Onfarm

New Zealand fills stadiums for its rugby players but stays quiet about the farmers doing world-class work in its own paddocks. Michelle and Tony Roberts took home the country’s highest honour in sustainable farming and they think it is time the sector learned to cheer louder. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Alan Gibson.

Charles Yule had barely had time to get his boots dirty when he took the role as manager of Whakamarumaru Station, diving headfirst into an intensive development programme. His enthusiasm, attention to detail and ability to deliver results bagged him the title of Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year for 2026. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos John Cowpland.

Like many mixed arable farmers, tight cropping margins have led the Worsfold family of Central Canterbury to increase the livestock component of their farming operation.Words Heather Chalmers.

With a keen eye for innovation and a deep respect of the land, the team behind Kiwi Heights in Te Puke are successfully integrating kiwifruit orchards, drystock grazing and native forests as they balance profit and sustainability. Words Helena O’Neill, Photos Alan Gibson.

A Canterbury farming business has allowed their land to play to its strengths by investing in infrastructure to finetune their operation. Words Anne Lee, Photos Hamish Hobbs.

Three years ago, Jason Rentoul and Chelsea Hudson drew up a farm plan for Wye Hills in Marlborough based around their life goals. Words Joanna Grigg, Photos Jim Tannock.

Oat growing and the Gardyne family of eastern Southland have been closely linked for more than 100 years. Words Heather Chalmers.

The Street family demonstrate how their farm is part of an inter-generational portfolio, future-proofed through diversification. Their story inspires how succession by growing rather than dividing an asset base can be done. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, photos Stephen Barker. 

At Elm Grove, the next generation of Kirklands are blending heritage and innovation on the 173-year-old, Taieri, low-cost dairy farm with an A2 colostrum-based skincare range designed for sensitive skin. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Biddi Rowley.

From heavy lambs for Atkins Ranch, to yearling sire bulls for the dairy market, Michael and Jane Cammock at Kouratahi farm in the Wairarapa focus on added value and knowing where their end product is destined for. Words Rebecca Greaves. Photos Brad Hanson.