Businesses chip in to help farmers
Banks and rural businesses are chipping in to help farmers in Southland and Otago.
Entries for the 2014 Ballance Farm Environment Awards open next month.
Organisers are again expecting strong interest in the popular competition.
Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFE), the awards promote sustainable land management by showcasing the work of people farming in a way that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
Held in nine regions, the awards are open to all farming and horticultural types.
NZFE chair Alistair Polson says all farmers, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, should consider participating in the competition.
"Most people enter because they want feedback on how their farming operation stacks up in terms of environmental and economic sustainability," he says.
"Entrants receive valuable advice from competition judges and other participants on how to improve the sustainability of their businesses."
Polson says many past-entrants have also commented that their involvement in the competition has helped their personal development "because they get to meet and be inspired by a range of like-minded people".
Entering the competition is easy and the judging process is conducted in a relaxed and friendly manner.
Entry forms are available on-line at www.bfea.org.nz. Entries open August 1.
Polson says farmers don't have to have the prettiest farm in the district to enter. The awards also cover a wide range of categories, so farmers who are performing well in one specific area have a chance of picking up a category award.
Supreme winners from each region are honoured at NZFE's annual Sustainability Showcase, where a National Winner is announced. The National Winner of the 2013 Ballance Farm Environment Awards was Canterbury couple Craige and Roz Mackenzie.
As well as being awarded the prestigious Gordon Stephenson trophy, the Mackenzies received a range of prizes, including an overseas study trip.
Polson says Supreme winners join a select group of New Zealand farmers who will continue to meet for years to come.
"I believe it's a real life-changing experience for these people."
But a relatively small number of BFEA entrants win the Supreme award in their first time in the competition. Most past-winners have entered the competition at least once or twice previously.
"The key thing is that they take on board what the judges say each time and they use that free feedback to improve their operations. So my advice to anyone considering entering the competition for the first time is to jump in and give it a go. You've got nothing to lose."
Held in nine regions, the awards are open to all farming and horticultural types.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.