Steve & Mary live in the higher country of the northern Manawatu, North Island, New Zealand and have been farming together for over 50 years. They have specialsed in breeding Texels since 1991, when they were first released to NZ farmers.
They sold their farm in 2007 and retained 35 acres, continue with a small flock of Texel sheep and stud rams. The property is 2000 feet (600 meters) above sea level and experiences occasional snow around the house. The summers are fairly short and the farm generally stays green. It is what you call “safe” summer country.
For several years, Steve and his brother Ross (Jock) have been closely involved in the development of the Texel breeding program. They have worked together on various aspects, including artificial insemination (AI), exchanging rams, and sharing innovative breeding ideas to enhance the quality and performance of their flocks. Their team work has played a key role in refining their approach to Texel breeding.
Jock and Donna manage a sheep and beef farm situated about 15 minutes north-east of Apiti, in the heart of northern Manawatu. The property is nestled in a region characterized by its rugged and hilly terrain, which gradually ascends into the dramatic Ruahine Ranges.
Over the years, Jock and Donna have focused on cultivating a flock of Texels, with a long-term goal of developing a purebred Texel herd.
Texels have proven to be an ideal fit for the demanding hill- country environment, where they perform exceptionally well. Their resilience and adaptability to tougher conditions make them particularly suited to the challenging landscape.
The sheep thrive on the farm’s steeper slopes and rugged pastures, contributing to the success of the breeding program in this sometimes harsh but rewarding setting.
Steve and Mary have three sons. Hamish and Amy live near Clinton, South Otago, where they run a sheep and beef farm. They have a daughter, Maddie, and two sons, Tuvia and Luke. Pete, a licensed builder, resides in Christchurch with Amanda, where they own a building business called Ethos Homes. They have four children: Niko, Asael, Samara, and Bjorn. Dave and Miriam, along with their children Saoirse, Quilan, and Seamus, live on Craigmore Station in Timaru, where Dave works as the general manager. Mary retired from her nursing career in March 2023 after 29 years of dedicated service.
Jock with three Texel rams
Click on the button below to view an article about us in the July 2025 edition of the Manawatu Farming Lifestyles paper. The article is on pages six and seven
