It's not all just about sheep and beef at Minzion Station. The 4500ha Millers Flat property is also home to a saffron-growing enterprise and peony plot, combining an interest in both food and growing things for Sarah Macdougall.
Mrs Macdougall worked as a florist in Christchurch and overseas before returning to the Teviot Valley 16 years ago when she married local farmer Dougal Macdougall.
The busy mother of three has been doing some floristry from home, although her latest venture was starting to take over from that.
Earlier this year, Mrs Macdougall had the first harvest from her 6500 saffron corms and, while it was not huge, it was a good starting point and learning exercise, she said.
Saffron, the red stigma, or threads, from the crocus sativus flower — is the world’s most expensive spice.
It was traditionally grown in Spain, Iran, India and Greece but the Central Otago climate was also ‘‘perfect’’ as it loved hot, dry conditions.
While simple to grow, harvesting the saffron was a labour-intensive and painstaking job, Mrs Macdougall said.
Corms each produced five to six daughter corms, so her workload increased six-fold each year. This year, she sold saffron locally but, as her quantities increased, she would sell to a wholesaler.
It worked well with the Macdougalls’ busy farming operation. It did not take up too much land, harvesting in April did not clash with anything and it was also something that was ‘‘different’’.
Mrs Macdougall also had 300 peonies, which thrived in the climate, although they needed plenty of water, which could be a ‘‘bit of a struggle’’ sometimes.
Earlier this year, Mrs Macdougall, who did all the financial administration work for the farm, completed the Understanding Your Farming Business course.
Developed and delivered by the Agri Women’s Development Trust, the four-month programme aims to empower women to view themselves and their farming roles differently, while building their technical and communication skills.
For Mrs Macdougall, the timing was ‘‘perfect’’ as it coincided with the couple taking over ownership of Minzion outright. They previously farmed in partnership with Mr Macdougall’s parents, Peter and Geraldine.
Mrs Macdougall, who had the the course recommended to her by a friend, described it as ‘‘awesome’’.