Porangahau farmer Bayden Andersen shares the unique challenges and triumphs of managing an estate like its his own, while raising a family in the Central Hawkes Bay.

Bayden Andersen grew up on farms in Central Hawkes Bay, his father was a shearing contractor and by default Bayden spent a lot of his time as a child playing in woolsheds. In 2007 he was accepted into Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm in Tikokino that gave him the itch for farming.

Andersen (34) has been farming sheep and beef in Pōrangahau, for three years managing the Walmsley Canning Estate property for a family trust."The farm is 500 hectares with 2500 breeding ewes to the ram and 150 female cattle to the bull".

His Uncle was managing the estate previously and encouraged Bayden to apply for the role. Although he loved the community of Weber in South-east Dannevirke where he was farming at Haunui he accepted the challenge.

When the Andersen's moved to Pōrangahau the farm was traditionally run.

"Most of the progeny was store bought. I've done a lot of fencing development, added in a lot of water". Bayden really enjoys running the place like it's his own and the opportunity isn't lost on him. "It's really cool to run the farm as if it's my own. Chuck all the passion and drive into it and get the results for someone else, it's as good as it gets really".

With rising environmental challenges and new regulations introduced left right and centre, Andersen is keen to keep one step ahead.

"On farm I grow as much feed to balance out the feed curve and store a bit of supplement away. I do a lot of summer crops for lamb fattening. Put some winter crops in to tup ewes on and pre lamb ewes with. With summer dry possibly looming every year that's always in the back of your mind and the central thing we try to avoid".

Nothing prepared the Pōrangahau community for Cyclone Gabrielle.

"You've got to farm for what's happening next month. I'm lucky I lean on some pretty good farmers that are mates and some older generation guys I can talk to. I'm not too bad at listening to other people's ideas which makes it easier".

Community is important to The Andersen family. Bayden's wife Shaye is a local school teacher at CHB College and a huge supporter of the Pōrangahau sports club. The couple have three children, which keep life full: their oldest daughter (8) and twins (6), all attend the local Flemington school. Andersen says, "It's a great place to bring up a family".

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details