Troy and Karin Everson
Hermanus 

2025 Auckland Finalists: Troy and Karin Everson of Hermanus – Dairy

When Troy and Karin Everson purchased a run-down Rodney sheep farm in 2000, it was a blank canvas. One year later, they started transforming the treeless property into a high-performing dairy farm that is also rich in native biodiversity.

They began by installing fences and water races across the 264ha (220ha effective) property, improving drainage, and installing water tanks. Today, 450 high-performing cows are milked at Hermanus and all young stock are raised on-site.

Stock are fed with crops grown on the farm, including rye, clover and 30ha of maize, with an aim of producing 240,000kg milk solids annually.

The Eversons have meticulously cultivated their land, planting native bush around waterways and steep slopes to create a thriving natural environment while also improving soil conservation, and health and safety. They’ve further enhanced the environment by reducing the herd size and protecting wetlands.

The judges were impressed with the farm’s innovative effluent management system that includes a unique feed pad “vacuum” designed by Troy himself. They also praised the couple’s meticulous record-keeping and commitment to staff wellbeing.

There’s a strong focus on animal welfare at Hermanus, with the result being happy and healthy stock across the property.

Long-term planning is prioritised, with the Eversons continuously seeking new ways to improve their business. They closely monitor greenhouse gas emissions and are reducing them via the sustainability measures they have introduced.

The judges said it was clear that the Eversons had a vision the moment they stepped onto the farm and have been working toward achieving it ever since. They were inspired by their commitment to sustainability – in terms of both the environment and profit.

Hermanus demonstrates the power of vision, hard work, and a dedication to creating a thriving and sustainable future for both business and the environment.

Troy and Karin were the winners of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award, and Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award.