Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
"As the farmer-comedian Te Radar told us at Federated Farmers' National Conference, we do not take time to stop and appreciate just how good our farmers really are," he says.
Rolleston says this is why competitions like the South Island Farmer of the Year matter.
"They are our chance to show urban New Zealand the excellence of our farming systems. We can only show off our industry if people enter into competitions like this.
"In that respect there isn't a lot of time left as nominations and entries close on 1 August.
"You may not have much time but it is worth it with a $20,000 travel grant for the winner and four special category prizes worth $5,000 each. There is also the huge benefit of getting judges to provide your farm business with a free independent assessment.
"Leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, all the hallmarks of South Island farming, is what the Lincoln University Foundation Trust is looking for in the entries."
Entries can be made directly by farmers or by anyone else singling out a farm business as being a worthy nominee.
To nominate someone or to get an entry form for yourself, visit www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz.
The 2013 award was won by the winemaker, Peter Yealands.
Judging takes place September/October and the final will be held at Lincoln University in November.
"What we're hoping for is for farmers and the friends of farmers to take this opportunity because the South Island's next top farmer is out there," says Rolleston.
