News & Advice

Kate Acland is a familiar and respected voice in New Zealand agriculture - a farmer, business owner and committed advocate for rural communities.

In September, Ravensdown shareholders elected the Mid Canterbury farmer and experienced primary sector leader to the Ravensdown Board.

Grounded in farming 

Kate’s perspective is grounded in day-to-day farming. Together with her husband David and their three teenage children, she runs Mt Somers Station, a 3,800-hectare property in Mid Canterbury.

“Our diverse operation spans sheep, beef, dairy and honey, and our wider businesses employ around 30 people. At the heart of it all is a shared focus on building resilient, sustainable and profitable businesses for the next generation,” says Kate.

That hands-on experience extends beyond the farm gate. Kate founded Sugar Loaf Wines and grew it from a Marlborough vineyard into a winery, processing and export business now selling into 22 international markets.

Connecting the industry

A consistent thread through Kate’s governance work has been her belief that farmer-funded and farmer-owned organisations must stay connected and accountable to the people they serve.

That commitment has shaped her leadership as Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board, where she was the first woman to chair both organisations. She is also a director of the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand and previously served as a director of Ashburton Trading Society, now Ruralco.

Along the way, she has worked through organisational change, farmer engagement, research investment and international supply chains, experience she now brings to the Ravensdown Board.

Recognised leader

In June, Kate’s contribution to agriculture and rural New Zealand was recognised when she was named the inaugural Rural Woman of the Year at the 2026 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards. The judges highlighted her “inspirational leadership” in changing the culture and effectiveness of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and rebuilding engagement with levy-paying farmers.

Kate was quick to share the recognition, describing the award as “recognition of the many women who contribute to rural communities and the wider agricultural sector.”

Champion of co-operatives

Kate says farmer-owned co-operatives are an important part of the future of New Zealand agriculture.

“Strong co-operatives need strong farmer support, so remaining relevant to the new generation of shareholders is critical. Part of this is the continued investment in evolution of science and innovation that we need to boost productivity and help farmers deliver to the evolving expectations of our markets.”