fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 30 June 2026 15:15

Patoa Farms, New Zealand's Largest Pig Farm, Sold to Pork Industry Consortium

Written by  Staff Reporters
Patoa Farms Patoa Farms

Patoa Farms Limited, New Zealand's largest pig farm, has been sold for an undisclosed price.

Established close to 30 years ago by the Sterne and Ravn families, the farm has a substantial 900 hectares of land in the Hurunui district in North Canterbury.

It was initially established as a project to farm pigs outdoors and at scale.

Following the departure of the Ravns around 12 years ago, the farm has been owned by the Sterne Family Trust and run by Steve Sterne and his family.

The new owners are a consortium with extensive involvement in New Zealand's pork industry.

The consortium is led by David Lawton, Patoa’s long time veterinarian, animal health and productivity consultant, and Nick Harris, Managing Director of Harris Farms Limited based in Cheviot, North Canterbury.

Lawton says the consortium will continue pig farming and pork supply, operating the business as usual.

"I know Steve Sterne is delighted that the farm and his legacy will be continued by a group who share his vision and commitment to the New Zealand pork industry, Patoa’s staff, and the local community," he says.

More like this

Eric Roy: Championing the pork industry

Eric Roy: Championing the pork industry

It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.

Import rules a pig's ear

Pig farmers say the idea that not every pork product sold in New Zealand has to be produced to this country’s own welfare standards is unfair.

Pork imports lower standards

Almost two thirds of pork consumed in New Zealand comes from countries that fail – and are not required – to meet our animal welfare standards.

Popular Reads

Featured

Applications open for 2027 Zanda McDonald Award

Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

GP Rural: New Pathway Proposed to Fix Rural GP Shortage

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.

CODC Sludge-to-Lauder Plan Slammed by Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.

National

Machinery & Products