Lisa and Kurt Portas were welcomed as guests speakers presenting a history of their journey with Palliser Ridge and the development of that brand.
Kurt not only manages the property for Jim and Mal Law, he and Lisa now have a financial interest in a more recent purchase of land adjacent to the original property. While Kurt is focused on producing the highest quality meat and wool, Lisa has, with the backing of the owners, developed an extensive range of value added woolen products from the romney sheep they farm.
They currently manage the processing of 5 tonnes of lambs wool per year into high end clothing, blankets and yarn. Kurt was raised in Hawkes Bay attending Smedley Station as well as studing at Lincoln and Massey later on, ongoing mentoring support comes in the form of Don Cooper. Lisa is a city girl working in retail marketing roles before meeting Kurt and becoming involved with Palliser Ridge.
They are part of the management board that includes members of the Law family. Lisa has also extended her tertiary studies at Massey with the encouragment of Jim and Mal Law. They are always looking for the next marketing opportunity for the yarn and meat from Palliser Ridge along with tourism intiatives for the property that accomodates for cyclists and overnight stays. Lisa and Kurt welcome any visitors wishing to view the environmently sensitive farming practises and products they manage