Mark & Elspeth Thomson
Lora Glen

The owners of this picturesque Southland property are blending significant infrastructure improvements with leading sustainability initiatives to maximise productivity while protecting the environment.

Lora Glen is a 353ha (258ha effective) dairy grazing and sheep and beef operation owned by Mark and Elspeth Thomson. Located in the Lora Gorge, Central Southland, their overarching goal has always been to bring the farm up to full productivity while having a light touch on the native environment.

Today, they run a maximum of 800 cattle and a few sheep across a footprint that is being gradually increased through strategic drainage and fencing. Stock are wintered on about 50ha of kale.

The judges praised all improvements as being carefully considered to achieve the best possible financial and environmental outcomes. They were particularly impressed with the couple’s understanding of how the landscape dictates contaminant loss, informing their detailed farm management practices.

This knowledge is evident in their robust sustainability and infrastructure strategy. Soil integrity is being actively maintained, while nutrient and sediment loss is being minimised by mapping high-risk areas, using minimum tillage, and installing such things as sediment and filter traps.

When it comes to the environment, the Thomsons are making major strides in biodiversity. They view their ambitious plan to protect about one-third of the property under a QEII Trust covenant as a golden opportunity to protect their unique native ecosystem. The judges said their land stewardship is exceptional, praising the active control of feral deer and pigs, with possums and gorse on the radar too. There is significant deer fencing to minimise feral deer incursions.

Mark and Elspeth’s leadership extends into the community, where they are actively involved in the Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group which is undertaking an extensive feral ungulate control project.

Judges commended this dedication, alongside their use of consultants and sustainability professionals, calling their work a prime example of exceptional pasture management and stewardship.