Organic Flats
An opportunity to diversify
Known for their entrepreneurial approach to the land, fifth, and sixth generation Gordons, Angus and Tom have always looked for ways to diversify their land and stamp Clifton Station with modern initiatives.
Following a weather bomb in 2011 which saw widespread flooding throughout Hawke’s Bay and left Clifton Station’s organic flats buried under half a metre of silt, the Gordons learnt first-hand through hard work and perseverance that land can recover.
Today, Clifton Station’s 30 hectares of organic coastal flats are double cropped. Growing rich pasture for lamb fattening throughout the winter months. Before being irrigated and leased by Bostock brothers Ben and George over summer, who grow their own supply of organic maize used as feed at their Hawke’s Bay based organic chicken farm.
Double cropping has not only provided the Gordons an opportunity to diversify, but helps to future proof the soil from future wind and water erosion events.
Wiltshire Breeding Programme
Self shedding sheep – The way of the future
Originally from England, the large, white faced Wiltshire sheep was first bought to New Zealand in the 1970s.
With the increasing cost of shearing and dismal wool prices, sixth generation farmer Tom saw the benefits of grazing Wiltshire Sheep at Clifton Station.
Commonly known as a hardy breed with the ability to shed its fleece without human intervention. A consistently lighter fleece provides the sheep more energy to produce its meat, which enables Clifton Station to raise large, lean lambs early.
Cattle Breeding Programme
Breeding New Zealand’s best
Roaming freely on rolling hill pastures and coastal flats, Clifton Station’s cattle graze on lush, nutrient rich grass all year round.
With a vision to breed and raise the finest cattle, the Gordon family’s reputable farming knowledge and ongoing skilful assessments ensure the interaction between the land and stock remains symbiotic.
Following the breeding programme based on the genetics from the Rissington cattle company, Clifton Station breeds high-quality Angus cattle for the global weaner market.
Pine Carbon Credits
An effective use of unproductive land
With much of Clifton Station sitting atop rugged cliffs and steep gorges, carbon farming through the planting of Radiata pine has become an effective way to utilise low productive land areas that are prone to erosion and not fit for grazing stock.
Providing the Gordon family an opportunity to diversify the land while promoting financial resilience, Carbon farming compliments their vision of enhancing the ecosystem and reducing the Stations carbon footprint.
Regenerative Farming
A commitment to improvement
Before human settlement, Clifton Station was a thriving natural ecosystem, boasting deep gullies of native trees including Karaka, Titoki, and Rewa Rewas, teeming with native birdlife and insects.
Although each generation of Gordons have successfully maintained and improved the land in momentous ways, current farmers Tom and Angus are making their mark. Transitioning from many traditional farming practices to a system of regenerative farming principles that increase biodiversity, enriches soil, improves water shed and enhances the Stations ecosystem.
With the support from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Clifton Station has had four kilometre of river frontage and gorges fenced off to date, with the aim of protecting the regenerated native bush.
Carrying historically less stock and with an ongoing planting program in place, which focusses on planting the most appropriate species suited to Clifton Station, the journey to improving the health of the land and the waterways at Clifton Station has only just begun.
