Tom, Denise and James Anderson
Awatere Station

Southland sheep and beef operation Awatere Farm is a testament to fifty years of transformation driven by a collaborative vision that balances profit with conservation.

Owned by James and Denise Anderson, the 3,258ha (2,649ha effective) property is in the process of transitioning to the next generation. Sons Tom, Ben and Hamish have been actively involved with the farm from a young age, with Tom now its operating manager.

What began as an undeveloped, gorse-ridden block with minimal fertility has evolved into a profitable operation where all stock is consistently finished on-farm. Income primarily comes from sheep (70%) and beef (25%), with wool providing the remainder.

The foundation of the farm’s success is a unique, low-cost all-grass wintering system, implemented since 2019. This shift was made possible by clever fertiliser application which has lifted production and quality to a level that sustains the year-round pasture-based system.

All people on the farm have an equal say in how things are run as Tom strives to empower his team to continue building their farming skills and knowledge.

The judges were impressed by the team’s commitment to both productivity and sustainability. They praised the well-planned infrastructure, including a new reticulated water system that feeds 180 paddocks, well-maintained tracks, and satellite yards that minimise animal stress. There’s also a comprehensive pasture-renewal programme where 250ha are renewed each year.

Conservation is equally important and includes extensive weed control along with fencing off large stretches of waterways and wetlands – subsequently protecting them with native riparian planting. A further 500ha of established native bush has been fenced off, leaving these natural areas to rejuvenate and support a growing population of native birdlife.

Awatere Farm stands as a vibrant example of how intergenerational leadership and collective decision-making can transform a struggling block into a model of economic and environmental resilience.