Exemplary operators

Strath Taieri farmers Steven and Kellie Nichol have been crowned the 2023 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing and are the recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.

The couple, who own the nearly 1500ha sheep, beef and forestry farm Auldamor in Clarks Junction, were named the winners at the National Sustainability Showcase at Te Papa in Wellington recently.

National judging panel chairwoman Dianne Kidd said the Nichols displayed an exemplar farming operation — from a financial, social and environmental perspective — and the ability to articulate informed responses and insightful views on a range of pan-sector topics, she said.

"They articulated clear, intelligent and insightful responses to our questions demonstrating an ability to communicate often complex ideas and issues in an easy-to-understand manner. Combined with their on-farm judging experience we know they can and will, walk the talk."