increase font size
Jon and Fiona Sherlock
Jon and Fiona Sherlock have been named the Waikato Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The pair were recognised for their combination of profitability, innovation and environmental stewardship.
Judges described the pair as “a powerhouse couple who combine their broad base of skills and knowledge to develop and achieve their strategic goals,” noting their “winning combination of profitability and environmental outcomes.”
Farming sheep and beef on 660ha of steep hill country, the Sherlocks have embraced technology and innovation to reshape what’s possible.
Judges highlighted their strategic use of virtual fencing systems, saying they have “identified the opportunities which virtual fencing systems provide them to achieve win-win solutions for land and water management.”
Their broader vision for the farm stood out strongly to the judging panel.
“Their vision for their farm as a productive mosaic could lead to transformational change across the industry.”
For the Sherlock family, Otorohaea is more than a business - it’s a family legacy.
“We believe we’ve found the sweet spot where good environmental management and good business work together. Finding that balance - the sweet spot between production and protection - is what we’re most proud of.”
Judges also acknowledged their strong commitment to the industry and local community, evident in the way they operate their business and contribute beyond the farm gate.
The bumpy road you travel on teachs you a lot, believes Don Watson. And that’s the message he and wife Kirsten, supreme winners of the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, aim to pass on to their three sons.
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Castle Ridge Station has been named the Regional Supreme Winner at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…
