On-farm Research, Hastings
Poukawa Research Farm is a 290 hectares dryland farm (750 mm annual rainfall) located 14 km south of Hastings. The farm operates a 50:50 sheep cattle ratio. 800 ewes are mated to a terminal ram with all lambs finished. 50 cows are mated to a wagyu bull and all stock finished. Flexibility is maintained with winter trade lambs purchased and killed at heavy weights in spring and cull dairy cows purchased in early winter and slaughtered in early summer once clean-up duties are finished. Contour ranges from flat to moderately steep with a mix of north and south facing slopes. Approximately 80% of the property is cultivatable and approximately 25 hectares are used for early season dryland squash.