Entries Roll In For Otago Farm Environment Awards

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Entries Roll In For Otago Farm Environment Awards

Early indications suggest it is going to be another big year for the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

BFEA regional coordinator Sue Clarke says she was even receiving entries before the awards officially opened on November 1.

Held in eight regions throughout the country, the awards celebrate people who are farming in a manner that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

“This is Otago’s fourth year in the competition, so most farmers know what the awards are all about,” says Sue.

“Environmental sustainability has also been a much discussed topic over the last year and everyone realises what an important issue it is,” she says.

“Farmers also want more information on the topic and one of the best ways they can do this is to enter the awards, find out where they stand in terms of environmental management and get ideas on how they can improve in future.”

Sue says feedback from entrants in last year’s awards show it was well worth entering.

“Most entrants find the judging process to be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience and they come out much better informed on how to apply sustainability principles to their farming operations,” she says.

Last year’s Supreme Award Winner in the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards was John and Sue Aspinall of Mount Aspiring Station.

As well as winning some outstanding prizes, Supreme Award Winners get to represent their region at a National Showcase that celebrates the achievements of all the winners.

“These awards champion the work farmers are doing and lead the way in helping other farmers to make decisions based on good information,” says Sue.

The awards have attracted strong sponsorship from rural product and service providers, including Ballance Agri-Nutrients, PPCS, PGG Wrightson, LIC, Hill Laboratories and the Gallagher Group.
And the Otago Regional Council is also back on board this year. It will hold an information field day on the awards in late November.

Otago also has solid representation on the board of the NZ Farm Environment Award Trust – the organisation that administers the awards. Lawrence farmer Peter Cummings was recently appointed to the position of NZFEAT vice chairman.

Farmers wishing to enter this year’s awards should contact Sue Clarke, BFEA regional coordinator, phone (03) 214 4613, mobile 0274 89 35 71, or email otago[at]bfea.org.nz

Entries close on December 15.

ENDS

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