Awards open for local farmers and growers

This area has produced many finalists and winners over the years including, from top, Cameron and Jo Shepherd in 2019, the Adshead family last year and Sue Meszaros and Karyn Madden in 2017.

Entries are open again for the annual Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which celebrate success and sustainability in agriculture, horticulture and viticulture.

Farmers and growers in 11 NZ regions, including Auckland and Northland locally, can enter the awards from now until the end of October.

Organised by the NZ Farm Environment Trust, the awards are designed to celebrate achievement, showcase good practice and share positive stories of successful farming and growing businesses, as well as promote sustainable land management

Judges take a holistic approach by evaluating every aspect of the business, from environmental management and profitability through to staff and family wellbeing.

“Being part of the awards programme is a positive way to receive feedback on your business, help identify your strengths and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector,” a spokesperson said.

“We believe that positive role models and opportunities for learning are the most effective tools to improving farm practices.”

There are at least 11 awards in each region, and people can nominate themselves or someone else for the process.

Info, entries and nominations: www.nzfeawards.org.nz