News
A Gore-district farming family has been named the Southland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for transforming two neighbouring properties into a thriving, diversified operation.
Tony and Michelle Roberts, alongside daughter Kate Roberts and her partner Mark Lieshout of Top Deck Trading, have built the combined 269ha (240ha effective) property at Merino Downs near Gore into a dual-system farm since purchasing the two blocks in 2017.
Half the property operates as a high-performing deer unit focused on velvet production and trophy bucks, while the other supports intensive dairy heifer grazing and a smaller beef operation.
Judges praised the family's strategic approach, noting "a high level of business and environmental sustainability – attention to detail in the farming operation considers livestock classes and mitigations appropriate to the soils and landscape."
Significant infrastructure work has underpinned the transformation, including new fencing, water systems, internal lanes and a purpose-built paddock layout. An old woolshed has been converted into a modern deer facility, and a dedicated deer wintering barn has been added to improve animal welfare and ease of management.
The operation's systems and communication also drew praise, with judges highlighting "extensive use of record keeping and information sharing, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment."
Genetics are central to the deer unit, and livestock health and performance across the farm were noted as exceptional. Environmental work is equally embedded in the system, with biodiversity corridors, constructed wetlands and retired marginal land improving water quality and supporting native ecosystems.
Judges were also impressed by the family's long-term planning, saying they "demonstrate great depth of thought into all areas of the business, particularly around succession." Kate and Mark are already actively involved and working toward future ownership.
For the family, the recognition reflects something deeper than business success. "It's our life, our home and our business – we love being here. We have a great community around us and enjoy sharing our farm with others."
The Roberts family also took home the Hill Labs Agri-Science Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, FMG Risk Management Award, and WaterForce Safe Water Recognition Award.
Other regional winners included Ivan, Denise and Kelly-Anne Hopper of Dairy Patch, Woodlands (Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award and DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award); Tom, Denise and James Anderson of Awatere Station, Waikaia (Norwood Farming Efficiency Award, Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, and Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award); and Mark and Elspeth Thomson of Lora Glen, Lora Gorge (Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award and Environment Southland Water Quality and Biodiversity Award).
The awards also recognised the Waikawa Catchment Group, which has been driving environmental improvement across around 18,000ha of Southland since 2009. The group's work includes the "Slow the Flow" erosion mitigation programme, retiring vulnerable land, installing sediment traps and establishing native plantings to reduce runoff into the Waikawa River and estuary.
The Roberts family will now represent Southland at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust's National Showcase in Christchurch on 2 July, where regional supreme winners from across the country will compete for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and the title of 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.