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Alan and Khim Hellyer.
Keith and Jenny Trotter.
Covid-19 restrictions meant finalists at the 2020 Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards were denied a night out on the town this year. However, organisers from the NZ Farm Environment Trust went to them instead, visiting all the winning farms to present certificates and trophies last month.
There were two winners from the Rodney district this year – Alan and Khim Hellyer, who farm sheep and beef in the hills between Makarau and Kaukapakapa, and dairy farmers Keith and Jenny Trotter from Wrights Road in Matakana.
The Hellyers were presented with the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards’ Farm Stewardship Award for their third-generation property, which has been transformed from scrubland to grass and native bush. Judges praised their strong commitment to involving family in management of the farm into the future.
Keith and Jenny Trotter won two prizes, the Dairy NZ Sustainability & Stewardship Award and the WaterForce Wise with Water Award. They have farmed their 400-cow property for 27 years with a strong emphasis on renovating pasture, improving drainage and soil fertility, and biodiversity. Wetlands have been created, native bush and waterways fenced off and significant planting around streams. Judges admired the fact that the Trotters were also involved in extensive community work.
