increase font size
Stuart Neill’s dedication to water quality has been a defining feature of his farming approach for over 20 years.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Stuart Neill of Pukatea Dairy Farms picked up the award for his exceptional commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and ethical farming practices.
For nearly three decades, Neill has led this dairy farm partnership with a clear philosophy, prioritising strong relationships, sustainable solutions and long-term environmental responsibility. The 221ha (200ha eff) dairy farm in the Amuri Basin sets a benchmark for balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.
The judges commended Pukatea Dairy Farms for its holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental, financial and social considerations into every aspect of the business. They highlighted Neill's outstanding wetland management and riparian planting efforts, describing them as a true investment in the future.
Neill's dedication to water quality has been a defining feature of his farming approach for over 20 years. His investment in drainage systems, sediment traps and riparian planting has significantly reduced nutrient and sediment loss into waterways, resulting in some of the lowest water nitrate levels in the Amuri Basin.
Soil health is another focus with meticulous soil testing and nutrient management ensuring inputs are tailored to specific soil types and crop needs. This approach has optimised productivity while minimising environmental impact.
A key transformation has been the decision to reduce milkings from 14 per week to 10. This shift, driven by a desire to improve animal welfare and enhance work-life balance for the farm team, has delivered positive results for both the herd and overall sustainability.
Judges say Neill's commitment to social responsibility is evident in his strong focus on people. He has fostered a dedicated and skilled workforce by creating a positive work environment and investing in employee training and development. Judges praised his ability to build relationships and networks that drive better outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.
In awarding the Regional Supreme Award, judges described Pukatea Dairy Farms as an outstanding operation that consistently chooses to do the right thing, rather than the easy thing. The farm's long-term environmental initiatives, strategic grazing practices and commitment to ethical and sustainable farming serve as an inspiration to others in the industry.
Neill also won the following awards:
Research suggests that up to 90% of the nutrient value in effluent can be retained if the material is used efficiently, with additional benefits being gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Imagine transforming your dairy farm’s waste into a goldmine of savings and productivity.
Watermetrics was formed as a water data collector and currently supplies and services modern technology such as flow meters, soil moisture and EC probes, weather stations, hydrostatic and ultrasonic level sensors nationwide.
OPINION: Normally farmer good organisations are happy to use the media to get their message across to politicians and the consumers.
Four New Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists in this year’s Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.
OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.
The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.
Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says their joint venture with Alliance Group will create “a dynamic industry competitor”.
Tributes have flowed following the death of former Prime Minister and political and business leader, Jim Bolger. He was 90.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
