Roberts Crowned National Farming Ambassadors | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 3, 2026 · 1m

Michelle and Tony Roberts, a Southland farming couple who built Merino Downs from scratch, have been crowned 2026 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing — winning the Gordon Stephenson Trophy for their pioneering deer farming and dairy grazing operation. Starting as sharemilkers in the 1990s, they turned vision into reality through grit, innovation, and partnership. Tony drives tech-forward change, while Michelle grounds it in practical wisdom — a dynamic duo whose leadership extends beyond their farm, influencing regional freshwater policy and mentoring the next generation…