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Farmers and growers who are making a success out of sustainability are being encouraged to enter the Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2018-19, entries for which are open from now until the end of October.
The annual awards, which are organised by the NZ Farm Environment Trust, are open to anyone making a living from the land, including farmers, viticulturists and growers of fruit, vegetables or flowers.
National judging coordinator Andrea Hanna says the awards provide a chance for people to learn from and be inspired by like-minded businesses, and that no one should be put off from entering because they think their property isn’t ready or good enough.
“This is not just targeted at top farmers and growers. The awards are an important opportunity to grow and learn from others,” she says. “In the past, we’ve found farmers can be reluctant to enter if their farm has been affected by unseasonal weather or some other event. But the judges understand that unexpected challenges are part of farming, and will look beyond this at the wider picture.”
The awards are run in 11 regions throughout NZ, including Auckland and Northland. Entrants have their businesses assessed by a team of experienced farmers, growers and agribusiness professionals, who look at the operation as a whole, including its sustainable profitability, environmental awareness, good business practice, and social and community involvement in particular. Constructive advice and feedback is provided, as well as a report with recommendations.
The 2017-18 Auckland regional winners were Steve, Clare, Bruce and Felicity Dill, who farm sheep and beef in the Kaipara Hills. Steve said after the judging that the experience had been a good one.
“It’s been great to have other professional eyes cast over the farm and get a slightly different opinion, because you do tend to get a bit stuck in your ways,” he said. “It’s nice to get feedback.”
Info, entries and nominations: nzfeatrust.org.nz
