Stock limitation exemption decision for Black Forest - Carrying sheep and cattle - A5146044

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 excluding the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Carrying sheep and cattle

Personal to Holder

The Commissioner of Crown Lands grants consent to an exemption to the stock limitation in the lease to allow the leaseholder to carry the following stock:

• 5,000 sheep (including up to 3,000 breeding ewes) 
• 200 cattle (no cattle are to exceed 2 years of age).

It is considered that given the improvements and developments that have occurred, the Black Forest pastoral lease can support the number of stock indicated without having a detrimental effect on the land, provided the conditions are complied with. Recent improvements include the establishment of approximately 50ha of irrigated multispecies pasture, supported by about 150ha dryland cultivated pasture, enabling the property to carry increased numbers of stock.

To enable up to 3000 breeding ewes to be carried gives the flexibility to retain and winter up to 2000 dry stock when seasons are favourable, or sell surplus dry stock early in the autumn in unfavourable seasons, but at the same time retain the basic breeding flock. The introduction of a larger herd of young cattle allows for the grazing of cattle which are less demanding on time and resources but at the same time contribute to keeping rough gullies open for better utilisation of available grazing. Like sheep, surplus stock can be sold in unfavourable seasons.

Consent is granted for an exemption to the stock limitation, subject to the following conditions:

1. That the number of dry sheep is reduced to no more than 700 by the end of October each year.
2. That stocking rates are managed in all blocks at a level that prevents excessive grazing and trampling of tussock grasslands, indigenous shrublands, streams and wetlands, to avoid damage to inherent values.
3. Developed paddocks shall be maintained by regular applications of fertiliser and seed as required.

The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.