Stodart Family Triumphs at Silver Fern Farms Supplier Awards

The Stodart family has achieved notable recognition in sustainable farming, winning the Silver Fern Farms’ 2024 Plate to Pasture supplier awards. This accolade reflects their commitment to high standards and innovative practices in agriculture. Their work has resulted in improved outcomes for their farm, Crown Lea, located between the **Takitimu Range** and **Lake Manapouri**.

According to Silver Fern Farms’ annual report, the Stodarts’ dedication to sustainable farming practices and their understanding of the **New Zealand Farm Assurance Program (NZFAP) Plus Gold** standards were key factors in their success. “Their focus on continuous improvement really stood out for our judges,” the report stated. David Stodart expressed his pride, noting, “We thought we were just ordinary farmers getting on with our work.” He continued, “To have our agent rock up and give us this plaque and tell us that we were regional winners … we were pretty happy to just stay there, but yeah, we went even further.”

The recognition serves as validation for the innovative approaches the Stodarts have embraced, including the use of technology, farm data, sustainability initiatives, and strategic supply contracts. Shaun Stodart, who has experience as a stock agent for Silver Fern Farms, played a pivotal role in moving the family operation forward. “He was a big part in us doing all that,” Jackie Stodart said. “He could see the benefits, and he knew what was available. Since then, Shaun’s been right behind me really pushing it.”

David admitted he was initially hesitant about adopting the NZFAP Plus standards. “I was a wee bit resistant on the NZFAP Plus stuff for a start,” he said. “But then once I went to the conference and saw all the ins and outs of it, I changed my mind quite quickly.”

The Stodart family purchased Crown Lea in **2012**, gradually expanding their operation to **750 hectares** by adding adjacent blocks like **Mararoa** and **Titiroa**. The farm currently supports a diverse range of livestock, including **2,800 ewes, 750 hoggets, 120 beef cattle, 100 dairy heifers, 686 hinds**, and **220 velveting stags**.

Both David and Jackie have deep roots in the region, having grown up on the eastern side of the Takitimus in **Ohai** and **Avondale** respectively. They married in **1989**, and after managing the family farm in Avondale following David’s father’s passing, they sought their own opportunities. In **2006**, they acquired an adjacent farm and later expanded their holdings with another property in **Mossburn**.

The Stodarts credit the late Trevor Wilson, a former Southland stock agent and trustee of David’s father’s estate, for providing valuable guidance during their journey. “He played quite a big part in everywhere we’ve gone and everything we’ve done,” David noted. “He used to bounce a lot of ideas off us.”

Jackie emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind in farming practices. “While it can be tough being challenged by new thinking, it can be immensely rewarding,” she stated. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified by their collaborative efforts with **Environment Southland** to protect wetlands, promote native planting, and monitor water quality at Crown Lea.

This forward-thinking philosophy, which contributed to their recent award, is even inscribed on a wall in the farm’s workshop: “To passionately develop and improve our land and livestock to secure our family’s future.” The Stodarts’ journey reflects not only their dedication to agriculture but also their commitment to sustainable practices that benefit both their family and the environment.