Saturday, 07 September 2024 23:30

Irrigation awards finalists named

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Kaiwaiwai Dairies, one of the four finalists. Kaiwaiwai Dairies, one of the four finalists.

Four New Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists in this year’s Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

This year’s finalists are:

  • Shane and Lynnette McManaway, Logan Nation and Nico Butler – Ongaha (Wairarapa)
  • Aidan Bichan, Vern Brasell, and Neville Fisher - Kaiwaiwai Dairies (Featherston)
  • Ben and Shannon Johnson - Bodiam Dairies (Canterbury)
  • Eugene Cronin - Kilmurry Farm (Canterbury)

Launched in 2020, the Awards commend outstanding achievements in sustainable irrigation, spotlighting farmers who demonstrate leadership in responsible irrigation techniques, innovative water management strategies, and environmental stewardship.

IrrigationNZ’s principal technical advisor, Stephen McNally, is the Awards’ newest judge, bringing his expertise in freshwater management to the panel. He has been impressed by the calibre of this year’s entrants and their commitment to a truly holistic approach to water management.

“This is my first year on the judging panel for the Trailblazer Awards, and I am thoroughly impressed by the calibre of the entrants from a wide range of land use types and diverse regional locations,” he says.

“It's clear that all participants have embraced the importance of water resource management as a core aspect of whole-farm management, far beyond mere compliance. Their decisions are making a positive impact on soils, crops, animals, and their businesses as a whole. I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the other Awards judges and Lindsay ANZ throughout this programme.”

The Awards have been made possible thanks to the support and generosity of New Zealand industry partners Zimmatic, Irricon and Vantage NZ and IrrigationNZ.

Awards Coordinator, Sarah Elliot, says since their launch in 2020, the Awards have sparked important conversations about smart practices and cutting-edge technologies available to farmers to enhance irrigation efficiency and freshwater conservation.

“The goal of the Awards has always been to seek out farmers deeply committed to water management and provide them with a platform to share their experiences and insights with peers and broader audiences. This year is no exception! We have been blown away by the quality of the entries we have received.

“We are proud to champion the leadership of our 2024 finalists within the agricultural sector and wish them the best of luck.”

Angus and Elise Aitken from Clifton were the New Zealand winners of the 2021 New Zealand competition. The Awards are run bi-annually alternating between Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, the first international study tour visited the US. The next tour will depart in 2025.  

Each entrant is judged in the following categories: sustainable irrigation management; irrigation-driven improvements, which may include cost reductions, environmental outcomes, yield improvements, and/or improved efficiencies; waterway protection; and stewardship/community involvement.

On-farm judging will take place in October. The winners will be announced at the Awards celebration in Wellington on 6 November.

The categories include Supreme Award Winner, Sustainable Irrigation Management Award, Community Award, and the Judges Choice Award (awarded at the judges’ discretion). Each category winner will receive a valuable prize pack including travel vouchers to attend future Trailblazer international irrigation study tours. The Awards will be held in Australia in 2026.

IrrigationNZ will also be recognising stalwarts and innovators in the irrigation industry this year at the awards ceremony in Wellington.

More like this

Changing Climate: A taste of the future

A high-resolution vineyard view of ecoclimatic indicators, and how they impact wine quality, can turn “climate insights into strategy”, says climate risk specialist Pete Taylor. “Whether you’re a grower, winemaker, or industry leader, understanding the future is key to staying ahead.”

A Thousand Gods

I like to think that when Simon Sharpe and Lauren Keenan heard they'd been named The Real Review Rising Star of the Year, they cried out "miladiou!"

One-horsepower solution

David Herd broke boundaries when he planted Marlborough's first vineyard in 1892, surrounded by sheep and crops.

Featured

All eyes on NZ milk supply

All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.

National

Machinery & Products

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy,…

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter