Meet the farm plan team

Nicola Bulling is a key member of the Farm Plan team, focusing on helping farmers transform their knowledge into practical, valuable farm plans.

As Freshwater Programme Coordinator, Nicola works to ensure farm plans are not just compliance documents, but tools that support better business practices and environmental outcomes.

Nicola has strong Southland roots and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University. She joined Environment Southland’s Land Sustainability team, supporting a variety of catchments and farm types, with a special connection to the Aparima catchment. Her familiarity with the region and its people makes working with Southland farmers particularly rewarding.

Nicola emphasises that plans are straightforward, documenting actions and identifying future improvements. She finds it rewarding to see farmers gain confidence as they realise their expertise. She recommends using maps to visualise risks, waterways, and land features - something the team can assist with.

Becky Crack has deep roots in Southland and a lifelong connection to farming, which means she brings both practical insight and professional expertise to her role supporting farmers on their farm plan journey.

Having grown up on farms, Becky understands the seasonal rhythms and realities of rural life. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Management and has worked across a range of agricultural businesses before joining Environment Southland as a land sustainability officer in 2021.

Becky primarily works in the Mataura catchment, where she connects with farmers through down-to-earth conversations.

Her top tip for farmers creating their plans? Keep good records—it makes the whole process smoother and helps show the great work you’re already doing.

Becky acknowledges that getting started on a farm plan can feel overwhelming, but she enjoys working alongside farmers to break it down into manageable steps and focus on what’s most relevant to each farm.

Karl Erikson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as freshwater programme lead at Environment Southland. Karl has built a career grounded in practical knowledge and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

Karl spent eight years in the building industry, giving him a strong foundation in hands-on problem solving and project management. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles across Council, including work in environmental data, land sustainability, policy and planning, and now, the freshwater programme.

With over a decade of experience in land sustainability, Karl has become a key figure in supporting farmers and landowners to implement effective and environmentally sound practices.

Karl’s leadership is marked by a collaborative approach, a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural communities, and a passion for practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the people who depend on it.

Jono Williams is a Freshwater Farm Plan Advisor, working predominantly across North-Western Southland and the Waiau catchments. Growing up on a small beef farm, Jono gained practical experience in sheep, beef, and deer farming, and completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with a major in Water Management at Lincoln University. He’s also worked in dairy and arable, giving him a well-rounded view of Southland’s diverse farms.

Jono says he loves the variety. Southland’s landscape means every farm and farmer is unique. He enjoys moving from hill country sheep and beef to lowland dairy all in one day. Jono knows starting a farm plan can be daunting.

His advice is to approach it as an exercise to understand your farm and its place in the landscape—not just a box-ticking exercise. He also has a passion for soils - always ready to dig in and explore beneath the pasture, so it’s no surprise that he says there’s so much to discover in soils and waters.

Silvia Yardley brings hands-on experience and a deep passion for environmental stewardship to her role as a farm plan advisor. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment) and, prior to joining Environment Southland, spent five years working in the Wanaka/Upper Clutha Catchment, supporting landowners and farmers through practical, on-farm environmental work. Her background includes large-scale native planting, pest animal and plant control, biodiversity monitoring, and riparian restoration.

Silvia supports farmers in the Ōreti catchment, getting to know the region’s communities. She’s driven by opportunities to help farmers achieve their environmental goals and sees farm planning as a powerful tool that can help farmers meet regulations and boost both productivity and environmental outcomes.

Silvia's advice for farm plans? Start small and reach out early. She’s here to walk alongside farmers, demystify regulations, and provide tailored support using a wide range of resources.