John and Mel McCaw named 2026 Arable Farmers of the Year

John and Mel McCaw of Methven have been named the 2026 Arable Farmers of the Year at the annual Arable Awards held in Christchurch. The couple was recognized for their industry leadership, high-quality seed and cereal crop production, and their strategic integration of multiple arable crops and livestock classes.

The McCaws also received the Seed Grower of the Year award. Their farming operation near Methven covers 560 hectares and includes the McCaw Seeds seed dressing plant, specializing in herbage seed production such as ryegrass and cocksfoot.

Other award winners included: • Maize Grower of the Year: Mark Shera from Ashburton • Cereal Growers of the Year: Andrew and Amy Darling from Timaru • Positive Environmental Impact Grower of the Year: Lovett Family Farms • Innovation Award: Marty and Georgina Skurr

The event, hosted by the Foundation for Arable Research, saw nearly 500 attendees celebrate innovators in the grain and seed industry. Several individuals were also inducted into the Arable Hall of Fame, including John Mckay, John McKenzie, Eric and Maxine Watson, and the late Murray Kelly.