Equity Partnership Opportunity in Innovative Sheep Dairy Operation

We’re seeking a passionate and committed partner to join us in our journey of developing the first sheep dairy farm in the Manawatu. Our 114ha farm, which includes 70ha dedicated to the sheep operation, is situated on a lovely property very close to Palmerston North and includes several ridges, creeks, and a 5ha block of fully fenced, predator-free native bush. We have plans to plant alternative tree species and/or native bush, with a view of become carbon neutral, in time. After converting the existing dairy herringbone shed into a 24-aside sheep milking facility and making a good start on improving the farm’s infrastructure, we are on the verge of production and beginning to deliver to the three year supply contract we have secured.

Our farm and business is driven by a balance of environmental and economic sustainability. We are motivated to build a profitable business through the direct supply of our product to local, quality-focused customers. With a background in research and development, particularly in export markets, we’re excited to leverage the health benefits of sheep dairy (including its very high protein, calcium levels and digestibility) and be part of creating a transparent supply chain to be proud of. We are open to transitioning to certified organic farming, should market demand align, and have been breeding our sheep mob for worm tolerance and easy care in preparation. As we become established, a focus will also be on developing a brand, building a digital audience, and exploring processing options to support the growth of the industry in our region.

We are actively seeking an equity partner to bring fresh energy and operational expertise to the farm. We are getting older, we can see limits to what we’ll physically be able to give to the farm in coming years, and we have a desire to focus on supply chain development. With this in mind, we’re looking for someone who shares our interest and excitement in this challenge, and who would like to apply themselves to leading the farm operation. We understand the challenges many younger farmers face in accessing capital - we have been there, ourselves - and so we are committed to creating a pathway for an ambitious partner to grow their ownership stake in the business over time, with a view of taking it over one day.

We consider our farm a wonderful place to raise a family. We have an excellent primary school very close by, and there are plans underway for a new high school to be built in town. Our location lends itself to a very short commute into Palmerston North, should any family members have a desire to have an off-farm job and income.

A dwelling has been relocated to the farm and plans are in motion for it to be connected to services and renovated. Our farm’s zoning allows us to subdivide further, so an opportunity exists for the incoming party to take ownership of this housing development in view of it becoming a value-add project and a divestable asset for them. All to be discussed.

The ideal partner will have a passion for day-to-day farm operations. We’re flexible with timing and open to discussing the details of the partnership, with the support of appropriate advisors. Ideally, an incoming partner would contribute between $500K and $1M to secure a 25% share in the business, with options to explore sweat equity and profit-sharing arrangements.

If you’re driven to grow a niche farming business, share our values, and are ready to take on an exciting opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.