Southland Farmers Named 2026 Sustainable Farming Ambassadors
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.
The Fords own the 1240ha Highlands Station – a productive and well-maintained hill-country farm south of Rotorua.
From ten outstanding regional supreme winners, competition judges say the sheep and cattle property had the “wow” factor, which made it stand out in terms of environmental sustainability and impressive production and performance figures.
Sitting within the Lake Tarawera and Rotokakahi catchments, the farm’s distinctive contour is the result of past volcanic activity, which flattened forests, carved out hill faces and left the area covered in Phosphate-rich mud. The Ford’s says the careful and responsible management of nutrient runoff is one of the most critical on farm issues to get right.
John is passionate about minimising erosion on the challenging contour. The award judges were impressed with the deep knowledge shown by John and Catherine on techniques to achieve this. A network of almost 200 retention dams has been created to reduce run-off and scouring during heavy rainfall. This well-designed dam system also mitigates P loss.
Highlands Station also has extensive native bush areas, including 140ha under QE II National Trust covenants.
Judges also praised John and Catherine’s “effective and outstanding staff management program”, noting that the Ford’s were very ready to seek external advice on any issue when needed.
“The winners and the property had strong ties to their community and displayed a deep understanding of a wide range of topics during the interview stage of the competition,” add the judges.
The Fords are very aware of encouraging and guiding staff. “We are the owners and take the financial risk but our staff produce the results which make it viable,” says Catherine.
