Growing the future – Rebecca and Ben Trotter
Rebecca (Bex) and Ben Trotter, alongside their young family, are part of a new generation of Upper Clutha farmers redefining what modern farming can look like. Based just outside Wānaka, in Luggate, their journey from traditional beef farming to a highly diversified, community-connected operation reflects both innovation and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship – particularly around water use, resource efficiency, and local food production.
Their success is underpinned by the unwavering support of Ben and Bex’s family and their dedicated team, who stand behind them through the long hours and pressures that farming brings.
Recognised for excellence
That commitment has not gone unnoticed. The Trotters were recently named runners up for the Otago Regional 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, along with receiving multiple category awards:
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
- NZFET Innovation Award
- Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
- Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
- FMG Risk Management Award
These accolades recognise more than strong farm performance. They reflect a system that balances productivity, environmental care, and innovation. This is further demonstrated by the farm’s Farm Assurance Programme (FAP) Gold Standard, achieved by meeting the rigorous requirements of the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme – a nationally recognised frameworks for environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and on-farm management.
Together, these awards highlight how a series of evolving ventures have combined to create a resilient and future-focused farming system.
The farm’s foundation
Bex and Ben purchased their 135-hectare property in 2018 in partnership with Ben’s parents, establishing Black Peak Farming as a bull beef finishing operation. Initially focused solely on livestock, the farm operated with a highly efficient grazing system designed to maximise pasture production and animal performance.
With a smaller landholding and a long-term view, the Trotters quickly recognised that diversification – rather than intensification – would be key. Their focus shifted to system efficiency: making the most of every resource while maintaining strong environmental outcomes.
This approach placed particular emphasis on water use, soil management, and overall system efficiency, laying the foundation for future ventures that would further increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Red Bridge Berries
The next chapter began with a simple idea: bringing the classic Kiwi strawberry-picking experience to Central Otago.
After trialling around 200 strawberry plants at home, Bex and Ben scaled up to commercial production with 30,000 plants, transforming a roadside paddock into what is now Red Bridge Berries. Selling out over opening weekend, the venture immediately showed its potential and quickly became a local favourite.
Consent for the project was supported by their strong focus on water-use efficiency and careful irrigation management, alongside a commitment to supplying fresh food directly to the local community. Today, Red Bridge Berries attracts thousands of visitors each season and supplies local cafés, restaurants, and retailers.
A key part of the operation’s success lies in how thoughtfully it is managed. The farm uses a sub-surface drip irrigation system, delivering water directly to the plant roots. This system reduces water use by around 50%, minimises evaporation, prevents soil saturation, and maintains healthy soil aeration. Keeping water off foliage also reduces the risk of plant disease. Soil moisture probes ensure irrigation is only applied when and where it’s needed, avoiding unnecessary water use.
Pest management is equally considered. Through integrated pest management, beneficial predator insects are used to control pests, significantly reducing the need for chemical sprays. This was a deliberate decision for a public-facing operation, where families and children regularly pick and eat strawberries straight from the field. The result is a safe, healthy environment – that reflects the Trotters’ commitment to both environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.
Beyond its economic success, Red Bridge Berries plays an important environmental and social role:
- Strengthens local food systems and reduces reliance on imported produce
- Encourages low-waste production, with surplus fruit frozen, freeze-dried, or turned into value-added products
- Builds strong community connections through hands-on food experiences
The berry operation reflects the Trotters’ broader philosophy: growing high-quality food in a way that is both resource-efficient and closely connected to the people who consume it.
Alpine Fresh
More recently, Bex and Ben expanded into controlled-environment horticulture with the acquisition of Alpine Fresh, a hydroponic herb and greens business.
Hydroponicsgrowi plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution delivered directly to the roots and continuously recirculated through the system. This significantly reduces water use by avoiding runoff and evaporation, lowers the need for pesticides and herbicides by eliminating soil-borne pests and diseases, and prevents degradation; all while supporting highly efficient plant growth.
At Alpine Fresh, herbs, microgreens, and salad mixes are produced in a climate-controlled environment, allowing for a consistent, high-quality, year-round supply to local cafés, restaurants, and retailers.
This system also contributes to a circular on-farm approach, with organic waste from the herb production fed back to the beef cattle. This reduces waste, maximises resource efficiency, and reinforces the Trotters’ commitment to environmentally conscious farming systems.
The bigger picture
The Trotters’ approach aligns strongly with both the Upper Clutha Rural Strategy and the Queenstown Lakes District Council Destination Management Plan Travel to a Thriving Future.
Their farm demonstrates how:
- Diversified land use can improve resilience and profitability
- Water-efficient systems (such as hydroponics and careful irrigation management) support freshwater goals
- Local food production strengthens regional food security and reduces environmental footprint
- Visitor experiences, like pick-your-own berries, contribute to regenerative, community-focused tourism
By integrating food production, environmental care, and community engagement, the Trotters are helping shape a future where farming supports both people and place.
Working with WAI Wānaka
Bex and Ben are also active contributors to WAI Wānaka initiatives, strengthening the connection between farming, freshwater, and community.
They have:
- Participated in biodiversity and freshwater monitoring on their property for the past two years
- Been involved in local catchment collaboration, with Ben actively engaged in the Luggate Catchment Group
- Hosted Te Taiao – On Farm education days, giving local students hands-on experience with soil health, water quality, and food production
These contributions reflect a commitment beyond their farm gate – supporting shared understanding and collective action across the wider catchment.
Growing more than food
From beef farming to strawberries to hydroponic herbs, the Trotters’ journey shows what’ possible when innovation, environmental care, and community connection work together.
Their farm is more than a business. It is a system designed to:
- Use water efficiently
- Reduce waste and maximise resources
- Strengthen biodiversity and land resilience
- Connect people to where their food comes from
In doing so, Bex, Ben, their families, and their team are not just growing produce – they are helping grow a more sustainable and connected future for the Upper Clutha.
Show your support by shopping local, for berries or greens!
Learn more about WAI Wānaka’s biodiversity and freshwater monitoring and rural collaboration initiatives.