Welcome to this week's podcast as we dive into Justin Stevens' world of farming and innovation. Located just outside Seddon in Marlborough, the Steven's farm lies in the heart of a region that has seen a remarkable transformation over the years.
He is a second-generation farmer whose family purchased the farm in 1979, making a significant move from Southland. Initially focusing on sheep and beef, their journey took an interesting twist in the mid-1980s when they transitioned to sheep and deer farming, just before the grape boom.
This podcast shares intriguing insights into the evolution of Marlborough's farming landscape. With grapes becoming the crop of choice in the early 2000s, many farms underwent changes in ownership, transitioning into corporate hands. Justin's family resilience and commitment have kept their farm thriving over the last four decades.
One of the key reasons they thrive is their adoption of cutting-edge technology. Stevens discusses the implementation of technology on his farm, driven by the need to enhance traceability and maintain quality control for the velvet harvested from his deer.
He elaborates on the VelTrak system, which has been a game-changer for him and other farmers. VelTrak introduces electronic tracking of velvet through barcode and RFID UHF chip-equipped tags. Justin explains how this innovation simplifies processes, replacing manual record-keeping with automated, efficient tracking systems.
The VelTrak system's ability to rapidly trace velvet throughout the supply chain in response to any safety or biosecurity concerns is a remarkable advancement, aligning with industry regulations and market demands.
Advancements like this contribute to New Zealand's commitment to sustainable farming and meeting global food safety requirements.
Beyond technology, he shares an intriguing aspect of Marlborough's farming landscape. Despite the region's reputation for Sauvignon Blanc production, livestock is making a comeback. He reveals how his deer graze through the vineyards at specific times of the year. This trend is not limited to his farm, as you'll now spot sheep grazing in vineyards across the region post-harvest.
Listen to the podcast to hear the full interview.
Angus Kebbell is the Producer at Tailwind Media. You can contact him here.
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