The Justin and Mary Vennell have an unmistakable commitment to combining steadfast land stewardship with simple, successful farming on their 380ha (effective) property, half an hour north of Feilding.

The award judges commended the Vennells’ approach noting a willingness to undertake environmental protection work “even when outside financial assistance was not available” and commented on the couple’s “passion for farming” and how “both are tuned to the needs of the farm”.