increase font size
New Zealand Farm Environment Trust general manager James Ryan.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards has launched a new Catchment Group Award as part of its 2021 awards programme.
The new award, which is supported by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and NZ Landcare Trust, is designed to commend catchment groups and the work they do across New Zealand.
“It’s a natural fit between two not-forprofit organisations partnering to support farmers and celebrate the efforts of rural communities working together to drive environmental improvements,” James Ryan, general manager of the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust told Rural News.
The award is open to catchment groups from all eleven regions in which the awards operate.
Ryan says that aside from the new honour, other awards on the programme have been updated “to ensure that it aligns with the latest sector thinking around good practice”.
He says the new criteria have been tested with both farming and rural professionals and the trust believes participants will be provided with clear guidelines of the assessment framework.
On the subject of potential winners, Ryan says the judges are looking particularly for innovation.
“We cater for farmers and growers at all stages of their sustainability journey and encourage people to get involved regardless of where they see themselves on this journey. To be successful in winning an award we expect to see examples of innovation and a commit- ment to stewardship,” he explains.
A new partnership with Farmax will see award entrants receive Farmax analysis, including greenhouse gas emissions numbers and mitigation options.
“Farmax is thrilled to be supporting the awards which showcase some of the country’s most sustainable and profitable farmers,” says Farmax chief executive Gavin McEwen.
“The awards align with the core belief of Farmax, which is that profitable and productive farms are not mutually exclusive from sustainable ones,” McEwen adds.
With entries now open for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, organisers have launched a campaign to bust some of the biggest myths they think might be preventing farmers and growers from putting themselves forward.
Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.
The bumpy road you travel on teachs you a lot, believes Don Watson. And that’s the message he and wife Kirsten, supreme winners of the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, aim to pass on to their three sons.
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
