Imagine pouring your heart and soul into the land, nurturing it, and watching it thrive, only to realize that owning that very land might be an impossible dream. That's the stark reality facing many young farmers in New Zealand today. The traditional path to farm ownership is becoming increasingly difficult, leaving a generation caught in a cycle of hard work with limited prospects of building their own agricultural legacy.
On a picturesque farm south of Auckland, Cam Clayton, a dedicated 30-year-old, spends his days breeding sheep and cattle. He works in tandem with his expertly trained dogs, surveying the rolling hills and lush gullies of the Waikato region, an area close to his heart. "I have the best office, with the best views," he proudly declares.
Cam is part of a changing landscape in New Zealand's agricultural sector. Official data reveals a concerning trend: the number of farms has been steadily declining. From a robust 70,336 in 2002, the count plummeted to 47,250 two decades later – a staggering 33% decrease. This isn't just about numbers; it represents a significant shift in the fabric of rural New Zealand. The total land area dedicated to farming has also shrunk by 15% during the same period. This contraction could be attributed to various factors, including land development for housing, forestry or businesses, and consolidation of smaller farms into larger, more commercially focused enterprises.
New Zealand has historically been an agricultural powerhouse, and dairy, meat, kiwifruit, and apples remain crucial exports. You might think this success translates to prosperity for all farmers, but here's where it gets controversial... While the overall number of farms has decreased, some have evolved into massive operations. For instance, Fonterra, New Zealand's farmer-owned dairy cooperative, recently sold its consumer businesses to French dairy giant Lactalis for nearly NZ$4 billion (US$2.3 billion). This showcases the increasing corporatization of the agricultural sector. But does this consolidation truly benefit the individual farmer?
Despite record-high dairy prices, the traditional path to farm ownership is becoming increasingly challenging for young farmers like Cam. Traditionally, aspiring farmers would manage a farm owned by someone else, earning a share of the profits while diligently saving to purchase their own land. And this is the part most people miss... Land prices have skyrocketed, forcing prospective owners to save for longer periods and seek additional income streams outside of farming. The dream of owning a smaller, starter farm is slipping away.
Cam laments, "Someone buys the neighbor's farm, then the next neighbor. Suddenly, you have a portfolio of five farms, and Joe Bloggs, the young farmer, can't buy a 150-cow farm to get started." He currently leases the land he farms, highlighting the precarious situation many young farmers find themselves in. "You have to be really passionate and in it for the long haul," he emphasizes, suggesting that perseverance and unwavering dedication are essential for navigating these challenges.
Cheyne Gilooly, the chief executive of the Young Farmers club, a 98-year-old organization connecting people across New Zealand, echoes this sentiment. The rising cost of land and the difficulty of securing financing are recurring themes at the club's meetings. With branches throughout the country, the Young Farmers club serves as a vital network for individuals under 31, but fewer and fewer members can afford to own their own farms. "The big challenge at the moment is helping people finance their way into farm or land ownership as land gets more expensive," Gilooly explains.
Cam Lowery, 27, and his partner, Poppy Mitchell, 25, are one year into leasing Cam's parents' farm near Milton, south of Dunedin. They manage 2,700 sheep, along with cows, calves, and hoggets (young sheep that haven't been shorn yet). After graduating from university, Cam worked as a shepherd across the South Island. "I just couldn't see a way into farm ownership through shepherding," he admits. Kiwisaver, a government-supported retirement savings scheme, can be used for first home purchases, but it cannot be used to buy a farm. "It's hard to build equity off-farm," Cam adds, highlighting the difficulty of accumulating the necessary capital outside of agricultural work.
Because the farm is family-owned, they are relatively secure for now. Poppy works as a physiotherapist in Dunedin during the week, an hour's drive away, providing crucial financial stability. Cam handles the farm work, with Poppy assisting on weekends. "My days start at 7 or 8 am, and I keep working until 7 pm at the moment," Cam says. The work is demanding, but Poppy believes it is worthwhile. Their commitment to the farm and each other underscores the sacrifices many young people make to stay connected to the land.
Back in Waikato, Cam Clayton juggles multiple roles: assisting on his parents' dairy farm, managing a 600-hectare (1,480 acres) block of land, and breeding and selling cattle and sheep. He describes it as "just hopping around farms," a testament to the flexible and often precarious nature of casual agricultural work. One day he might be milking cows; the next, he might be mustering ewes for a neighbor or inseminating cows – a testament to the diverse skills required of modern farmers.
Cam's dedication was recently recognized when he was a finalist at the Bay of Plenty-Waikato Young Farmer of the Year contest. He will now compete against other regional winners in challenges covering a wide range of agricultural knowledge and skills, including identifying horse tack, grading different types of wool, and demonstrating his communication skills with dogs. A written test assesses his understanding of plant varieties, agricultural legislation, and irrigation techniques. "It's a broad spectrum, looking at all things rural," Cam explains, emphasizing the comprehensive knowledge expected of aspiring farm owners.
Cam's long-term goal is to own a farm with his partner, Emma. He acknowledges that there is much to learn but is captivated by the variety and challenges of life on the land. "I can't get out of bed fast enough to see what challenges the day will throw at me," he says, encapsulating the passion and resilience that define many young farmers in New Zealand. But the question remains: Is that passion enough to overcome the financial hurdles and systemic challenges that stand in their way? Is enough being done to support the next generation of Kiwi farmers? What innovative solutions can be implemented to ensure that young people have a fair chance to own and cultivate the land they love? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
