Southland Farmers Named 2026 Sustainable Farming Ambassadors

Yesterday, the deer farming and dairy grazing couple from Merino Downs were named winners of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and 2026 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing.

After making the bold decision to move from the North Island to Southland in the mid-90s, the couple took on a sharemilking role with a strong vision and dogged determination to create opportunities for their family. Decades later, that dream has culminated in the country's highest recognition for sustainable farming.

Navigating the awards process earlier this year was a challenging time for the couple and their surrounding communities after a destructive wind event swept through Southland and Otago last November, creating widespread destruction and forcing the withdrawal of some the entrants from Southland's Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Head Judge Karen Williams said the couple embodied everything the national ambassador role represents. “They chased a dream, worked their way from sharemilking into farm ownership and then built the business they have today. Their story gives hope to others that this pathway is still possible."

Williams said the couple’s greatest strength was the way they complemented one another.

"Tony is always looking around corners. He's prepared to challenge conventional thinking, embrace new technology and ask, 'Why not?' But every great idea needs someone who can turn it into a sustainable reality, and that's where Michelle is exceptional. She brings a calm, considered approach and has a simple rule that new ideas sit for three days before any decisions are made. Together they create a really balanced partnership."

Karen added Michelle also stood out as a leader in her own right.

"She hasn't simply supported the business from the sidelines. She's stepped into leadership roles that help shape the wider sector, including serving on Southland's Regional Forum to help guide freshwater management. She's prepared to tackle the crunchy issues, ask difficult questions and be part of finding practical solutions."

The couple are big believers in sharing ideas and telling their story.

“Their gates are always open. They've hosted farmers from around New Zealand, international visitors, students and community groups.”

What also appealed to the judges was how relatable the couple and their farming business is, and their strong involvement in their community.

"They're success hasn’t been at the expense of their environment or their community, in fact, quite the opposite. They've also shown you don't need to have thousands of hectares to be a national winner."

As the 2026 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing, Michelle and Tony will spend the coming year representing the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust programme, sharing their farming journey and encouraging others to celebrate continuous improvement and environmental stewardship.

The National Sustainability Showcase event held last night at Christchurch’s Te Pae Convention Centre celebrated each of the 11 Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winners from across the country. Hosted by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the event is held annually as the pinnacle of the BFEA programme, and connects primary industry representatives from across the sector.

At a glance: Michelle & Tony Roberts

Farm: Top Deck Trading, Merino Downs, Gore.

Farming system: Specialist deer unit producing velvet and trophy bucks alongside intensive dairy heifer grazing and a small sheep flock

Background: Moved to West Otago in 1995 to begin sharemilking before purchasing their own dairy farm

Property: Two neighbouring farms combined into a 269ha operation, purchased in 2017.

Livestock: 667 red deer, 635 fallow deer, 220 rising one-year-old dairy heifers and 35 sheep

Infrastructure upgrades: Installation of deer fencing, expanded laneway network, upgraded cattle water scheme, installation of covered deer troughs to improve drinking water quality, transformation of woolshed and covered yards into a deer handling facility with additional outdoor yards.

Environmental focus: Biodiversity corridors, retirement of wetlands and marginal land, improved water quality and enhanced biodiversity

Animal performance: Strong focus on genetics and animal health to maximise deer performance.

Innovation: Among the first to trial Nedap SmartTags on deer, using dairy technology to monitor rumination, activity and heat detection to support their embryo transfer programme.

Succession: Daughter Kate Roberts and her partner Mark Lieshout are now part of the business as part of a long-term succession plan.