Castlepoint Station

11/11/2025

Not a bad view to start the day. Today’s job mustering more cows and calves forward for calf marking.

04/04/2025

Massive congratulations to George Parke, an exceptional young man who we have no doubt will go a long way in the industry

Huge congratulations to our shepherd of the year winner for 2025! Liam Herbert - Ongaha (right) 🏆

Also a big congratulations to Runner up George Parke - Castlepoint Station (left)

Another year of the competition all wrapped up. Well done to all who entered, it’s not easy putting yourself out there! Awesome to see quality young shepherds coming through.

17/01/2025

Stock Shifts this morning at Castlepoint Station.. can’t complain about the view on a calm Friday morning.
Things have defiantly greened up in the last few weeks.
Photo credit Jeff Haldane

17/12/2024

To put it bluntly, of 11 agricultural workplace fatalities in 2023, 45% of those happened in November and December. Eight of those 11 people were over 50.

This December, we want nothing more than for you to be home safe for Christmas and be able to enjoy some slower summer days with the family. Sadly, those working in high-risk industries (of which agriculture is one) are also now entering into one of the most dangerous times of the year.

We covered this topic in depth in the past weekends AgLetter but in summary:

💤 Get enough sleep. Waking up early to beat the heat can be detrimental if you aren't getting that time back during other parts of the day

🍺 Don't get carried away with the booze. We know it's the festive season but making decisions, getting restorative sleep and operating heavy machinery doesn't mix well with alcohol.

🐢 Don't rush. We know you have pressures from every angle, dinners to attend, family at home, but safety and slowing down trumps the risk that rushing can bring.

📱 Be aware of distractions within yourself and your team. Focus on the task at hand, put the phone down.

💦 Drink 2-3 litres of water a day! More if outside working in the heat. Add electrolytes if you feel you need something more and are sweating regularly.

🗣️ Check in on your mates and look out for unusual behaviour.

Feel yourself getting overwhelmed? Stand still for a few moments and really take some deep long breaths. Hyperventiliation or long periods of shallow breathing can really add to the feelings of stress and anxiety - don't knock it until you've tried it!

A few seconds of thought or planning can save days, weeks, months or a lifetime of harm for you, your family or your team.

Stay safe team.

28/11/2024

It’s currently a busy old time on the station with weaning well under way.
Some early starts and long days, the team will be well and truly looking forward to a break over Christmas.

17/10/2024

Gem has been FOUND HAPPY AND SAFE MISSING- Gem the Hunterway is missing from Castlepoint Station last seen on the station on Thur 19th Oct.
She’s very friendly and approachable.
If anyone sees her please contact Caleb Higgs 027 843 7132