Judging Underway In Farm Environment Awards

Judging Underway In Farm Environment Awards

Judging is underway in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards which have attracted a total of 128 entries in four out of five regions with entries still to close in the fifth region (Southland) at the end of January.

National co-ordinator Chris Keeping says judging co-ordinators in each region and their teams of experienced assessors have enjoyed visiting the farms and seeing just how committed many of this country’s farmers are to sustainable farming.

“We believe the awards have attracted so much interest because people are finally becoming aware that if we don’t look after our land, it may not continue to be the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.

“These awards put the spotlight on those farmers who are setting benchmarks in sustainable practices and others can learn from their experience and achievements,” Ms Keeping.

All entrants receive a detailed feedback report from the judges which highlights areas in which they are performing well and ways in which they might do even better in the future.

“Through taking part in the awards programme, farmers benefit from the judges’ experience and from comparing their approaches and environmental with others.”

The awards have the strong support of regional councils as well as committed sponsors: Ballance Agri-Nutrients (principal sponsor), ANZ Bank, Wrightson, Livestock Improvement and PPCS/Richmond.

“We’re delighted to announce a new supporter in Gallagher Group,” says Ms Keeping.

Brent Pownall from Gallaghers says the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have a good fit with the company’s commitment to sustainable pastoral farming through the application of innovative animal management systems.

“We’re looking forward to working with the team here and around New Zealand,” Mr Pownall says. For more information about the Ballance Farm Environment Awards contact Chris Keeping on 021 425-791 or go to www.ballance.co.nz .

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