Central Otago farmer, Sam Stevens, has a deep-rooted passion for rural storytelling that he brings to his role as a B+LNZ Central South Island Farmer Councillor.
Farming 240 hectares in Poolburn, Central Otago, Sam runs a Poll Dorset stud and dairy support operation, recently transitioning to lamb fattening and quarter-bred ewes while retaining the stud. His connection to the land dates back to 2003 when he began working on the property.
Sam joined B+LNZ’s Farmer Council to bridge the urban-rural divide and help communicate farmers' stories to those shaping policies that impact farming systems. "B+LNZ does a great job of providing scientific information about how well we care for the land, and I’m interested in how we get that information to the people who need to see it," says Sam.
“I enjoy meeting up with like-minded positive farmers who are willing to put aside their time and help develop effective events and workshops that the region needs.
“One of the major benefits for me was the B+LNZ Farmer Council leadership programme, which is an excellent module-based course designed to develop strong leaders in farming communities.”
Sam encourages others to consider joining the Farmer Council. "Give it a go! There's no harm in trying, and you may find that you can make a difference in your area," he says.
In addition to farming, Sam has a long history in education, teaching Art and Agriculture at Maniototo Area School for 19 years. He remains involved with the school through the Gateway programme and also tutors for Primary ITO.
His commitment to the next generation of farmers is clear. "There are many young people passionate about farming who will become the leaders of the future. They need stability from policymakers and better-funded access to quality training and apprenticeship programmes that will help them see a clear pathway in farming as a career," he says.
Sam also serves as Chair of the Ida Valley Catchment Group, which recently secured funding for a significant willow removal project in the Poolburn Gorge. The group is in the process of establishing a native nursery and tunnel house at Poolburn School.
Join B+LNZ’s Farmer Council
B+LNZ established the Farmer Council to provide a pathway for farmers to lead, support and engage with B+LNZ’s regional extension by setting regional priorities, helping with identifying critical topics and supporting the extension team to deliver events and activities that farmers want and that will make a difference to them and their farm business. Our B+LNZ Farmer Council is the heart of our “By Farmers. For Farmers” approach.
B+LNZ regions currently recruiting:
- The Northern South Island Farmer Council are set to hold their AGM in October and will be open for applications for Councillors on the West Coast, North Canterbury and Banks Peninsula. Keep an eye out for e-diary notices for the AGM date and location.
- Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council: Applications are open until 5 September 2024. Request a nomination form and send it along with a brief bio to Rachel Jukes at rachel.jukes@beeflambnz.com
Get in touch with your local councillors
Learn who your regional Chair and Deputy Chair is on B+LNZ’s website here. You can contact B+LNZ’s Farmer Councillors through your local B+LNZ Extension Manager.
Sam Stevens, B+LNZ Central South Island Farmer Councillor