Tucked along the southern edge of the Rakaia Gorge and stretching up the slopes of Mt Hutt, Mt Hutt Station is a vast 3,200-hectare property in Methven, Canterbury. Owned by Bruce Hood, the station has been in his family since 1977 when his father, Keith, first purchased the land.
Having grown up on the farm, Bruce has dedicated his life to its management, now overseeing a predominantly deer-focused operation for velvet and meat production, while his brother runs the station’s dairy unit.
A Farm of Contrasts
The station is defined by its two distinct climatic halves. The northern block, influenced heavily by the northwesterly winds, benefits from some irrigation, while the southern block is colder with heavier soils. These environmental contrasts contribute to the complexity of farm management and present an ongoing battle against invasive weeds.
The Growing Weed Challenge
Weeds have long been a challenge at Mt Hutt Station, with Californian thistle, nodding thistle, and ragwort being the primary culprits. Nodding thistle seeds are carried by the wind from north of the station, while Californian thistle thrives in the heavier soils, particularly in areas prone to pugging by cattle and deer. Ragwort is a persistent issue in the southern block, where it spreads unchecked due to cattle and deer avoiding it as forage.
Historically, when the station was predominantly sheep-run, weed pressure was lower. However, as management has shifted toward deer and dairy farming, the problem has intensified. Bruce is acutely aware of the risks posed by invasive weeds, knowing they can quickly spiral out of control and significantly reduce available grazing land.
A Strategic Weed Control Program
To combat the weed challenge, Bruce employs a targeted approach to weed control. He uses boom spraying to treat the worst-affected paddocks, adjusting his strategy each season based on where new seed has blown in. Recognizing that deer do not thrive in paddocks overrun with thistles or ragwort, proactive control is a priority.
This year, a 3-hectare paddock was topped in January and left to regrow before being scheduled for spraying by the end of March in the first step of Corteva’s 3 step Control Programme. A follow-up application in spring will ensure thorough control, preventing regrowth and reducing seed spread.
Bruce’s strategic approach reflects his deep understanding of the farm’s unique environmental conditions and his commitment to maintaining high-quality grazing for his livestock. With a well-planned weed control program in place, he will continue to uphold the productivity and sustainability of Mt Hutt Station for future generations.
With upwards of 30 thistle stems per square metre, following Corteva's programmed approach to Cali Thistle control will ensure Bruce maintains high quality grazing for his stock. A 3ha paddock was topped in January 2025 and will receive it's first application in the 3-step programme in March 2025.
Follow the progress in photos below.
For expert advice on Californian Thistle control or help tailoring this programme to your farm talk to your Corteva Agriscience Territory Manager or your local PGG Wrightson Technical Representative.
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