Episode 78 – Masters of diversification
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp visits Leefield Station in the Waihopai Valley to talk with Brent Marris, owner of Marisco Vineyards, and Greg Crombie, the station’s farm manager.
Brent and Greg explain how the property integrates vineyards, sheep, pigs and cattle into a profitable and sustainable operation, and how careful planning, brand-building and intergenerational leadership create authentic products, from award-winning wines to high-quality wool and meat, while sharing lessons for diversifying land use and connecting with markets at home and abroad.
Guests:
- Brent Marris, Owner, Marisco Vineyards
- Greg Crombie, Farm Manager, Leefield Station
Host:
- Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide
Brent Marris is helping redefine how New Zealand producers create and capture value from their land through his work at Leefield Station and Marisco Vineyards. His focus is on integrating viticulture, livestock and sustainable land management to deliver high-quality wines, wool and meat while building authentic brands that connect directly with consumers.
At Leefield Station, Marris brings together careful planning, innovation and intergenerational leadership, showing how diverse land uses, from Hampshire sheep and Berkshire pigs to premium vineyards, can complement each other and generate value across multiple markets. Along the way he shares insights into building brand trust, maintaining quality at scale and ensuring that every part of the operation contributes to long-term profitability and sustainability.
For Marris, the real impact happens on site, where visiting buyers, industry peers and staff can see, touch and experience the story behind the products. It is here that connections are made, assumptions are challenged and lessons translate directly into smarter, more resilient farming and business practices.
Through his example, Marris demonstrates how careful stewardship, integration and authenticity can create value from paddock to plate and why a clear vision and strong leadership are critical to sustaining it for generations to come.
Greg Crombie is showing how New Zealand farms can combine productivity, sustainability and innovation through his leadership at Leefield Station. He focuses on practical farm management that integrates livestock, crops and vineyards to deliver healthy animals, thriving land and high-quality produce while supporting the station’s broader vision.
Across Leefield Station, Crombie applies careful planning, technical expertise and hands-on experience, demonstrating how sheep, pigs, cattle and vineyards can operate together to create a profitable and sustainable enterprise. He shares insights into animal husbandry, pasture management and farm systems that ensure every part of the property contributes to long-term performance and resilience.
On the ground, Crombie makes a tangible impact, allowing staff, visitors and partners to witness the day-to-day decisions that keep the farm running successfully. It is here that ideas are tested, innovations applied and practical solutions turned into measurable results.
Through his approach, Crombie illustrates how thoughtful management, collaboration and attention to detail can make integrated farming successful at scale and why practical leadership is essential for maintaining productivity, quality and sustainability for future generations.
Read the article in the Country-Wide Spring issue here: https://country-wide.co.nz/masters-of-diversification/
