For more than 50 years, the Turley family have continually adapted and diversified their farming operations, finding new ways to unlock value from South Canterbury’s productive land. From pioneering large-scale potato and onion production to developing hybrid vegetable seed crops for international markets, their success has always been about more than what happens on their own land. At the heart of their approach is a genuine commitment to creating opportunities that flow through the wider community- supporting local jobs, strengthening supply chains and helping contribute to a better quality of life for the district as a whole.
YAP Orchard, their Rockit Apple operation is a recent example of their approach to innovation and continuous focus on community and future generations. The new orchard shows how research, technology and market insight can create new opportunities while building on the strengths of generational knowledge and an established agricultural region.
Operated by Murray, Margaret and Belinda Turley, and supported by the agronomic expertise of Dominique Eastham, YAP Orchard began as a small trial block of apple varieties. After extensive evaluation, Rockit emerged as the standout performer, leading to a commercial-scale investment that has added another dimension to the family’s long-standing commitment to productive and sustainable land use.
The orchard reflects a focus on innovation at every stage of production. Trees are grown using a two-dimensional trellised system that improves light interception, enables more precise management and supports efficient harvesting. The design reduces labour requirements, allows for greater consistency across the orchard and creates opportunities for future technology adoption while maintaining high-quality fruit production.
Just as importantly, the orchard has been designed with long-term sustainability in mind. A focus on water efficiency, soil health and production systems tailored to local conditions demonstrates how innovation can reduce environmental impacts while supporting productivity. It is an approach that recognises environmental stewardship and commercial success as complementary goals.
The Turley family’s willingness to explore new opportunities reflects a broader strength of Timaru District’s primary sector. Across our district, growers and producers continue to adopt new technologies, refine production systems and diversify their operations to meet changing market demands.
For Timaru District, innovation is about building businesses that endure, improving productivity, creating sustainable outcomes and ensuring our industries, both established and new, remain competitive.
Find out more about Turley Farms
