increase font size
Stuart Neill’s dedication to water quality has been a defining feature of his farming approach for over 20 years.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Stuart Neill of Pukatea Dairy Farms picked up the award for his exceptional commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and ethical farming practices.
For nearly three decades, Neill has led this dairy farm partnership with a clear philosophy, prioritising strong relationships, sustainable solutions and long-term environmental responsibility. The 221ha (200ha eff) dairy farm in the Amuri Basin sets a benchmark for balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.
The judges commended Pukatea Dairy Farms for its holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental, financial and social considerations into every aspect of the business. They highlighted Neill's outstanding wetland management and riparian planting efforts, describing them as a true investment in the future.
Neill's dedication to water quality has been a defining feature of his farming approach for over 20 years. His investment in drainage systems, sediment traps and riparian planting has significantly reduced nutrient and sediment loss into waterways, resulting in some of the lowest water nitrate levels in the Amuri Basin.
Soil health is another focus with meticulous soil testing and nutrient management ensuring inputs are tailored to specific soil types and crop needs. This approach has optimised productivity while minimising environmental impact.
A key transformation has been the decision to reduce milkings from 14 per week to 10. This shift, driven by a desire to improve animal welfare and enhance work-life balance for the farm team, has delivered positive results for both the herd and overall sustainability.
Judges say Neill's commitment to social responsibility is evident in his strong focus on people. He has fostered a dedicated and skilled workforce by creating a positive work environment and investing in employee training and development. Judges praised his ability to build relationships and networks that drive better outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.
In awarding the Regional Supreme Award, judges described Pukatea Dairy Farms as an outstanding operation that consistently chooses to do the right thing, rather than the easy thing. The farm's long-term environmental initiatives, strategic grazing practices and commitment to ethical and sustainable farming serve as an inspiration to others in the industry.
Neill also won the following awards:
Research suggests that up to 90% of the nutrient value in effluent can be retained if the material is used efficiently, with additional benefits being gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Imagine transforming your dairy farm’s waste into a goldmine of savings and productivity.
Watermetrics was formed as a water data collector and currently supplies and services modern technology such as flow meters, soil moisture and EC probes, weather stations, hydrostatic and ultrasonic level sensors nationwide.
OPINION: Normally farmer good organisations are happy to use the media to get their message across to politicians and the consumers.
Four New Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists in this year’s Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
