Brendan Attrill
Caiseal Trust

2025 Taranaki Finalist: Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust – Dairy

Through a combination of innovation, planning, and striving for long-term sustainability, the family behind this central Taranaki dairy farm is creating a legacy for future generations.

Brendan Attrill is the third generation of his family to own and manage the Huinga dairy farm. He milks 350 cows across the 163ha (142.86 effective) property, taking an holistic approach that balances environmental stewardship with profitability.

His commitment to sustainability is evident across all farming operations. There’s a strong focus on strategic planning which guides all farm decisions. All activities stem from Caiseal Trust’s environment plan, backed up with regular soil testing and mapping that inform the careful application of fertiliser and effluent. This helps to maximise pasture growth while minimising nutrient losses.

The judges were impressed with Brendan’s attention to detail and his commitment to continuous improvement. He uses industry targets to guide the planning and implementation of farm practices.

Strategies are in place to ensure the dairy farm and its supporting infrastructure will stand the test of time. This includes implementing sustainable production systems and developing biodiversity strategies – all of which are monitored and measured.

The judges noted that there was a strong connection between the family and the land, ultimately driving Brendan’s commitment to sustainability.

The family was an early adopter of environmental practices such as retiring vulnerable areas and re-planting them. This is now paying off, with the farm featuring large areas of established corridors of native trees and shrubs – including 14km of riparian planting, along with wetland development.

Brendan is continually exploring ways to improve the farm’s environmental performance, with planned investments in solar energy and refrigeration efficiency.

With a focus on sustainable profits, rather than maximum profits, Brendan’s holistic approach to farming looks to be successfully setting it up for future generations to enjoy.

Brendan was the winner of the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award, Norwood Farming Efficiency Award, Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award, Taranaki Regional Council Sustainability Award, and Taranaki Regional Supreme Winner 2025.