Tuesday, 02 August 2016 11:14

Ballance entries open

Written by 
Andrea Hanna. Andrea Hanna.

Organisers of the prestigious Ballance Farm Environment Awards are urging farmers and horticulturists to get their entries in for the 2017 awards.

Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment (NZFE) Trust and held in 11 regions throughout the country, the awards promote best-practice land management by showcasing the work of people farming in a way that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

Entries for the 2017 Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) opened on August 1, 2016.

NZFE Trust national judging coordinator Andrea Hanna says all farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, are eligible to enter.

She says most people participate because they want high quality feedback on how their farming operation stacks up in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Hanna says the awards prove that sound environmental practices and good business management go hand in hand. Farmers who participate in the awards programme are also encouraged to share ideas and innovations with the wider farming community.

Entering the awards is as easy as filling out a simple form, available online at www.nzfeatrust.org.nz 

It costs nothing to enter, and the awards programme offers excellent educational opportunities for any farmer wanting to learn more about how to improve the sustainability of their farming business, which includes key social, economic and environmental outcomes.

The judging teams have a wide range of skills and look at all parts of the farming business. Judging is conducted in a relaxed and friendly manner, and judges always take climatic factors into account.

"In the past we've found that farmers can be reluctant to enter if their farm has been affected by wet weather or drought. But the judges know that severe climatic events are all part of farming and they will look beyond this at the wider picture," Hanna says.

"It's not just targeted at top farmers. Every farmer should take the opportunity to enter."

Many past-entrants say their involvement in the awards has helped their personal development because they get to meet and be inspired by a range of like-minded people.

More information on the 2017 Ballance Farm Environment Awards is available on the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust website.

More like this

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.

How farmers make spring count

OPINION: Spring is a critical season for farmers – a time when the right decisions can set the tone for productivity and profitability throughout the year.

Featured

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter