The Roberts family of Merino Downs and Top Deck Trading was named the Southland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The Roberts family of Merino Downs and Top Deck Trading was named the Southland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Merino Downs farmers Tony and Michelle Roberts, alongside Kate Roberts and Mark Lieshout of Top Deck Trading, took out the Southland Regional Supreme title at last night’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The awards, run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing.
Judges praisedthe Gore-based operation for its highly efficient, diversified farming system and strong environmental and succession planning.
Since purchasing two neighbouring farms in 2017, the family has developed the combined 269ha (240ha effective) property into a specialised dual-system operation.
One half operates as a high-performing deer unit focused on velvet production and trophy bucks, while the other supports intensive dairy heifer grazing alongside a smaller beef operation.
Judges praised the Roberts family for their strategic thinking, saying they had “a high level of business and environmental sustainability”.
“[Their] attention to detail in the farming operation considers livestock classes and mitigations appropriate to the soils and landscape.”
The transformation has included significant infrastructure development, including new fencing, water systems, internal lanes and a purpose-built paddock layout for efficient stock movement.
An old woolshed has been converted into a modern deer facility, complemented by a dedicated deer wintering barn, both designed to improve animal welfare and ease of management.
The judges also highlighted the strength of systems and communication across the operation, noting the family’s extensive use of record-keeping and information sharing had ensured “a safe and efficient working environment”.
Genetics play a key role in the deer operation, with a strong focus on producing high-quality animals.
Across the entire farm, livestock health and performance were noted as exceptional.
Environmental stewardship is equally embedded in the system, with biodiversity corridors, constructed wetlands, and retired marginal land enhancing water quality and supporting native ecosystems.
Judges also recognised the family’s long-term thinking and future planning.
“They demonstrate great depth of thought into all areas of the business, particularly around succession.”
Succession is already underway, with daughter Kate Roberts and her partner Mark Lieshout actively involved in the business and working toward future ownership.
Ballance Farm Environment Award judges praised the Gore-based operation for its highly efficient, diversified farming system and strong environmental and succession planning.
For the Roberts family, the farm is more than a business.
“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 will join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July.
The recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.
Other awards for Merino Downs
Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
FMG Risk Management Award
WaterForce Safe Water Recognition Award
Other Southland Ballance Farm Environment Award winners
Ivan, Denise and Kelly-Anne Hopper – Dairy Patch - Woodlands
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
Tom, Denise and James Anderson – Awatere Station - Waikaia
Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
Mark and Elspeth Thomson – Lora Glen – Lora Gorge
Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
Environment Southland Water Quality and Biodiversity Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards also highlighted the Waikawa Catchment Group, a long-standing community initiative that has driven environmental improvement across Southland since 2009.
Now spanning around 18,000ha and representing the majority of the catchment, the group is focused on enhancing water quality, biodiversity and overall ecosystem health while supporting a productive farming landscape.
Through projects such as the “Slow the Flow” erosion mitigation programme, the group has retired vulnerable land, installed sediment traps and established native plantings to reduce runoff into the Waikawa River and estuary.
