Raymond and Adrienne Bowan, who won the 2011 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year competition, grow their own potatoes which they then turn into Heartland Potato Chips, in their own factory.
They farm 1214ha at Orari and 197ha at Coldstream on the north bank of the Rangitata River. With 95% of their farm irrigated, they grow potatoes, cereals, barley, maize and grass seeds and they are increasingly wintering dairy cows, including 2500 cows last winter.
In 2009, when the Bluebird potato chip factory at Washdyke closed down, the Bowans bought it and established Heartland Potato Chips, employing 15 people.
The couple bought their first farm more than 40 years ago. The operation is now a family affair with the couple's son James working on the farm, daughter Charlotte working in the office, and another daughter Kate helping with marketing.
The couple were "incredibly humbled and overwhelmed" by the win, especially as all the finalists were of a high calibre, Mr Bowan said.
Lincoln University Foundation chairman Neil Taylor said the Bowans' commitment to innovation was ongoing, year after year.
"They are exceptional managers and are environmentally aware, as are all of the finalists."
Mr and Mrs Bowan received a $15,000 travel award to be used to explore overseas farming systems.
A field day will be held at their property next year.
Mid-Canterbury farmers Bill and Lynda Davey, from Rakaia, were named runners-up. They run an intensive cropping operation supplying barley for Monteiths Brewery and lease land to a Dutch company that grows bulbs.
