Their third and largest farm is the 1320ha coastal block at Cape Campbell and this draws most of their attention.
Just south of Lake Grassmere, this hill property runs a 2600 commercial ewe flock, 160 Angus and Angus/Hereford breeding cows and stud ewes.
The flock is Corriedale/Poll Dorset/ Texel-cross with some pure Corriedales, a vestige of when Rob’s parents John and Jill farmed halfbreds.
Rob’s parents bought the first block in 1973 and added on to it as neighbouring land came up for sale. Rob has managed Cape Campbell with Sally since the mid 1990s.
Anyone sailing the coastline can spot the farm, lying south of the distinctive black and white lighthouse.
The farm is traditional (40ha up to 120ha blocks) with danthonia, ryegrass, cocksfoot and sweet vernal pastures. There is a show of subterranean clover – Mt Barker does best – and some plantain and white clover in the wetter areas.
While some farmers might be tempted to reach for the tractor keys, the fencing contractor’s number and seed bags, the Peters’ system produces fantastic birth-toweaning lamb growth rates the way it is.
In 2012 90% of single lambs were weaned at 12 weeks at an average weight of 21kg carcaseweight (CW). Twin lambs killed at 19.8kg at 14 weeks. This is at a winter stocking rate of 4.5 stock units/ha.
About 50% of the farm can take a tractor but further subdivision and pasture renewal, including feed crops, has not been a huge priority for Rob – about 20ha were cultivated in 2013.
He prefers a low labour input system and salt-damage to wires increases subdivision upkeep costs. It works and fits in with the other two farm businesses, he said.
The three farms are run with three people – Rob Peter and Lane Spence work full time, while Sally is part-time. Brent McClintock helps at busy times.
While some farmers might be tempted to reach for the tractor keys, the fencing contractor’s number and seed bags, the Peters’ system produces fantastic birth-to-weaning lamb growth rates the way
it is.
Maintenance levels of superphosphate have been applied to half the property each year.
Cape Campbell holds the somewhat dubious record of the driest three months (9mm) and six months (52mm) on record in New Zealand.
Rob describes a wet year as 1000mm and average as 550mm. Despite the variation, it’s normal to dry off by Christmas.
The property has been on the market in the past.
At this stage Rob and Sally are still enthused and are focusing on making the most of the great early lamb potential of the farm.
Rob has always enjoyed experimenting with different sheep breeding ideas and this year the couple will travel to France and Germany to look at Merino flocks.
Cape Campbell is a stunning place to farm, with 10km of coast and views of the North Island and Kaikoura mountains.
The Peters’ have recognised its appeal and have diversified into tourism. Together with neighbours Kevin and Carol Loe they set up the Cape Campbell Track, a four-day tramp which explores the coastline, old lighthouse and farmscapes.
Sally and Rob were pioneers in using their own superfine wool for yarn production, launching the Isolation range in 1996. Their Merino wool is used to create luxurious baby and children’s garments.
Sally runs the operation which uses nine knitters around NZ. Sales are predominately via the internet although she sells at Blenheim’s Cherub and Geraldine’s Country Rumours stores, as well as the Culverden fete. The biggest seller is still the blankets, cherished as heirloom gifts.
Sally is scaling this business down because she wants to spend more time out working on the farm with her dogs. She is also very involved with the Flaxbourne Museum in Ward, working with three other locals to document and display local history.
Rob’s and Sally’s three boys are currently pursuing other interests outside farming.
Tom is a builder in Marlborough, Joseph is a hunting and mountain guide on the West Coast glaciers while Jimmy has just finished school and is off on his OE.
Repeat success
Cows and trading cattle graze hill pastures all year around. Rob prefers to spend less money on labour and not breakfeed hills or use crops.
