Auckland
RILEY TEAM
James Beaumont, Titus Smith, Oscar Barrett-Garnier, Vaughan Martin
CLIENT
Bel Group
LOCATION
Central Hawkes Bay
THE BRIEF
Fairlea Farm Reservoir faced significant operational risk due to unreliable water supply and recurring summer droughts. This volatility forced the farm into a complex split calving system, increased labour demands, and created hidden costs through pasture loss, feed shortages, and staff retention challenges. The objective was to secure water as a strategic asset to enable a simpler, more profitable farm system and improve resilience.
IMPROVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
KPIs | Before dam | After dam | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Pasture growth | Inconsistent/drought-affected | ~17% Increase in DM/Ha | Improved resilience |
Annual feed offset value | N/A | $495,000 | ~8% [off-set basis] |
System complexity | Split calving (high risk/high labour) | Spring calving (simplified/optimised) | ~13%ROI (system change basis) |
Annual milk solids (KG MS) | 550,000 kg MS (Dry year) | 650,000 kg MS+ | ~18% Increase |
THE OUTCOME
Riley delivered a full service reservoir project; a Turkey Nest Dam, managing everything from concept to handover. The dam transformed water security into a measurable financial asset, enabling Bel Group to shift to a streamlined spring calving system and achieve:
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18% increase in annual milk solids
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Direct feed offset value of $495,000 through improved pasture growth
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ROI of up to 13% based on system optimisation and production gains Beyond financial returns, the project delivered strategic confidence, improved property valuation, and set the foundation for future infrastructure upgrades across Bel Group’s wider land portfolio.
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Strategic Asset Security
The dam removed speculation from the farm's value, making the property more resilient and less dependent on purchaser risk appetite.
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It provided the catalyst for Bel Group to invest in upgrading infrastructure across its wider 1200ha land portfolio.
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"It’s the security that allows us to make confident decisions."