The Farmers Fast Five: where we ask a farmer five quick questions about agriculture and what farming means to them. Today we talk to high school student and Hurunui farmer Pieta Sidey.

1. What did your journey into farming look like?

I am a sixth-generation Corriedale sheep stud breeder, and it's safe to say a lot of my passion comes from my grandfather, Doc.

My dad and grandfather would probably say I'm very particular about my sheep, and if I don't like something about a sheep, whether it be my sheep or my dad's, I am very quick to say something about it, which they sometimes like and sometimes don't.

But that's why it's good that there are three of us, so if two of us don't agree, the other person can have the deciding vote. I think it's safe to say I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now if it weren't for my Grandfather, Doc Sidey, and my Dad, Andy Sidey. I owe them everything.

2. Tell us a little bit about your farming operation.

We are based in Hawarden, North Canterbury. We farm Corriedales, Poll Dorsets and our composite sheep, which are half Corriedale, quarter Texel, quarter Poll Dorset. We also have Herefords, which are mainly on the hill country. Our farm, Glenovis, has been in our family for just over 103 years now. We farm on approximately 720 hectares, about 300 of those hectares are native hill country, and the rest are cultivated.

3. What challenges have you faced in your farming business, and how have you tackled those challenges?

A difficult challenge would have to be last year's drought; we managed to get through it by having plenty of hay on hand and not being overstocked.

4. What has been a major highlight for you in your farming journey?

I have several favourite memories, the first one being at the Christchurch show in 2023 with my ewe, Harriet. She got that name because she had won my great-grandfather, Harry Sidey's, memorial trophy. The set of twins she had at foot that year at the show will both be going to this year's Christchurch show. Her daughter Henrietta has a great set of twins at foot, as a two-tooth, and her son Henry will also be attending.

My other favourite memory would have to be at this year's Hawarden A&P show when I won the supreme champion sheep of the show with my ram Ceasar, which was very unexpected. I remember standing in the judging pen with my grandfather, Doc, and hearing my name announced over the microphone. I said to him, 'Did I just win?' He said yes, and I replied, 'No, I didn't.' He said, 'Go get your ribbon.' You could not wipe that smile off my face.

5. What advice would you have for the next generation of farmers?

As always, if you're gonna be a dreamer, you better be a doer. Farming is hard work with no days off; the sheep and cattle still need to be fed out in snow, storms, and droughts. Farming's tough, life's tough, but you have to get over it and cowgirl up because tomorrow doesn't care if you found today hard. After all, the sun is always going to rise again.