Highly regarded by sourdough bakers, the couple’s direct-to-consumer sales have carved out a distinctive niche for their arable operation.
Fellow finalist Paul Oliver, an agronomist with H\&T Agronomics, played a key role in taking Always N from development and extensive local and international trials through to commercialisation.
This microbial seed treatment helps reduce nitrogen losses, allowing growers to rely less on synthetic nitrogen inputs.
The third finalist, Lincoln University researcher Mariana Andreucci, is investigating how cultivar characteristics, biomass production and on-farm management practices influence crop performance.
Her work is helping growers maximise the potential of individual wheat varieties.
Foundation for Arable Research general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie, who convened the judging panels, said the calibre of Environment Award finalists showed growers’ determination to leave the land and water in better shape for the next generation.
Lovett Family Farms, led by Daniel Lovett near Ashburton, impressed judges with its focus on soil health, water use efficiency and biodiversity.
The judges said the family had built a resilient farming system while openly sharing their sustainability journey with the wider agricultural community.
Competing against the Lovetts is Tim Gorton, who runs a mixed arable, livestock and dairy operation near Feilding.
The judges praised his extensive planting programme, commitment to waterway health and demonstration that productive farming and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
There are three finalists for Maize Grower of the Year in a season that produced a record maize silage harvest, one of the bright spots for the arable sector.
Ashburton grower Mark Shera produces 250ha of maize as part of a 1200ha arable operation.
Supported by a large dryer and silo complex, the business is recognised as the largest maize grain operation in the South Island.
Federated Farmers Waikato arable chair Donald Stobie farms 450ha at Gordonton, growing around 200ha of maize.
His focus on excellence has delivered some of the country’s highest maize grain and silage yields.
The third finalists are Hawke’s Bay growers Patrick and Belinda Nicolle, who lease land and contract-grow 300ha of maize grain and 60ha of popcorn.
The judges recognised their efficiency and forward-thinking approach.
From these finalists, along with contenders for Cereal Grower and Seed Grower of the Year, the Arable Farmer of the Year will be crowned at the awards dinner on August 20 at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.
Lawrie said the quality of finalists remained as strong as ever.
“It fills me with optimism as I see new people coming in,” he said.
“For example, in the agronomist category, there’s some relatively young professionals who are committed and have new thinking – they’re looking at the broader picture."
Lawrie said the days of a “silo mentality” focused solely on grain and seed production were gone, with farmers increasingly integrating arable systems with livestock and horticulture.
“That’s going to provide real integration going forward.”
The full list of 2026 Arable Industry NZ Award finalists
Maize Grower of the Year
- Mark Shera, Ashburton
- Donald Stobie, Gordonton
- Patrick and Belinda Nicolle, Hastings
Cereal Grower of the Year
- Guy and Kathryn Wigley, Waimate
- Andrew and Amy Darling, Timaru
- Geoff and Joy Hayward and family – Hayward Agricultural, Timaru
Seed Grower of the Year
- Brendan and Rachel Moore, Methven
- Jeremy and Kate Simpson, Rakaia
- John and Mel McCaw, Methven
Innovation Award
- Paul Oliver, Feilding
- Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
- Marty and Georgina Skurr, Sheffield
Environment Award
- Lovett Family Farms, Ashburton
- Tim Gorton, Feilding
Agronomist of the Year
- Nicola Pace, Ruralco
- Sean Mulligan, PGG Wrightson Seeds
- Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
Working Together Award
- SCID Rebuild Team
- Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture Incorporated
- Oat Industry Group