Enter the farm in Ballance awards
Organisers want farmers and growers to enter next year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The awards were organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) and are to promote land stewardship by showcasing sustainable farming.
Entries have opened for the awards which operated within 11 regions.
Winners are to be announced early next year.
NZFET national judging coordinator Andrea Hanna said all farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, were eligible.
She said most people participated because they wanted high quality feedback from rural professionals, which they could use to improve their business.
‘‘It’s not just targeted at top farmers. Every farmer should take the opportunity to enter.’’
Hanna said the awards proved that good farming and sound business management went hand in hand.
She said farmers who participated in the awards programme were encouraged to share ideas and innovations with the wider farming community.
‘‘In the past we’ve found farmers can be reluctant to enter if their farm has been affected by wet weather or drought. But the judges know severe climatic events are part of farming and will look beyond this at the wider picture,’’ Hanna said.
Providing the entrant agrees to be involved, people are able to nominate another farming or growing business they feel is worthy.
Many past entrants say their involvement has helped their personal development because they get to meet and be inspired by a range of like-minded people.