Big Ben station
Block Manager- Charlie Johns
Total Stock Units: 10,000
Area:
3391ha Total
2000ha Effective
435ha Developed
250ha Irrigated
1565ha Native Hill
Sheep:
4700 Maternal Ewes
2000 Headwater Ram Hoggets
Cattle:
60 R2 (In-calf) Heifers
240 M/A Cows
200 R1 Steers
Big Ben lies between the Rakaia River to the South West, the Acheron River and Dry Acheron Rivers to the foot of Big Ben Range. Big Ben is the most extensively farmed dryland breeding block within the Coleridge Downs group.
The main yards, Manager's house, cadet quarters, cook shop and office/classroom are all based at Big Ben. This makes Big Ben the central hub of all the farms.
The lower flats of the farm are at approx 450 metres above sea level rising to approx 900 metres above sea level on the tops.
Big Ben is run by Charlie, with one second year cadet and other cadets where necessary.