'Kaiapoi' is Maori meaning 'food over water'. They have imported Romney Rams from New Zealand to create the ultimate outdoor lambing ewe for the European climate.
Rob and Jo Hodgkins set up Kaiapoi in 2013 with 200 ewes on 60 rented acres of grass. They have driven the business forward hard and in 2025 ran 2200 Romney ewes across 800ac semi improved grassland and solar panels, farm 2000ac of arable crops and milk 300 dairy cross ewes around North Hertfordshire. During that time they have had three beautiful children, Maggie, Evie and George.
Rob and Jo's goal was always to grow the business to one day buy their own farm. In 2024 the UK government changed the playing field for farming. Other countries that support food production and have a population engaged in their food and where it comes from seemed a much more attractive opportunity. In March 2025 Rob and Jo began scouting for the perfect farm. In February 2026 we hope to sign two farms in France, predominantly for red meat production.
Rob and Jo met through the Nuffield Farming Scholarship programme and have both since graduated from the WCF Advanced Business Management Course. Both have worked off farm in professional careers and are strong believers in continued professional development to keep driving forwards.
