Vice President Stuart is married to Joanne with four adult children. They farm at Kohatu 50km inland from Nelson City, at 1000 feet above sea level. In summer it is dry country and they experience long winters with heavy frosts.

Merridale Charolais was established in 1972 by his late father (Barry, President of the Society between 1996-1998). Currently they have a 50 cow herd running on their hill country. Bulls are sold in May to farmers all over the top of the South Island.

Breeding objectives require their animals to have a quiet and easily handing temperament, fast growing with good muscling and fleshing.

Since 1999 Stuart has been a local government representative for the Lakes Murchison ward of the Tasman District Council. He has been the sole councillor for this ward since the 2007 election. He is also President of the Nelson Agricultural & Pastoral Association and a trustee of the Wakefield Medical Centre Trust.