A group of farmers are trying to stop one of the most highly valued sheep and beef farms being converted to a forest

Mangaohane Station near Taihape winters an average 44-thousand stock units making it one of the most productive pieces of primary land in New Zealand.

But with it now up for sale there's concerns it could soon be covered in pine.

Farmer and Wairere Rams CEO Derek Daniell says they are trying to raise enough money to buy it -- and they're getting a lot of support.

He says it's likely the first time the general public has been massively aware of beautiful countryside going under trees.