Tamar Farm

Tamar Farm Tamar Farm is a 2000 ha farm near Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury. Tamar Farm is 2000 hectares near Mt Somers in the Mid Canterbury foothills.

The farm was originally six adjoining properties and is set between two rivers. Predominately all grass with 57ha of fodder crops and 250ha of winter crops. There are three dairy units operated by sharemilkers milking a total of 3400 cows.

1250ha of the farm is irrigated by centre pivots, laterals and rotorainers using water from the BCI and ALIL schemes, and from a farm storage pond. The Stock

The dairy herds are predominately Friesian/Friesian Cross. Production last season was 1,569,457 kgs/MS

1360 calves were reared this spring. 737 are dairy replacement heifers. Approx 40 jersey bulls which are used for heifer mating following AI. The remainder are Devon Cross heifers which will be fattened for prime beef. We have herd of 300 Red Devon cows These calve in autumn. The Red Devon beef is sold as prime cuts to local restaurants, at farmers markets and direct from the farm gate. The area
The nearest main town, Ashburton, is 32 kms. Mt Somers is 8kms away and has a shop, primary school (to year 8), pub, garage, church, a top class restaurant, and sporting facilities including rugby club, squash club, tennis, netball & ice skating rink. Mt Somers is well known for its walkways and, Mt Hutt ski field is only 20 minutes away, and can be seen from the farm. The climate
Although mostly temperate can be hot and dry during December/January with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. In winter snow can be expected most years. Generally winter is reasonably dry with frosts followed by sunny days. Rainfall is approx 820ml (33 inches) per annum. Summary
We have a completely self contained closed farming system. With all replacements and winter grazing on farm. A great team spirit throughout, with attention to detail being foremost.

And calving has commenced for 2026 for the Devons ❤️
03/03/2026

And calving has commenced for 2026 for the Devons ❤️

Exciting Farm Career Opportunity – Work & Grow with a Progressive Family Business📍 Location: Near Mt Somers, Mid Canterb...
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]

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

TAMAR PARTY IN THE PADDOCK 2025We would like to thank everyone for all the support we had for this year’s event.  Partic...
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

Wonderful to get everyone together last night for our farm Christmas Party.  Thanks guys and girls for all your hard wor...
18/12/2025

Wonderful to get everyone together last night for our farm Christmas Party. Thanks guys and girls for all your hard work this year. What a fantastic team !

26/11/2025
How great are these photos taken by a very clever local, Lucy Schikker on Saturday night at the Tamar Party in the Paddo...
24/11/2025

How great are these photos taken by a very clever local, Lucy Schikker on Saturday night at the Tamar Party in the Paddock.

18/11/2025

The Tamar Party in the Paddock returns to Mt Somers this Saturday, bringing a full day of country music, community spirit and relaxed rural fun to Tamar Farm. Running from 12 pm to 12 am on November 22, the homegrown festival is shaping up to be one of Mid Canterbury’

Mt Somers, a beautiful backdrop to Tamar ❤️
14/11/2025

Mt Somers, a beautiful backdrop to Tamar ❤️

Tamar Farm is so proud to be helping do what we can to support this great project.  Watch this video for more insite int...
07/11/2025

Tamar Farm is so proud to be helping do what we can to support this great project. Watch this video for more insite into what the Opuke Innovation Hub actually is.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Excited to have Molly playing at this year’s Party in the Paddock
02/10/2025

Excited to have Molly playing at this year’s Party in the Paddock

*****INTRODUCING OUR TOP 2 SONGWRITER FINALISTS - MOLLY HARRISON *****

16 year old Molly Harrison is a singer/songwriter from Ashburton, a member of the Silverpeaks Country Music Club, and is proud to be
representing South Waikato Awards in the Songwriter Section.

Her first taste of country music competitions saw her as NZ Gold Guitar Junior Runner-up in 2021, and since then she hasn’t looked back.
2024 saw her graduate from the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, Australia, and as an Entertainer of the Year finalist.
Molly attends Sole Music Academy in Christchurch studying songwriting and music business studies, plus a student of Starbound Studios in Timaru under the guidance of Sheryl & Al Bradley – and completing year a 12 schooling.

Molly has had numerous performance opportunities, including opening
for multi award winning country artist Liam Kennedy-Clark and also takes part in local theatre productions.
Influenced by Stevie Nicks, Molly sees herself as portraying a country/folk style.

Address

511 Lochheads Road, R D 1
Ashburton
7771

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