12/06/2026
What have our Jeff Farm cadets been up to lately?
Over the past month the cadets have been involved in a huge range of practical farming activities and training opportunities across the farm.
They've completed chainsaw training through Mike Hurring Logging, gaining NCEA credits while developing valuable skills they'll carry throughout their farming careers.
In the paddock, they've been busy with deer weaning, heifer vaccinations, fencing off waterways, ewe mating, and assisting with winter stock management planning. They've also been busy in the classroom ticking off Primary ITO fencing training, combining practical skills with formal learning.
The cadets have attended bull sales to learn more about cattle genetics, selection and purchasing decisions, while continuing to grow out and finish our prime cattle. Another 40 cattle headed out the gate this week, a great result for the team.
Crop yields have been measured, winter grazing plans completed, and all remaining lambs left the farm last month. A massive achievement this season was selling approximately 80% of the 2025-born lamb crop prime (excluding replacements), despite the ongoing challenge of managing triple drench resistance on farm.
One of the things we're most proud of at Jeff Farm is giving cadets exposure to the wider picture of farming. Alongside practical skills, they gain insight into how management decisions around stock, feed, genetics, environment and farm systems all contribute to the success of the business.
Now, as ewe mating draws to an end, we begin shearing the ewes and transitioning stock onto winter crops.
Bring on the silly string season! 🐑
