New ambassadors set the standard

The Nichols headed off nine other winners from the regional awards, which were held over the past months. The awards evening held at Te Papa in Wellington attracted around 300 people - including friends and supporters of the finalists, as well as agribusiness leaders.

Kellie Nichol says they weren't expecting to win, given the high calibre of the other contestants and the stories about their properties. She was all smiles when she and Steven were announced the winners and admits she was shaking at the knees as they came up on stage to receive the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and the other prizes, which include funds for overseas travel.

Steven Nicol says winning the competition hasn't sunk in. He says it was great to meet the other finalists before the awards dinner to hear their stories.

The couple's 1,498 hectare farm, Auldamor at Clarks Junction in Otago, has been farmed by the Nicol family since 1871. They run 4,500 ewes, 1,500 hoggets and 80 rams, as well as grazing an average of 290 mixed aged beef cows each year.

The couple live off-farm. Kellie is a doctor and Steven a farm consultant and the property is managed by Grant Bezett, but the couple keep in close contact with their manager.

Despite not physically managing Auldamor, the Nichols have done much to improve the quality of the farm, such as putting in new subdivisions and infrastructure, as well as several initiatives to improve soil health. This in turn has led to improved pasture resilience, better yields and improved stock performance and health.

The property's biodiversity has been enhanced through the planting of shelterbelts and forestry stands, along with significant fencing of native shrubland and waterways. Meanwhile, Steven is one of several participating in a project to redue greenhouse gas emissions.

He says they really value their land and their goal is to preserve and enhance it for the next generation.

"One of the things I have learned by entering their competition is our family history and understanding the sacrifice and tireless work that has gone into being where we are today," Nichol told Rural News. "We don't take that for granted and we just want to build on that for the next generation."

Steven and Kellie have defined what sustainability means to them by having a triple bottom line based on planet, profit and people. He says every decision they make on farm goes through this filter to ensure it meets their sustainability criteria.

As well as judging the on-farm performance of entrants, exemplary performance is required. The criteria includes having the ability to articulate 'informed responses and insightful views on a range of pan sector topics'. The judges commended the Nichols for their passion for farming with a holistic approach, bringing off-farm skills into the business.

"We know they can and will 'walk the talk'," said Dianne Kidd, chair of the judging panel.