When Cyclone Gabrielle struck New Zealand's East Coast in 2023, Jamie and Nicky Gaddum had to rethink more than how they farmed. They reshaped the whole business, from production to the route their premium meat takes to the consumer, Farmers Weekly reports.

Their three-property Matangi operation now spans 865 hectares across Atua, Oakley and Matangi, producing premium grass-fed Angus beef and chicory-finished lamb sold under the Matangi Prime Meat banner.

The biggest change was bringing the supply chain in-house. A purpose-built butchery, fully operational since March 2024, gives the family control over processing, dry-ageing, orders and distribution, and has opened the way to selling directly to chefs and consumers.

Technology supports the decisions: breeding cows are monitored, drones are used, and fertiliser is applied with greater precision. Direct drilling protects soil structure, extensive erosion control is in place, and about 3,000 native seedlings have been planted every year since 2018 to strengthen the landscape for the long term.

Solar-powered stock-water systems have allowed waterways to be fenced off from stock, and engineered sediment traps manage run-off. A closed breeding herd supports biosecurity, with animal welfare and low-stress handling central to the system. That mix of innovation, environmental care and commercial thinking earned Matangi the title of 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards East Coast Supreme Champion.

Nicky Gaddum said putting the business up for scrutiny felt daunting, but the awards process pushed the family to understand their farming system better and explain why they do what they do. The National Showcase in Christchurch, she said, connected them with farmers across the country and reminded her of the innovation, passion and optimism running through New Zealand agriculture.

Source: Farmers Weekly NZ