2016 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Award Finalists

Who Will Be the 2016 Supreme Winner of Northland Ballance Farm Environment Award?

Tickets are now on sale for the prestigious Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards dinner being held on Wednesday 16th March 2016 at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands Paihia.

The Awards Dinner celebrates the promotion of sustainable farming practises in Northland and culminates in the announcement of the 2016 Northland Supreme Winner. Covering a formal three course meal, tickets are $75.00 per person and can be purchased online at www.nzfetrust.org.nz.

Eight contenders from Kaitaia to Kaiwaka entered the 2016 competition, from which five farmers/producers were chosen to go through to the finals following a first round of judging at the end of last year.

The five finalists have just completed a second round of judging this year and the anticipation is now building for the announcement of the winner on 16th March.

Speaking on behalf of the Northland Management Committee, Chairman Shayne O’Shea said the diversity of entrants truly reflects the land based variety in Northland’s primary industries sector.

“Nearly every aspect of agriculture is represented this year. From horticulture – a plant nursery, wine and advocados - to honey and horses as well as beef, sheep and dairy, the variety of entrants this year has been outstanding. While posing an additional challenge for our judges, it is fantastic to have Northland’s primary sector showcased in this way,” he said.

According to Mr O’Shea, all entrants and finalists have at least one thing in common though, “which is the desire to continually improve what they are doing so that they have a sustainable business – both financially and environmentally.”

“The Awards evening is a great night out and a fantastic way to celebrate Northland’s primary sector success stories – I would encourage anyone interested in innovation, sustainability and trail-blazing land based practises to come along,” he said.

The 2016 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards finalists are:

Craig & Suzanne Johnsen, Johnsen Farms Ltd, Okaihau (Dairy)
Dennis & Rachelle O’Callaghan, Temataa Station, Taipa (Sheep & Beef)
Dr Jason Smith, Greenhill Stud Ltd, Matakohe (Sheep & Beef & Maize Grain)
John Craig & Anne Stewart and Suzan Craig, Green Inc & Tahi Estate Ltd, Pataua North (Honey and Horses)
Heath Worsfold & Eden Worsfold, Rural Design 1984 Inc & Worsfold Farm, Kaiwaka (Beef and Horticulture)

ENDS

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