Drought, adversity & breaking new ground

ABOUT DOUG

Smashed by years of drought, eastern Marlborough farmers Doug and Wendy Avery realised in 1998 they needed to change direction not only in their lives but also in his farming methods. A seminar by Dr Derrick Moot, a senior plant science professor of Lincoln University, followed by a science project facilitated by the NZ Land Care Trust, led not only to Bonavaree Farm (the Avery Property at Grassmere) transforming, but also the lives of Doug, Wendy and their family.

The farm which struggled with just Doug and Wendy and a gross income of $320,000 today employs 5 full time people and lots of busy contractors, and today gross Income has soared to $3,500,000. The Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Group which Doug chaired, won a Green Ribbon in 2008 for leadership in improving drought affected land. The Avery family were South Island Farmers of the Year in 2010 and Marlborough District Council Environment Award winners in 2011.  In 2012 Doug was made a Land Care Ambassador by the NZ Land Care Trust in recognition of his environmental work and in 2013 Doug was named Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year for his work on radio, video, TV, print and stage. 

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In 2017 Doug was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his services to agriculture and mental health. One of Doug’s favourite quotes: “We are each given two hands, one to help ourselves, and one to help others.” (Audrey Hepburn)

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Wendy and Doug set up a company called Resilient Farmer aimed at promoting and assisting other farmers make a similar journey to a more resilient future. The couple have just started running “Woolshed Workshops” which they hope will grow individual personal life and business skills.

Doug’s book “The Resilient Farmer” was New Zealand’s largest publishers' second best-selling book in its first year of release.

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Recently Doug and Wendy moved off the farm to make way for younger staff. They still own 50% of the now 2300 ha, 19,000 stock unit sheep, beef, cropping and dairy support farm, but their eldest son Fraser and his wife Shelley now run that business.  Doug now calls himself a storyteller and is a sought after speaker in agricultural circles across New Zealand and Australia. This speaking is now flowing over into urban organisations, schools and even a top rugby franchise.

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Doug is a strong and entertaining speaker and his addresses are always humouring but laced with deep messaging. Since launching his book he has spoken to over 11,000 people in NZ and Australia.