2020 finalists: Angela Scott & Grant Williams of Pendella Farm – Sheep & beef.

The epic landscape of Central Otago’s Maniototo has been the backdrop for this family farming business for 93 years, with Angela Scott now at the helm. This proud, third-generation farmer is focused on authentically restoring the natural environment while continuing to build a successful business.

Angela entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards because she sees sustainability as a cornerstone of farming today and wanted to know how she’s measuring up.

With the help of contractors and support from her family, Angela runs super-fine merinos, rears Friesian bull calves and finishes bulls. Proud of her stock, Angela ensures they’re kept in top condition by close monitoring and by seeking plenty of external guidance. The judges said the stock’s excellent health, impressive weight gains and beautiful fine wool were a testament to Angela’s incredible work ethic and her knowledge of animal and pasture health.

Demonstrating a strong connection to land and stock, Angela is committed to restoring the natural environment in an authentic way. She is researching what ‘native’ means for the Maniototo and she has started a native plant nursery with some like-minded friends and farmers.

The judges praised Angela and her husband Grant for their ability to embrace new ideas and opportunities – resulting in them becoming strong industry innovators. Angela’s passion for water quality led to her instigating a water-testing programme for the Maniototo West-side Irrigation Scheme. Meanwhile, the farm has moved from exclusive border dyke irrigation to a system that includes three pivots with moisture probes installed beneath.

Focused on reducing the farm’s environmental footprint, Angela repurposes and recycles waste, and has excluded stock from most of Pendella’s waterways. She’s very involved in the local community and is already thinking about the future – preparing to venture into tourism by offering tourists a truly epic and real Kiwi experience.

2020 AWARDS RECEIVED:
Massey University Innovation Award
Read more about Angela