Nurture Farm - Sharing ethical and sustainable farming with Aotearoa

Passionate about livestock and their unique personalities, the Kendall family has planted thousands of trees and installed shade sails to create more comfortable environments for their animals. Nurture Farm's goal is to provide Kiwi families with a healthy source of protein, while sharing their knowledge by hosting groups interested in agriculture.

How long have you been an SPCA Certified member?

Almost 3 years now

What animals do you care for on your farm?

We farm both, sheep and cattle for meat.

What makes farming sheep and cattle special to you, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I have always loved livestock, I love all their quirky personalities and watching how they interact as a mob or flock. It is a privilege to be able to care for them, while also providing a healthy and sustainable source of protein to Kiwi families. I am very lucky that my young family get to spend so much time outdoors, learning how to be kaitiaki of the land, and learning respect for animals.

Since becoming part of SPCA Certified, what welfare changes have you implemented on farm that you are most proud of?

I am very proud of the efforts we have made creating more shade and shelter for the animals - this has involved planting thousands of trees, and installing shade sails in the paddocks and over the yards.

What message would you like to share with people about the importance of buying food products from farms with high welfare standards, like those who carry the SPCA Certified blue badge?

There are many labels on food products in Aotearoa that claim some form of superior quality, but few have the transparency in what is involved and the animal welfare outcomes that the Blue Badge has. I highly recommend all consumers think about what is important to them and what their values are, and then use their buying power to influence the standards they expect livestock production systems to uphold.