For Marlborough farmers Emma and Ross Hoets, joining the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Animal Production Focus Group was about learning, connecting with others, and figuring out how to keep making steady improvements on their family farm.
The farm Quaildale, is based in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. The farm runs around 400 head of trading cattle, including rising three‑year‑old steers and rising two‑year‑old heifers, alongside approximately 2,500 mixed‑age breeding ewes. The property covers around 222 hectares of flat land, with a further 881 hectares of rolling to steep hill country.
Emma and Ross have recently stepped up into running the family‑owned operation as part of a wider succession plan. While they don’t yet have full financial decision‑making responsibility, they are already using what they’ve learned through the focus group to sharpen their thinking and implement practical changes where possible.
Emma says, “Having recently taken on more responsibly on the farm, we joined the focus group to meet new people and learn from other local farmers,” Emma says. “It felt like a really good opportunity to hear how other people are doing things and it’s free information, which is always a bonus!”
Bouncing ideas on farm
With B+LNZ Focus Groups designed to be flexible and responsive to local needs, the Marlborough Animal Production Focus Group operates by having each participating farm host the group and put forward three big questions about their own operation.
As a group, farmers walk the farm, talk through strengths and weaknesses, and then collectively dig into those questions.
“We write down where we think we’re strong, where we struggle, and then everyone throws ideas around about how those three questions could be answered on that farm,” Emma explains.
Emma and Ross’ three big questions are focused on building a more resilient and efficient system:
- Feed quality and quantity – how to better manage dry summers through grazing decisions and cropping options
- Stock prioritisation and land use – ensuring the right stock are on the right country at the right time
- Mineral delivery – identifying the most effective and practical ways to deliver minerals to stock
The Hoets have hosted the group twice already, and have also visited another group member’s farm. Emma says the process creates a supportive environment where people feel comfortable being honest.
“It’s a small group and it’s a safe space. You’re not feeling judged or intimidated. You’re just bouncing ideas around.”
Changes adding up
While Emma and Ross are realistic about their current role on the farm, they say being part of the focus group has helped lift their confidence and given them momentum to make changes where possible.
Some of the areas they’ve been focusing on include:
- Fertiliser education and understanding inputs better
- Winter cropping decisions
- Introducing prelamb shearing
- Improving scanning and management decisions around lambing
One of the clearest results has been noticeably improved lamb growth rates over the past two years, reflecting better decision‑making and stock management.
Learning across generations
Emma believes one of the most valuable parts of the focus group is learning from farmers at different stages of their careers.
“It’s been 100 percent worthwhile being part of this group, and it’s helped us a lot as we step up on farm,” she says. “You get to hear different perspectives and learn from people who’ve been farming for a long time.”
She also credits the group with helping younger farmers feel more confident speaking up and testing ideas.
“You can ask questions, say what you’re thinking, and get honest feedback without it feeling risky.”
What’s next?
For now, Emma and Ross are focused on maintaining momentum and continuing to improve within the scope they have.
“We’re just trying to keep riding the wave and hit our goals with what we’ve got,” Emma says. “It’s about doing the best job we can and keeping things moving forward.”
And for anyone thinking about joining an animal production focus group?
“Just do it,” Emma says. “You won’t regret it.”