Tamar Farm

31/07/2026

Calf rearing 2026 is underway. This year Chrissie will not be doing calves for the first time in 33 years 😳 but no doubt she will still be hanging around the calf sheds to prevent any withdrawal symptoms 😂.

23/07/2026

Congratulations to all the team at Bessie for making it into the Michelin Guide. We are very proud to supply Tamar beef to this wonderful restaurant.

Thank you to Carly Gooch and the team at The Press for the recent feature on Bessie.

We're grateful for the coverage and the thoughtful read on our journey to Michelin Guide Select.

If you're a Press subscriber, take a look.

The Press

16/07/2026

I have been meaning to share this for awhile. Always great to hear feedback about our wonderful meat…

Afternoon Richard & Chrissie, I felt I had to message & give you all a big compliment in regards to your Red Devon beef that Ellesmere Butchery sells. We held, as the hosts, the annual AGM for the Red Devon Association on 23rd May at our farm on Banks Peninsula, along with a stud walk. For a very special treat for lunch I had made by a very dear Cornish friend - Pasties, made with your Red Devon Chuck steak purchased from Ellesmere Butchery - 5kg of it !! Our pasty maker said that this was THE BEST beef that she had ever used for making pasties. All the pasties were well received that day by all of us... So. just a thank you for producing such heavenly beef. Thanks, regards Holdstock Family -Ellesmere Red Devons

16/07/2026

The farm teams all met last night at the Staveley Ice Rink for some fun on the ice, sausages, and toasted marshmallows.

03/07/2026

Tamar’s Biggest Bulb competition weigh in today! Results as follows-

1st place Josh with 9.85kgs
2nd place Neil with 9.52kgs
3rd place Sherwin with 9.19kgs

Children’s section
1st place Emerson with 6.09kgs
2nd place Wade with 5.44kgs

Richard will be in touch with the prizes 🙂
Thanks to everyone for entering.

These results show why we won the Mid Canterbury Winter Feed Competition with our Swedes. What whoppers!! 🫜

17/06/2026

03/03/2026

And calving has commenced for 2026 for the Devons ❤️

16/02/2026

Exciting Farm Career Opportunity – Work & Grow with a Progressive Family Business
📍 Location: Near Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury
📅 Start Date: April 2026
Tamar Farm is offering an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled stockperson to join our dedicated team on a 1,000 ha drystock farm, part of our 2,000 ha award-winning farming operation in Mid Canterbury.

This is not just another farming job—it’s a career step in a progressive, multi-generational business that values its people and invests in their growth. Tamar Farm has a strong track record of supporting the right people towards their work and business goals. If you’re passionate about livestock, pasture management, and sustainable farming, this could be the opportunity that shapes your future.

The Role
We are looking for an all-rounder with strong skills in:
✔ Stockmanship – a deep understanding of livestock care and handling
✔ Pasture Management – experience with dry matter measuring and feed allocation
✔ Fencing & General Farm Maintenance – ensuring the property is well-maintained and productive
✔ Attention to Detail – playing a crucial role in executing feed budgets and stock rotation plans
✔ Strong Communication Skills – working collaboratively in a close-knit, family-run team
You will be stepping into a role where your passion for livestock and farming will be valued and nurtured. With a focus on quality stock production and sustainable land management, you will be working in a business that prides itself on progressive farming practices.

The Perks
🏡 On-Farm Housing – A well-maintained home with an established garden and stunning views of the Southern Alps
🎓 Family-Friendly – School buses to local schools stop at the farm gate
🌿 A Supportive Work Environment – Be part of a family business that values career progression and provides opportunities to develop within the industry

About Tamar Farm
Tamar Farm is a multi-enterprise agricultural operation that includes beef, dairy, and cropping, with a strong focus on Red Devon beef production. We are self-sufficient in stock replacements and grazing, ensuring a productive and profitable farming system.
Our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has earned us recognition as a forward-thinking, responsible farming operation. Set between two rivers and framed by the stunning Southern Alps, Tamar Farm provides an ideal setting for both stock and people to thrive.
As a family business, we believe in fostering talent, supporting succession in farming, and creating opportunities for people who want to build a future in the industry.

Apply Now
If you’re looking for a career-defining role in a progressive, family-focused farming business, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 Expressions of Interest Welcome – please send your CV to [email protected]

13/01/2026

We are very proud to have been selected as a finalist in the 2026 ANZ Business of the Year awards for Excellence in Primary Industries.

• Date & time: Friday 20th February 2026, 6pm
• Venue: Ashburton Aviation Museum
• Tickets: https://www.businessoftheyear.nz/

19/12/2025

TAMAR PARTY IN THE PADDOCK 2025

We would like to thank everyone for all the support we had for this year’s event. Particular thanks to the fantastic performers who kept us entertained for 12 hours! Thanks also for the support from the many locals and businesses - without you, we wouldn’t have been able to run this festival.

Shout out to the following-

Methven and Mayfield Lions clubs
Methven and Mayfield A & P associations
ACL
Robsons
Young Electrical
GSI Insurance
Harmer Earthmoving
Amy Honeywell
Aoraki Balloons
The food vendors and kids entertainment

We had a lot more people camping this year which was great, but unfortunately we were down on total people from the previous year. It seems everyone who attended had an enjoyable day.

We are proud to be donating $15,000 to the Opuke Innovation Hub.

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026