Working The Farm
Sheep Flock
Our sheep breed is Headwaters, which is a composite breed of Perendale, Finn, Texel and Romney. This is a hardy breed of sheep that is self-sufficient on our pastures while they graze the hill blocks for majority of the year. The lambs are raised on a special type of plant called chicory, which expresses the Omega 3 qualities in the meat. Lumina Lamb has strict criteria to ensure its consistency and quality. Currently our lamb is exported across the world and chefs can’t get enough of it.
The lambs are shorn in January, and their clip is used to produce 100% NZ Wool Jerseys at Stoney Creek. Check out their products here, for warm and hard-wearing outdoor clothing.
Beef Herd
Beef cows play a crucial role at Quartz Hill. They are a tough hardy animal and can help clear a path through the snow for our sheep. Our sire bulls are selected for their meat-eating attributes, including IMF (inter muscular fat). This helps us to be included in the Award winning 55-day aged beef programme with Alliance Group. The offspring are born on the hill, and are then transferred down to Valehead, which is an irrigated property, where they are fed better quality grass.
Deer Farming
Our deer are right at home at Quartz Hill. They were originally caught off the surrounding hills with a helicopter by Georgie’s father Colin in the 1980’s. The natural vegetation on the hill, provides the perfect environment for young born fawns. We produce high quality Venison and great Velvet as they suit the grass growth curve of the station’s climate.
Dilloway Dairy Farm
600 cows are farmed at our dairy farm ‘Dilloway’ in Dunsandel, 30min drive from Quartz Hill. The farm is irrigated with pivots and the cows wear Allflex collars to give us accurate recordings on their health, so we can make sure they are performing at their optimum. At calving time some of the offspring are Fresian, Angus Cross which allows a good portion of the calves to be reared as beef cross animals and therefore enhancing our sustainable record.
Crop Farming
Due to the high country climate Quartz Hill has no grass growth during the winter months and therefore grows specialised crops to feed our animals over winter. In addition to this Valehead grows a variety of complex crops which include; barley, peas, hybrid radish and red clover seed.
Technology & Sustainability
As part of our role as farmers we are always looking to expand our knowledge and operate the business in the best possible way. Quartz Hill was one of the first farms in New Zealand to gain FAP Plus gold certification.
We engage in field days and always have an open mind towards new technology that may enhance our operation.