Brendan Attrill scoops national award for sustainable farming

Attrill is the third generation on his Huinga dairy farm, where he milks 350 cows across the 163ha (142eff) property, taking a holistic approach that balances environmental stewardship with profitability.

He was named Regional Supreme Winner at the Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) in April, with regional judges noting that strategic planning underpins all Attrill’s on-farm decisions, guided by a strong focus on proactive environmental management.

The judging process for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy considers all eleven BFEA Regional Supreme Winners from across the country. It includes on-farm judging as well as a panel interview, with the trophy recipients displaying a combination of an exemplar farming operation – from a financial, social and environmental perspective – and the ability to articulate informed responses and insightful views on a range of pan-sector topics.

Chair of the national judging panel, Karen Williams, says Attrill’s demonstrated exceptional communication skills, is well-informed and can talk knowledgeably about different sectors.

“Brendan has extensive experience, both nationally and internationally, across goat, sheep and beef, and dairy farming, and recognises the challenges different sectors face.”

“He brings a strong environmental focus, considering global environmental issues alongside biodiversity management on his own farm and within the wider community,” said Williams.

Attrill has undertaken significant wetland restoration and riparian planting, with careful consideration of mahinga kai reflected in his planting plans, prioritising weaving flaxes and food gathering species. “His farm is open to local hapu to make use of this resource,” says Williams.

She noted that Attrill has a thorough understanding of carbon emissions, in particular the differences between reducing absolute emissions and emissions intensity. “Brendan certainly knows his numbers and can ‘walk the talk’ with how this is integrated into his farming operation.”

Attrill’s entrepreneurial spirit and focus on a low-emissions footprint is reflected in his investigation of liquorice as a new crop, noting its suitability to Taranaki’s soils and growing conditions.

The National Judging Panel was impressed by Attrill’s strong ethos and sense of service to the community.

“Brendan is involved in a wide range of community groups and organisations, from Federated Farmers and Forest & Bird, to the local school board and the rescue helicopter trust,” said Williams, noting that his off-farm work is grounded in the same thoughtful approach he applies to managing his own operation.

“Health and wellbeing is a clear priority for him – he emphasises the importance of wrapping support around staff and having a mentor to provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.”

The calibre and diversity of this year’s eleven BFEA Regional Supreme Winners was exceptional, said Williams, reflecting the pan-sector reach of the BFEA programme. From the largest hydroponic farm for leafy greens in NZ to a deer farmer, kiwifruit grower, dairy farmers, and sheep and beef farmers, the range of sectors represented was broad, with many running highly diversified operations integrating arable cropping, carbon forestry and tourism.

The National Sustainability Showcase event celebrated each of the eleven Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winners from across the country. Hosted by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the event is held annually as the pinnacle of the BFEA programme, and connects primary industry representatives from across the sector.