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Shearer and UK Expert Team Up for Regenerative Farming in New Zealand

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -up-for-regenerative-farming-in-new-zealand.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 19:57 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locale: Hawke's Bay, NEW ZEALAND

Maraekakahi, New Zealand - January 29th, 2026 - A unique collaboration is blossoming in the heart of New Zealand's sheep country, as world-class shearer Allan McKenzie joins forces with leading UK regenerative agriculture advocate Gareth Rowlands. McKenzie, a Pokeno local and former world record holder, recently returned from a six-month working stint in the United Kingdom, bringing Rowlands with him to share expertise and explore opportunities for a more sustainable future for New Zealand farming.

McKenzie, a household name in the shearing world, famously sheared 477 ewes in a nine-hour period back in 2016, setting a new record that solidified his position as a true master of his craft. Now, he's applying that same dedication and precision to a new challenge - integrating regenerative farming practices into a traditional sheep station in Maraekakahi.

Rowlands, who operates a 400-hectare (1000-acre) farm in Wales, isn't just here to observe; he's actively participating in the harvest and, crucially, imparting his deep understanding of regenerative agriculture. This isn't simply about changing farming methods; it's about a holistic shift in perspective. "It's really about working with nature to build a really healthy soil and a diverse ecosystem," Rowlands explains. "It's about carbon sequestration, water infiltration, and basically just building back the health of the land."

Regenerative agriculture, a rapidly growing movement globally, focuses on restoring degraded soil, improving biodiversity, and enhancing the ecosystem services that farms rely on. Unlike conventional farming which often prioritizes yield at the expense of long-term sustainability, regenerative techniques emphasize soil health as the foundation for productive and resilient agriculture. Practices include minimizing soil disturbance (no-till farming), maintaining permanent soil cover with crops or mulch, diversifying crop rotations, integrating livestock, and utilizing cover crops.

Rowlands emphasizes that this isn't merely an agricultural technique, but a broader philosophy. "It's about life," he says, pointing to the interconnectedness of soil health, water cycles, and overall ecosystem wellbeing. The implications extend beyond the farm gate, contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration in the soil and enhancing water security.

The partnership between McKenzie and Rowlands is built on mutual respect and a shared vision. McKenzie, accustomed to the physical demands and intricacies of sheep farming, recognizes the value of Rowlands' knowledge. "He's an incredibly knowledgeable fella, and it's great to have him here," McKenzie states. "We're looking forward to sharing our skills and learning from each other." This exchange of knowledge is critical. New Zealand's agricultural sector, while highly productive, faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The integration of regenerative principles into New Zealand's sheep farming industry isn't without its hurdles. Many established farms have relied on intensive practices for decades, and transitioning to regenerative methods requires investment, education, and a willingness to embrace change. However, the potential benefits - improved soil fertility, reduced reliance on synthetic inputs, increased biodiversity, and enhanced resilience to drought and floods - are significant.

The success of this collaboration in Maraekakahi could serve as a model for other farms across New Zealand. By combining the practical skills of an experienced shearer with the cutting-edge knowledge of a regenerative agriculture expert, McKenzie and Rowlands are demonstrating that sustainable farming isn't just a possibility--it's a pathway to a more prosperous and resilient future for New Zealand's agricultural heartland. The pair plan to document their progress and potentially host workshops, sharing their learnings with other farmers interested in adopting regenerative practices. This initiative is a positive sign for the future of New Zealand's agricultural landscape and highlights the importance of international knowledge sharing in addressing global environmental challenges.