Relationships key to Success

Scott and Stacey Mackereth were named the 2026 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua. Supplied.

Southland couple Scott and Stacey Mackereth say people, relationships and creating opportunities for others have been central to their success after being named the 2026 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year.

The couple took out the national title at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua on May 9, alongside three merit awards including the Trelleborg Sustainable Pasture Award, DairyNZ People & Culture Award and Federated Farmers Leadership Award.

Scott and Stacey contract milk 1400 cows for Fortuna Group at Edendale on a 464-hectare property and manage a team of 13 staff. Judges described the pair as a “dynamic team”, noting Scott’s data-driven approach and Stacey’s grounding influence within the business.

For Stacey, who comes from a counselling background, the recognition around people and wellbeing was especially meaningful.

“A lot of that definitely comes from my counselling background,” she said.

“We really focus on supporting all aspects of our staff wellbeing and making sure they feel looked after and supported.”

Part of that approach includes reflection journals for staff, encouraging them to step away from distractions and reflect not just on work, but life, relationships and personal goals.

Scott said the farm had become a place where staff were encouraged to grow and progress through the industry.

“It’s not just about working for us, it’s about their future too,” he said.

“We’ve got two staff members moving into farm management roles within our group this year and that’s hugely rewarding for us.”

The awards cap off a remarkable few years for the couple, who rebuilt their lives after COVID disrupted Scott’s dairy farming ventures in the United States.

Scott spent more than a decade dairy farming at scale in America before returning to New Zealand in 2020.

“We originally went over there with stars in our eyes thinking we’d grow capital and make a fortune, but it’s definitely a boom-or-bust environment,” he said.

After returning to New Zealand and spending time in consultancy roles and farming in the Waikato, the couple eventually saw opportunity in Southland and made the move south.

“It’s honestly been a whirlwind ever since,” Scott said.

The pair, who have known each other since childhood and reconnected later in life, say balance has been key to both their relationship and business success.

“Stacey balances me really well,” Scott said.

“I’ve always got ideas and want to do everything immediately, while Stacey’s the one making sure everyone’s okay while my tornado runs through the farm.”

Pasture management and data-driven decision making also sit at the core of the operation.

Since arriving on the farm three years ago, the couple have increased pasture production from around nine tonnes of dry matter per hectare to more than 14 tonnes.

Scott said while the operation used technology and software systems extensively, the fundamentals remained simple.

“We’re constantly measuring grass, monitoring grazing intervals and making data-driven decisions,” he said.

“Pasture is New Zealand dairy farming’s competitive advantage globally, so it’s something we put a huge focus on.”

The couple also spoke highly of the Dairy Industry Awards process, describing it as an invaluable networking and learning opportunity.

“It was honestly amazing,” Stacey said.

“By the final night you’d spent several days together doing activities and networking, and you’d built genuine friendships.

“By the time the awards came around you were excited for everyone, not just yourself.”

Mid Canterbury couple Jonathon and Stacey Hoets were recognised on the national stage after winning the 2026 Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award. Supplied.

The success of the Mackereths was part of a strong showing for South Island farmers at this year’s Dairy Industry Awards, with Mid Canterbury couple Jonathon and Stacey Hoets also recognised on the national stage after winning the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award.

The award recognises first-generation farmers who are on the verge of farm ownership and aims to help remove barriers to entering farm ownership.

Currently in an equity partnership with the Rylib Group at Kairoa Dairies, the couple have spent years steadily building equity and industry experience.

“We haven’t followed the traditional pathway,” Jonathon said.

“From early on we’ve really valued relationships, and that’s created opportunities for us.”

Jonathon has been involved with the Rylib Group for eight years, initially stepping into management before progressing into equity partnership.

“We’ve used that as our vehicle for growth over the last six years,” he said.

The couple said industry involvement had also played a major role in their progression. The Hoets are no strangers to the Dairy Industry Awards, having previously won the Canterbury/North Otago Share Farmers of the Year title in 2023.

 Stacey is also involved with SIDE (South Island Dairy Event). “It’s a really cool group of people and everyone’s there for similar reasons,” Stacey said.

“You’re putting yourself out there, networking and trying to grow.”

The couple were previously regional managers for the Canterbury Dairy Industry Awards programme and say the experience helped build valuable industry connections and confidence.

“One thing I’ve always tried to do is be ready for opportunities,” Jonathon said.

“Go to discussion groups, attend AGMs, put yourself out there and get your face known. If you’re prepared and ready, it makes it much easier when opportunities come along.”

Stacey said she would encourage more young people in the industry to enter the awards.

“It’s not all about winning,” she said.

“The process itself teaches you so much. It’s a really good way to grow personally and professionally.”

The Hoets hope to purchase their own farm within the next two years and believe there are still strong opportunities for young people entering the dairy sector.

“Relationships are huge,” Jonathon said.

“Even if you want to move into equity partnerships or sharemilking, relationships matter. Ask questions. Put yourself out there. The worst someone can say is no.”

The national awards celebrated dairy farming excellence from across the country.

2026 SHARE FARMER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Scott and Stacey Mackereth

Runner-up: Glenn and Georgie van Heuven

Third: Karl and Jess Wood

2026 DAIRY MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Lauren McConnachie

Runner-up: Miriam Lauridsen

Third: Annie Gill

2026 DAIRY TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Mark Ready

Runner-up: Sam O’Neill

Third: Conor Attrill-Mundt

2026 FONTERRA RESPONSIBLE DAIRYING AWARD

Tony Dodunski from Canterbury/North Otago

2026 ASB ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Alvaro Luzardo and Ximena Puig

2026 FONTERRA & ASB FIRST FARM AWARD (there are three equal winners)

Johno and Tania Burrows

Jonathon and Stacey Hoets

Marc and Nia Jones