Duckshooting season is a bit different to what it used to be at Tim and Nic Hewitt’s Pahiatua farm.

“We’ve had to upgrade the beef we barbeque,” laughs Nic. “If we produce it we have to eat it.”

The couple and their children George, Edward, Hugo and Charlotte are two of the three generations living at Balfour Farm, where there is 1000ha in sheep and beef (breeding ewes, cattle finishing and dairy support) as well as a 160ha dairy farm.

“Working with First Light allows us to utilise our dairy farm to produce beef weaners for our sheep and beef business,” says Tim. The Hewitts take them right through to finish and say being involved in growing a high-end product, not a commodity, also appeals. “We are proud of what we do and what we produce – our Wagyu beef is a reflection of this.”

When they’re not involved in working on their farm, Nic loves to travel, garden, and also enjoys her part-time job off the farm. Tim is also a keen traveller, loves reading and art, and is partial to a craft beer. He’s a trustee for the Waireka Trust and is involved in a steering group for Tararua Monitor Farm.

Both are passionate about family time and building a business that is both environmentally sound and enables an enjoyable family lifestyle. “First Light is about the big picture – it’s about long-term sustainability,” says Nic. “Its principals tie in with our own values. We are an inter-generational family farming business with pride in what we do.”