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Two local farming families have made it through to the Auckland regional finals of this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Fourth generation Matakana farmers Keith and Jenny Trotter, and Alan and Kim Hellyer of Kaukapakapa, will be up against two other contenders at the awards night next month – a goat farm in Karaka and Auckland Council’s Te Rau Puriri regional park on South Head.
Keith Trotter, who milks 400 cows on Wrights Road, is following in family footsteps with his entry in the awards, after his brother and neighbour Ian, and his wife Jo, were regional finalists in 2019. Keith says it was their positive experience that encouraged him to enter this year.
“I went along to the awards night and quite enjoyed it, so thought we’d have a go,” he says. “It’s been good, they give a good bit of feedback, and it’s quite interesting having to justify your decisions.”
Third generation sheep and beef farmers Alan and Kim Hellyer were entered into the awards by their son, Jamie.
“I’d heard of the Ballance awards, but didn’t really know much about it,” Alan says. “He said give it a go, Dad, and entered us. It’s been really good and we’ve got a few ideas from it.”
The winners will be announced at a special dinner on Wednesday, March 25 in Auckland.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards aim to recognise and celebrate good farming and growing practices that promote sustainable land management. Each property is judged by industry experts looking at everything from environmental awareness and social responsibility to good business practice and profitability.
They offer constructive feedback and advice, and follow up with a report outlining what was discussed, plus suggestions and recommendations.
