Celebrating excellence at Muller Station

The event was hosted by the Satterthwaite family, proud winners of the 2024 award, and showcased their farming achievements in one of New Zealand’s most challenging and beautiful landscapes. 

The day began with a farm tour, where attendees had a unique opportunity to explore Muller Station and see firsthand how the Satterthwaite family has achieved impressive production gains on this rugged country.  

Steve and Mary Satterthwaite, who own Muller Station, estimate more than $4 million has been invested in weed and pest control over the last couple of decades. They describe this investment as non-negotiable - it happens even in the tough years. 

Kate Acland, B+LNZ Chair who attended the event, says it's a vast and impressive property that's benefited from a depth of knowledge and passion from the two generations actively farming the land. 

“What was even more impressive than their quality stock and excellent production figures was the absolute commitment and dedication to the management of this highly significant landscape and the biodiversity that sits within it.” 

Following the farm tour, attendees gathered back at the woolshed for speeches and celebrations, including an address from Acland who thanked hill country farmers. 

“It’s important to recognise the excellent and critical role that our hill and high country farmers play in protecting our iconic landscapes, maintaining our indigenous biodiversity and managing invasive weed and pests. Let’s celebrate this but it’s also essential we make sure that planning regimes allow appropriate flexibility so these farmers have a strong and profitable core business to support that action,” she says. 

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is a sponsor of the Marlborough Farmer of the Year Award, powered by the B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer Council. 

Amanda Henderson, B+LNZ’s Extension Manager for Tasman and Marlborough, was thrilled with the turnout.  

“The Marlborough Farmer of the Year committee and Satterthwaite family put on a fantastic day, their time and effort into this event was reflected in the excellent turnout and a successful day enjoyed by all.”  

“It was a real privilege to see a snapshot of high-country life at the Muller and the next generation being involved in the success of their farming business,” she says. 

View photos from the day at the Westpac + OsGro Seed Marlborough Farmer of the Year Facebook page here. 

Events like this are powered by B+LNZ NSI Farmer Council & Kāhui.