Family Farms in New Zealand Listed for Sale After Generations

Several longstanding family farms in New Zealand have recently been put up for sale, marking the end of an era for their owners. The decision to sell stems from a lack of suitable successors to continue the family farming traditions, leaving many owners feeling a deep sense of loss.

David and Elizabeth Smith have placed their Wendon Valley farm in Waikaka on the market after being in the family since 1885. Their farm was listed at the end of September, a significant moment for the family that has cultivated the land for generations. Similarly, Bill and Pam McCall have decided to sell Viewfield Farm in Waikoikoi, which has been in their family for 113 years.

Just a week later, Allan and Noeline Smith announced that their Bracken Hill farm, located five minutes northeast of Gore, was also for sale. This property has been associated with the Smith family for nearly 150 years. Noeline Smith shared with the Otago Daily Times that after farming the property for six decades, she and her husband, both in their 80s, found themselves with no family member suitably prepared to take over. She expressed her sadness, stating, “We don’t have a family member that’s ideally suited to take it over, and that is a very sad thing for us.”

The couple’s decision comes amid challenges in the farming industry. Noeline cited advice from various farming conferences, indicating that if there isn’t a qualified family member to inherit the farm, it may be wiser not to pass it down. “The advice we’d been given… is, if you haven’t got somebody within the family that’s ideally suited for it, do not leave it or encourage them to take it on,” she explained.

Allan Smith pointed to the ongoing struggles in the sheep industry as a key reason for their children’s disinterest in pursuing farming. He noted, “We all love sheep, but you still have to have money, don’t you, to run a farm?” The reality reflects broader trends in agriculture, where financial viability plays a significant role in succession planning.

Elizabeth Smith, who is not related to Allan and Noeline, also shared her family’s experience. Along with her husband, they have five daughters, and she noted that even if they had a son, he might not have chosen farming either. In their 60s, the couple is looking towards retirement, intending to travel and spend time with their grandchildren. “It would be hard for us to say goodbye to our 299ha property, especially for my husband, who bought it from his parents in 1988,” she said. “But we can’t stay there forever.”

As these farms change hands, the local community reflects on the significance of these long-held properties. Peter Gardyne, who has been leasing Bracken Hill since Allan Smith suffered a heart attack nearly five years ago, pointed out that the current market conditions are more favorable than in previous years, making it an opportune time to sell.

The sale of these generational farms underscores a poignant shift in New Zealand’s agricultural landscape, where family legacies are being traded for new beginnings. As the farming community grapples with these transitions, questions about the future of agriculture in the region remain at the forefront.