Hill-country farmers claim environment award

 The Fords own 1240ha Highlands Station – a large hill-country farm, south of Rotorua.

John Ford's father, Allen, began developing the farm in the early 1930s and John and Catherine bought it from family in 1995.

In their feedback report, BFEA judges noted the Ford's "strong family history of commitment to agriculture". The well-maintained farm has a "much loved feel", they say, and its outstanding meat and wool production puts the property among New Zealand's leading sheep and beef farming operations.

Judges say the Fords are very careful to manage the volcanic soils appropriately, with farm management practices that match the particular qualities of their land. Highlands Station also has extensive native bush areas, including 140ha under QE II National Trust covenants.

Stock performance on Highlands Station is excellent. Sheep resilience is a key priority and the Fords have introduced Romney genetics to improve robustness and facial eczema tolerance.

The farm purchases bull calves in November and sell after 15-months. Rising 3-year cattle control surplus feed in the hill country, and staff weigh all cattle regularly so they can benchmark production against past averages and targets.

Judges also noted John's passion for minimising erosion on the challenging contour, with a network of almost 200 retention dams to reduce run-off and scouring during heavy rainfall. This well-designed dam system also mitigates P loss.

Judges commended John's understanding of water dynamics, "both above and below the ground".

They also praised John and Catherine's "effective and outstanding staff management programme". The Fords are very aware of encouraging and guiding staff, they say. Staff culture is an asset and staff members take real pride in the farm.

Highlands Station will hold a BFEA Supreme-Winner field day on Tuesday, March 31.

Winners in the 2015 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards were:

Supreme Award, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award: John and Catherine Ford, Highlands Station, Rotorua.

Zespri® Kiwifruit Orchard Award, Massey University Innovation Award, and Hill Laboratories Harvest Award: Phillipa Wright and Stephen Kenna, KWKIWI Limited, Katikati.

LIC Dairy Farm Award: Corrie and Donna Smit, Corona Farms Limited, Edgecumbe.

WaterForce Integrated Management Award: Geoff and Gerda Bradly, Nga Rakau Farm, Whakatane.

Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award: Tataiwhetu Trust, Tataiwhetu Farms Limited, Ruatoki/ Taneatua.

PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award: Te Kaha 14B2 Trustees / TKG / OPAC, Hamama, Te Kaha.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Award 1: Tony and Margo Cairns, Oturoa Properties Limited, Rotorua.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Award 2: Geoff and Billie Dobbs, GN and BH Dobbs, Katikati.