Shaping the future of New Zealand farming

At just 28 years old, Reuben Moore is a third-generation sheep and beef farmer from Upper Moutere in Tasman and has already begun playing a key role in shaping the future of farming in New Zealand.

Reuben’s farming journey began on the family farm, where he has worked for over seven years. He expanded his skill set by working in Kurow for three years as a shepherd and dairy support hand. During this time, he gained insights from seasoned mentors and competed in national stock judging, which broadened his understanding of the industry.

Reuben took part in the Primary ITO studies and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Generation-Next programme, which he credits for helping him to start thinking about the future of farming in New Zealand and led him to the B+LNZ Farmer Council where he has been an ‘industry mole’ since March 2023.

Now he has taken the next step with recently being elected the new B+LNZ Farmer Research Advisory Group representative for the Northern South Island region.

"Joining the farmer council was one of the best decisions I have made because of the community feel within the group. I’ve met some awesome people and made amazing connections since joining and the Farmer Research Advisory Group is the next evolution in that journey,” Reuben explains.

The Farmers Research Advisory Group is made up of B+LNZ Farmer Council members with a keen interest in science and research. Farmers Research Advisory Group plays a key role in guiding B+LNZ to ensure research is relevant, practical, and beneficial to farmers, acting as a vital link between B+LNZ and farming communities.

And Reuben fits this space perfectly.  With a keen focus on research and science including genetic selection and sustainable practices, he co-manages a 700-hectare operation that includes a Romney and Poll Dorset stud, 2,500 ewes and 80 cattle, plus replacements, across 440ha of owned land and an additional 260ha of lease blocks including orchards, vineyards and hop gardens.

Reuben’s farm specialises in natural resistance to worms and resilience to facial eczema in their stud operation and is part of the WormFEC Gold breeders’ group.

They’ve selected and performed faecal egg count testing on rams since the mid-90s and are active in the EFEI sheep poo study for facial eczema research.

“I am always keen to be ahead of the game and see what is coming next and the Farmer Research Advisory Group is the perfect step to see what research is being done and what our next steps as farmers and growers are,” he adds.

“I see myself as a bit of a ‘mole’ in the industry,” Reuben says, reflecting on his role within the Farmer Council. By listening to farmers and conveying their concerns—whether it’s about sheep prices, the future of wool, or the challenges of mutton—he relays this feedback to B+LNZ and works with the team to organise events that address the topics farmers raise, making sure their voices are heard.

With a strong drive for innovation, Reuben is eager to bring fresh perspectives to his new role in the Farmer Research Advisory Group, where he will help shape research that supports the future of farming in New Zealand. His involvement in Farmer Research Advisory Group is one to watch as he works to create meaningful change for local farmers.