholarship will open in late July for the 2026 intake – keep an eye on our Kellogs Rural Leaders webpage for more info.