Sustainable Farm Produce

Pōhatu Farm is dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainable products that reflect the Wairarapa’s natural beauty and resources.

Sustainable Practices
Ethical Farming Standards
Premium Quality Produce

The farm is known for its exceptional Romney sheep, producing both wool and tender lamb, as well as AngusPure beef and venison from free-range red deer.

Guided by a commitment to sustainable farming practices, Pōhatu Farm works in harmony with the land, ensuring that every product not only supports the health of the environment but also meets the highest standards of quality and ethical farming.

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Romney Sheep
Romney Sheep

At Pōhatu Farm, we take great pride in our sheep farming practices, with animal health as our top priority. Our current Romney breeding flock consists of approximately 3,500 ewes, producing around 5,000 lambs, with 4,000 sold annually.

Each year, Pōhatu Farm’s shearing process produces 25 tonnes of strong, coarse wool for both local and export markets. Shearing is a critical element of our animal health programme, and while we are lucky to break even on the cost, we are excited about the future potential of Pōhatu Farm’s wool. Especially as global demand for natural, and sustainably-sourced textiles continues to rise. Learn more here

Angus Beef
Angus Beef

At Pōhatu Farm, our herd of Angus cattle plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our farming operations. As part of our integrated stock rotation system, the cattle help manage pastures by grazing areas before sheep are introduced. This not only benefits the land but also optimises grazing conditions for our sheep.

All of our cattle are tagged with AngusPure Source & Trace tags. These distinctive black 'A' tags ensure full traceability from farm to processor, and are a recognised symbol of premium beef quality. They provide our cattle with access to higher premiums at approved processors, making them highly sought after throughout the supply chain.

 Each year, we run approximately 350 calving cows and sell 140 two-year-old cattle. For more information please visit the AngusPure website.

Red Deer
Red Deer

While Pōhatu Farm doesn't traditionally farm deer, our expansive native and pine forests offer an ideal, natural habitat for a sustainable population of Red Deer.

These free-range deer are known for their intense mating calls that can be experienced on our Roar Tours, held in the Autumn. For more information about our Roar Tours, please click here

FAQs about our Sustainable Produce & Practices.

  • Our produce is guided by sustainable farming practices, including responsible land management, biodiversity conservation, and ethical animal care. We aim to protect the environment while producing high-quality products like Romney sheep wool, lamb, and AngusPure beef.

  • Romney sheep wool is durable, versatile, and ideal for a range of textile applications. At Pōhatu Farm, we produce 25 tonnes annually, meeting the growing demand for natural and sustainably-sourced textiles.

  • These tags ensure full traceability of our AngusPure beef, from the farm to the processor. They signify premium quality and allow consumers to trust the origins of their beef.

  • We manage over 80 hectares of native New Zealand bush and implement riparian planting along waterways to enhance biodiversity. Our predator control program also helps protect native plants and wildlife.

  • Yes, all of our lamb is free-range and raised on open pastures with a focus on animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

  • We have fenced off over 1.5km of waterways to prevent livestock access and planted riparian margins to safeguard river health. These efforts help maintain water quality and support aquatic biodiversity.

  • Our integrated stock rotation system ensures pastures remain healthy and productive. Cattle graze areas before sheep, optimising grazing conditions and benefiting the land.

  • Absolutely! Our farm tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at our farming operations, including insights into our sustainable practices and conservation efforts.