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Jackson's Farm: Growth through generational planning
Growing from 240 to 2,000 hectares over 70 years, Jackson's Farm demonstrates the importance of a clear vision, careful planning, and good partners.
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On the west coast north of Raglan, farming has always been a long-term commitment for the Jackson family.
Jackson's Farm sits at Te Ākau, where steep contours and changing weather challenge short-term thinking. A sheep and beef operation built over generations, it has been shaped by steady expansion, careful decision-making, and strong relationships.
Established in 1947 by John Jackson’s grandfather, the farm started out on 240 hectares. It has now grown to encompass around 2,000 hectares, evolving into a large-scale operation focused on finishing bulls, and breeding and fattening lambs. Today, the farm has around 2,000 cattle and a breeding flock of 2,500 sheep, producing 3,500 lambs.
Preparing for the next generation of growth
While the farm has grown significantly over time, the focus today is as much on efficiency as it is on scale. Hugh Jackson represents the next generation of leadership on the farm, working closely with his father while also looking ahead to future opportunities.
Current projects include subdividing flatter, more manageable areas of the farm to enable more intensive grazing. By improving pasture utilisation, the business aims to lift productivity without increasing pressure on the land.
Technology is also playing an increasing role. Hugh sees tools such as tank monitoring systems and virtual fencing becoming particularly valuable on steeper country, where traditional infrastructure can be costly and difficult to maintain.
For Hugh, these changes are about setting the business up to perform well over the long term, rather than chasing short-term gains.
Backing growth through many seasons
The Jackson family has gone through multiple stages of this long-term growth. Since 1995, all major expansion at Jackson's Farm has been financed through BNZ, with every land purchase fully debt-funded. This allows the Jackson family to maintain its cash flow and provides flexibility.
Along the way, the business has navigated succession planning, tough seasons, and difficult market conditions. According to John Jackson, having a bank that understood both the business and the realities of farming made a tangible difference.
The importance of strong partnerships
The Jacksons know that growth in this industry relies on a willingness to lean on the right partners at the right time.
“Growth in this business is never easy," says John Jackson.
"You need to be passionate about what you do. You need to have great partners in business and in family. We’ve been very fortunate to have both.”
That sense of partnership is echoed by BNZ Agribusiness Partner Darren Brooks, who sees his role as extending beyond transactions and into long-term stewardship of the relationship.
As Jackson's Farm continues to evolve, the focus remains on building a business that can adapt to change, support the next generation, and make the most of the land it’s built on. With a clear vision, a strong family foundation and a banking partner that understands the journey, the Jacksons are positioning their business for whatever the future brings.
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This article is solely for information purposes. It’s not financial or other professional advice. For help, please contact BNZ or your professional adviser. No party, including BNZ, is liable for direct or indirect loss or damage resulting from the content of this article. Any opinions in this article are not necessarily shared by BNZ or anyone else.