A broad approach to environment
OPINION: As an on-farm judge for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for many years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how dramatically New Zealand agriculture and horticulture has transformed over the past three decades.
Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards celebrate farmer and grower achievement, and showcase good practice on farm and highlight positive farming stories.
Trust chair Joanne van Polanen says the response from farmers, sponsors, and supporters to the recently held regional award events indicate there will be a strong number of entries to the 2023 event.
"The overwhelming consensus was that not only did the entrants really value the attention and positive feedback throughout, but those attending the awards functons and the resulting winners' field days were grateful for the chance to connect with their peers and to be able to hear others' stories," van Polanen says.
"It isn't until you can't, that you realise how important it is to connect with industry peers in a supportive and positive setting."
Entries are open until October 15. Assessment considers the farm system including animal and plant care, biodiversity, business health, climate, people and wellbeing, soil, water and waste management.
Over the past two years Covid posed a major challenge for those involved with the awards.
The regional awards programme was adjusted to fit lockdown and level parameters, and ultimately able to be completed. Covid not only affected the number of entries but judging visits and the awards events.
"We have weathered the storm that has been Covid-19, and early indications hint that conditions are now ripe for a bumper crop of award entries," says van Polanen.
The 2023 categories are:
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
- Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
- Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award
- Norwood Agri-Business Management Award
- NZ Farm Environment Trust Biodiversity Award
- NZ Landcare Trust Catchment Group Award
The 2022 national sustainability showcase will be held in Christchurch on November 24.
