Matt Lawlor and Teresa O’Riordan of Caldervan 

2025 Otago Finalists: Matt Lawlor and Teresa O’Riordan of Caldervan – Beef and Lamb

This Otago family’s commitment to sustainable practices has not only created a thriving natural environment – it has also resulted in a more efficient and easier-to-manage farm. 

Matt Lawlor’s parents enabled him to go farming, and he and Teresa O’Riordan have now been farming at Caldervan for 24 years. While profitability remains a key focus, they’re also committed to creating a healthy environment for their livestock and the surrounding ecosystem.  

Ultimately, this approach has made the 1,220ha (1000ha effective) farm easier to run, with the healthy soil and thriving environment leading to healthier animals and improved productivity. 

The couple runs 4,500 ewes and 200 cows, breeding and fattening the progeny. When taking over, Matt and Teresa wanted to create a place for their family to grow up, backed by a healthy and profitable business. This has led to an equal balance between profitability and environmental stewardship.  

The judges were particularly impressed with the family’s successful weed control efforts, especially their comprehensive approach to gorse control.  

In addition, Caldervan boasts a significant area of native bush and tussock grasslands, which the family actively protects and nurtures. The judges said their dedication to on-farm biodiversity was evident in their efforts to integrate these natural areas into their farming system. 

Extensive riparian planting and fencing have been implemented, along with the establishment of wetland areas. These initiatives not only enhance the environment but also serve as valuable sediment traps, improving water quality. 

Matt and Teresa demonstrate a strong understanding of soil health and its importance to the overall environment. They maintain a comprehensive farm plan with detailed maps of soils, landscapes, and farm features, along with specific action plans for each area. Utilising direct drilling methods where appropriate for establishing crops further reduces soil disturbance.