Generational Family Farms in New Zealand Listed for Sale

Several historic family farms in New Zealand are now on the market, marking the end of an era for their owners who are struggling to find suitable successors. The listings include David and Elizabeth Smith’s Wendon Valley farm in Waikaka, operational since 1885, and Bill and Pam McCall’s Viewfield Farm in Waikoikoi, which has been in the family for 113 years.

End of Generational Farming

In the past month, the trend has continued with the announcement of Allan and Noeline Smith’s Bracken Hill farm, located just five minutes northeast of Gore, now also for sale. This farm has been in the Smith family for 150 years. Noeline Smith shared her sentiments with the Otago Daily Times, describing the decision as bittersweet. She emphasized the lack of a family member suited to take over the farm as a significant factor in their decision to sell.

“We don’t have a family member that’s ideally suited to take it over and that is a very sad thing for us,” Noeline Smith said. After farming the property for 60 years, she and her husband, both in their 80s, have decided to step away from the land. She noted that the challenges of modern farming, along with advice from industry conferences, led them to this conclusion. “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.

Challenges in the Farming Sector

Allan Smith pointed to the declining sheep industry as a reason their children have chosen not to pursue farming. “We all love sheep, but you still have to have money, don’t you, to run a farm?” he remarked. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Smith, who is unrelated to the Smiths of Bracken Hill, also shared her experience, stating that despite having five daughters, the desire to continue the family farming legacy was not present among them. She expressed a desire to enjoy retirement with her husband, who purchased their 299-hectare property from his parents in 1988.

“It would be hard for us to say goodbye to our farm, especially for my husband, but we can’t stay there forever,” Elizabeth Smith said. The couple hopes to travel and spend time with their grandchildren in their retirement years.

Peter Gardyne, who leased Bracken Hill after Allan Smith suffered a heart attack nearly five years ago, noted that the current market conditions are more favorable than in previous years, suggesting it may be a good time to sell.

As these family farms transition out of generational hands, the future of farming in this region remains uncertain. The stories of the Smiths and the McCalls highlight the emotional weight of these decisions and the changing landscape of agriculture in New Zealand.