'Just take the plunge'

Hamish and Simon - the 2024 Gordon Stephenson Trophy recipients and National Ambassadors, says people must recognise that their business and property will never be perfect.

“The past five years have been very hard for our business, and we certainly felt we were far from perfect and in a rebuilding phase when we entered – but that is also part of our story,” says Hamish.

"Look back at what you've achieved to date and take that into account and go for it from there,” adds Simon. “There's always a reason not to enter and that's something you need to put behind you and just take the plunge."

Farmers and growers across New Zealand are invited to enter the Awards to help continue to grow a healthy future for farming. Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in sustainable farming and growing within the primary sector.

Sarah Harris, general manager of the Trust, invites farmers and growers at any stage of their sustainability journey to get involved.

“Being part of the awards programme is an excellent way to gain constructive feedback on your business, help identify your strengths, and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector.”

The BFEA programme offers a platform for farmers and growers to showcase, benchmark, and enhance the sustainability of their operation through the judging process, whereby rural peers and agribusiness professionals provide valuable feedback, commendations, and recommendations. 

Judges take a comprehensive approach, evaluating the entire farm system including water and soil management, climate stewardship, biodiversity, waste management, team and community wellbeing, business health, biosecurity and animal care.

The awards also feature a Catchment Group Showcase, which recognises the efforts of a rural community working together to improve water quality, promote good on-farm practices and sustainable land management, and encourage positive environmental and farmer wellbeing outcomes. The initiative is designed to celebrate the efforts of catchment groups and serves to inspire other communities with examples of good practice.

The BFEA programme is supported by a range of leading agribusinesses and regional councils throughout the country, many of whom sponsor award categories and provide valuable professional advice and feedback to entrants through the judging process.

Entries are open until October, with initial farm visits taking place before the end of the year. Regional awards events will follow in March and April 2025, providing a valuable opportunity to connect as an industry, share stories and celebrate the outstanding achievements within the primary sector.

The Regional Supreme Winner from each of the eleven regions will be considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s National Showcase at Tākina in Wellington on June 18, 2025. The winners of this prestigious trophy will become the National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing for 2025.

Entries can be made online at nzfeawards.org.nz