Ecoregion: High country
Hectare: (1,270ha)
Rainfall: ~750mm/year
EOV Monitoring: 2019–2024
Aims of the Project
A North Island high-country beef & sheep farm wanted to shift from a system that relied heavily on cropping and was declining in ecological function to one that could grow more feed, improve animal performance, and increase profitability while rebuilding long-term soil and landscape resilience. Using EOV, the goal was to understand the farm’s ecological state, track changes, and support decisions that would move the property into a net-regenerating state.
Figure 1: Overall EHI (Ecological Health Index) scores 2019-2024
The Challenge
When monitoring began in 2019, the whole-farm Ecological Health Index (EHI) showed a clear net degenerating trend. Key ecosystem functions (see graph in figure 2 below), —especially the Mineral Cycle and Energy Flow—were underperforming, limiting pasture growth and creating pressure to maintain high levels of cropping.
There was a need to break the cycle of declining soil function, high inputs, and inconsistent production.
Figure 2: Farm Ecosystem Function scores 2019-2024
The Solution
In 2022/23, the farm made several key changes to grazing management:
- Forming larger mobs to create more animal impact
- Shorter set-stocking periods
- Higher pasture residuals left after grazing
- Significantly longer recovery periods for paddocks
- Gradual reduction of cropping as pasture performance improved
These decisions were grounded in EOV insights, which highlighted where ecosystem functions needed the most support.
Figure 3: Farm Biological Indicator scores 2019-2024
Results of the Project
1. The farm shifted from net degenerating to net regenerating
EHI scores since 2019 show a clear upward trend, with the shift to regenerative grazing in 2022/23 producing an immediate improvement across all indicators.
Mineral Cycle and Energy Flow showed the strongest gains.
2. Key biological indicators improved significantly
EOV data from 2019–2024 (see graph in figure 3 above) shows strong improvements in:
- Living Canopy Abundance (far left)
- health, vigour and diversity of the Cool Season Grasses (third from left)
- reduction in Bare Soil (fourth from right)
- reduced Water Erosion (far right)
These improvements reflect better ground cover, stronger perennial pasture performance, and improved soil structure.
3. More feed—and better use of it
Improved ecosystem function translated into greater pasture growth in 2023 and 2024, which enabled the farm to reduce cropping without compromising production.
4. Improved animal performance and profitability
With more consistent feed and healthier pastures, animal performance strengthened, and overall farm profitability increased through 2023 and 2024.
Hugh Jellie BVSc MRCVS
Master Field Professional
Master Verifier
Managing Director
Ata Regenerative
