Country Calendar Spotlights Cheviot Farm After a Decade

The long-running television series, Hyundai Country Calendar, returned to Cheviot, North Canterbury, to profile Louisa Harmer and her family ten years after its initial visit. This week, as the series concludes for the year, viewers will see how much has changed since Harmer was first featured alongside her grandfather, Graham McClintock, at the age of 18.

Since that first episode aired, Harmer has taken significant steps in her farming career. Following her grandfather’s passing, she and her husband, Brett Harmer, acquired the sheep and beef farm. Reflecting on the experience, Harmer expressed her excitement about the program’s return, noting the opportunity to showcase her life today, which includes a young family and a thriving farm business.

“My grandfather was very old-school in the way he operated,” Harmer said. “While we have modernized, I treasure the lessons he taught me.” The couple, who now have a son and a daughter, balance their farm responsibilities with running an earthmoving business and Harmer’s job in commercial fuel sales.

Harmer hopes that their story will inspire young people, particularly women, to consider careers in agriculture. “I had someone I looked up to in the farming industry, and I want to show others that if you have the drive, you can succeed,” she added. The couple aims to demonstrate that hard work can lead to fulfilling opportunities.

In the latest episode, viewers will witness the Harmer family enlisting the help of friends and family for their annual sheep tailing event, a highlight of their farming calendar. “We rely heavily on our community because hiring crews is prohibitively expensive,” Harmer explained. The event has grown into a festive gathering, with around 50 to 60 participants from various locations volunteering their time to help.

To make it a memorable occasion, Harmer’s father, Jeff, offers helicopter rides to guests. The family has introduced fun themes and activities, turning the sheep tailing into a much-anticipated event. “We joke about selling tickets for it because it has become such a popular occasion,” Harmer said.

In addition to her involvement with Hyundai Country Calendar, Harmer has appeared on other television shows, including Survivor NZ and Hunting Aotearoa. Known for her adventurous spirit, she embraces new opportunities with enthusiasm. “I’m always willing to try new things,” she remarked.

As the episode airs on TVNZ 1 this Sunday, Harmer’s story serves not only as a testament to her growth but also highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the evolving landscape of modern farming. The Harmer family’s journey underscores that with dedication and support, anything is possible in the world of agriculture.