HBRC supports Farm Environment Awards

Farmers and growers are encouraged to enter the 2018 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.  Entries are open now and can be made online at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust website.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is a major sponsor of the East Coast regional awards along with Gisborne District Council. The awards are organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to promote land stewardship by showcasing sustainable farming. 

“The Ballance awards recognise the work of farmers and growers that demonstrate balanced sustainability across all areas of their business. This includes the environmental, financial and human aspects of their operation,” says HBRC Land Management Team leader, Brendan Powell.

All farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, are eligible to enter.  A major benefit of entering includes getting high quality feedback from independent rural professionals.  Farmers who participate are also encouraged to share ideas and innovations with the wider farming community.

Last year the East Coast Supreme Award winners were Philip and Robyn Holt of Maraetara at the Ahuriri headwaters for their mixed farm including forestry and retired land.  In 2016 the supreme winners were pipfruit and blueberry orchard business owners, Graham and Marian Hirst, while in 2015 it was Alastair and Tracy Ormond and Daniel Ormond of Te Umuopua with their beef and sheep farm in Central Hawke’s Bay.

There are also category winners each year and a national winner is selected from the regional Supreme award winners.

15 August 2017

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