13 Feb 2014

Farmer of the Year to speak at field day

6:33 am on 13 February 2014

The South Island farmer of the year will unveil some secrets to his success at a field day in Marlborough on Thursday.

Winemaker Peter Yealands from Yealands Family Wines beat off competition from High Country merino farmers, dairy and sheep and beef farmers to win the title last year.

The awards are run by the Lincoln University Foundation.

Mr Yealands also farms Angus beef at another farm and Babydoll sheep, which he uses to graze his vineyard.

He said the day will showcase various initiatives including their agricultural soil enhancer biochar and an autonomous tractor.

Mr Yealands vineyard and winery was established in 2008 and was the first in the world to be certified carbon zero. The winery is four times more energy efficient than the industry average.