Winners - 2010
In 2010 the Ballance Farm Environment Awards were contested in eight regions across New Zealand. Click on the region name to read about the winners in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Horizons, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
Northland
SOUND MANAGEMENT OF STEEP LAND EARNS TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Kaitaia dairy farmers Brian and Gaye Simms have been named Supreme winners of the 2010 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They milk a small dairy herd of up to 112 cows on their 111 ha farm, west of Kaitaia, but will convert to beef production at the end of this season.Northland BFEA judges were impressed with the couple's sound management of a challenging class of land and the excellent long-term values they held for the sustainability of their farm. The Simms were praised for the hard work they had put into creating an attractive and diverse landscape while protecting soils and water 'both now and into the future'.
While this dairy season has been heavily affected by the drought, production over the previous three seasons has averaged 320 kg milksolids/cow. Judges said this was commendable given the steep nature of the farm. Cows, dairy replacements and some dairy beef cattle are farmed on 70 ha of grazing country. The farm also grows about 18 ha of pines and 2.5 ha of other exotic tree species. About 9.5 ha of native bush has been fenced and preserved.
Brian has been on the farm for 45 years and in that time he has developed it from a bracken-covered block into a small but low-cost dairy and forestry operation. After fencing off the native bush, he started fencing streams to reduce stock losses and soil erosion and make farm management easier. Some trees have been planted every year and these plantings have been mainly exotic species with a smaller number of natives.
The farm is drained by one main stream which bisects the property and enters the Kaitaia River. This stream is mostly fenced and Brian intends to complete the final stretch in the future. Stock crossings have been constructed to ensure cattle do not have to enter waterways. Drinking water is reticulated to all paddocks and the cattle have ample shade.
Most of the farm's steeper faces have now been retired from grazing and planted. A conscious effort has been made to choose exotic species that blend in with the surrounding native bush. On steep slopes Brian has fenced off small strips across the slope using two-wire electric fencing to exclude cattle. Trees are planted within these strips to protect the slopes. Judges said this, along with the wide range of species planted, created an interesting and diverse multiple-use landscape with an abundance of birdlife.
Careful consideration had also been given to the location of commercial timber species 'where they hare most likely to do well and produce good timber'.
Judges said the effort and commitment the Simms had put into leaving the farm a better place was a real credit to them. Both Brian and Gaye are involved in a range of community activities and have a number of off-farm interests. As well as the Supreme award, they also won the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Ken and Janine HamesHill Laboratories Harvest Award
Juken New ZealandLIC Dairy Farm Merit Award
Stephen and Ann KearneyMassey University Discovery Award
Grant and Kate McCallumNew Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Farm Award
Sandy and Sharyn MoorePGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Ken and Janine HamesJohn and Christine PedersenWaikato
SUCCESSFUL FAMILY PARTNERSHIP WINS TOP FARM ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
A dairy farming operation described as 'a real family affair' is the supreme winner of the 2010 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Tiroroa Farms Ltd is an equity partnership between Wynn and Tracy Brown and Tony and Coby Brown, who sharemilk around 700 cows on 350 ha near Matamata. The farm is owned by a family trust that also involves Wynn and Tony's parents, Tom and Barb. The Brown family also picked up the Hill Laboratories Harvest Award and the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award.BFEA judges said the Browns' business is a good example of family members working well together towards a common goal.
'Long-term sustainability has been achieved because there are good systems and planning in the area of succession, environment, financial and community. It is a beautifully maintained property and a well-functioning family system.'
Tom and Barb Brown purchased the original farm, a 177 ha drystock block, in 1970. The family converted to dairying in the mid-1990s, adding more land in the early 2000s. Today the farmed area includes a 240 ha milking platform and a 100 ha dairy support block (30 ha of which is leased from a neighbour). Another 10 ha has been fenced off and retired. Along with the milking herd, the farm also grows 15-20 ha of maize annually and carries 140 heifer replacements and 116 heifer calves.
Judges said the farm had very respectable production levels, achieving 232,000 kg milksolids last season. The Browns are aiming to increase this to 260,000 kg MS within five years. Recent improvements inclulde the installation of a new 55-bail rotary dairy, which has many high-tech features for the efficient monitoring of animal health, feeding and performance, while also reducing labour requirements and power usage.
The Browns, who are past winners of the BFEA Habitat Improvement Award, have continued to work on habitat restoration and water quality management. Almost all streams are fenced and there are several large native plantings on the farm, mainly around ponds and watercourses. Some forestry is also grown and the family is continuing to plant sidling areas.
A nutrient budget is used to ensure the optimal use of fertiliser inputs. Nutrients from effluent are well utilised and the Browns have been involved with trials involving the application of effluent to maize cropping ground.
Judges noted that the partners were always asking questions and looking at low-cost 'new' ideas. They said decisions are well thought-out, with all family members involved in the decision-making process. The equity partnership also capitalises on the individual strengths of each partner: Tony is skilled in mechanics and Wynn in pasture management. Coby rears the heifer calves and Tracy handles the bobby calves, bulls and financials.
'They are good at keeping staff and they all work to have time with family and balance in their work.' Tiroroa means 'extensive view' and judges said this was a good description of the Browns' farming perspective. They regard themselves as servants of the land and they believe they owe it to future generations to ensure the farm is sustainable. Wynn Brown says this sustainability is viewed in a very broad sense. 'It's not just about the land alone, but man and beast as well.'
Along with excellent animal, crop and pasture health, judges also noted the family's proactive succession planning and their extensive community involvement.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
John and Anne BrierEnvironment Waikato Water Protection Award
Warwick and Joyce BrownLIC Dairy Farm Award
Warwick and Joyce BrownMassey University Discovery Award
John and Anne BrierNew Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Award
John and Anne BrierWaikato Farm Environment Trust Habitat Award
Geoff and Johanna FitzgeraldBay of Plenty
DIVERSE FARMING ENTERPRISE EARNS TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Pikowai farmers Bruce and Tessa Calder
are the Supreme Winners of the 2010 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Calders and their manager Tama Murray farm 450 ha of medium hill country between Te Puke and Whakatane.Their 390 ha effective (includes 40 ha leased) farming operation, Pikowai Farms, runs numerous enterprises. As well as finishing lambs, beef cattle and deer, the business also sells and leases dairy bulls, winters dairy cows, sells supplement and grows trees for commercial production.
The Ballance Farm Environment Award judging panel described the strengths of the people involved in the operation and the management of the challenging property as 'a joy to behold'.
Bruce, who was raised on a family farm in Hawke's Bay, drew the original 270 ha ballot block in 1975. He and Tessa, who have two adult sons, have expanded the operation and developed it into a highly profitable farming enterprise that 'successfully utilises the resources and nice markets to the benefit of the business.'
The BFEA judging panel said progressive thinking and strategic changes over the years have seen the farming enterprise transform from a traditional sheep and beef unit to a diversified cashflow-generating enterprise with returns that rival dairying. This has been done 'hand in glove' with significant conservation and environmental work.
Over the years the Calders have fenced off native bush, gullies, streams and waterways. Last year they planted 3000 native trees as part of a two-year stream and wetland protection programme. Poplars have been planted for shade and erosion control and 109 ha have been planted in radiata pine.
Judges noted the excellent relationship the Calders shared with their manager of ten years, 'and the wise use of consultants and research that keeps them up to date with new technology and allows them to critically assess decisions'.
The Calders are always looking for new opportunities - both on farm and off - and are passionate farmers who enjoy sharing their farm with others. They are heavily involved in their local community and are particularly well-known for their participation in equine sports. Bruce is past master of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua Hunt Club and he and Tessa host regular hunts on their property. They also compete in showjumping and dressage competitions.
As well as the Supreme award the Calders also won the New Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Award. They previously won the Ballance Nutrient Management Award in the 2006 Ballance Farm Environment Awards and the Livestock Farm Award in 2009.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Kerry, Lea and Brad SnowdonEnvironment Bay of Plenty Environmental Award
Rick and Jane Burke, Derry and Jenny SeddonBarry and Maggie Waite, Carol BurtHill Laboratories Harvest Award
Darren and Tracey ChinneryLIC Dairy Farm Award
Jens and Min WulffMassey University Discovery Award
David and Clare BeuthPGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Shirley and Ray HaywardZespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award
Darren and Tracey ChinneryHorizons
COUPLE'S PASSION AND COMMITMENT REWARDED WITH SUPREME FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARD
Aria farmers Ken and Sue Ballantyne are the supreme winners of the 2010 Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Ballantynes farm a 550 ha (effective) sheep and beef property on the Matiere-Aria Road, north-west of Taumarunui.
Their win was announced at a ceremony in Palmerston North, where the couple also picked up the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust Livestock Award, the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award, and the Horizons Regional Council Award (for the integration of trees).
Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges were struck by the Ballantynes' passion for their farm 'and the way in which they have carefully developed the property in a very focused manner'. In their feedback report, judges described the couple as 'self-made people who have worked hard throughout their lifetime, stepping into their first farm with moderate means then later acquiring and developing this property to a very high standard'.
The farm, which sits on the northern boundary of the Horizons region, runs about 5500 stock units on contour that ranges from gently rolling to moderately steep. Stock farmed last year included 2500 ewes, 700 hoggets, 156 breeding cows and 220 yearling cattle.
The Ballantynes breed all their own ewe replacements and in a normal season the flock lambs at 140% survival to sale. The breeding herd consists of Angus and Angus-cross cows, which are mated to Simmental bulls. In-calf replacements are bought in and some weaners are purchased in autumn. Heifers are finished local trade and steers are sold store at 15 months.
BFEA judges commented on the considerable commitment and investment the Ballantynes have put into their property over the last 14 years. Since buying the farm in 1996 they have tripled the number of paddocks to around 88. They have also added 3 km of laneway and installed two separate water systems that have increased trough numbers from three to 78. In conjunction with Horizons Regional Council the Ballantynes have also fenced off waterways and gullies and planted over 8000 trees, including eucalypts, acacias, poplars and Douglas fir. The plan is to have shade and water troughs in all paddocks.
BFEA judges said these outstanding tree plantings add great aesthetic appeal to the property as well as protecting the more fragile areas of the farm. They were impressed with how the Ballantynes utilised assistance from the regional council 'to fully implement their whole farm plan over and above the recommendations'.
A key aim for the couple is to run a low-input, low-cost farming system that can be easily managed by two people (Ken and Sue) and 'gives a satisfactory return on investment while enhancing and protecting the environment'.
Judges also noted the excellent condition of stock and pasture, good farm infrastructure and the significant improvements made to soil fertility. The Ballantynes allow horse trekkers, trampers and hunters to use the farm, and the couple is involved in a wide range of community activities.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Marie, Paul, Shaun and Terrence Olsen
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Marie, Paul, Shaun and Terrence Olsen
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Marie, Paul, Shaun and Terrence Olsen
Massey University Discovery Award
Robert and Suzanne Carter
Wellington
COASTAL FARMERS COLLECT TOP FARMING AWARD
Wairarapa farmers George and Sarah Tatham are the Supreme winners of the 2010 Greater Wellington/Wairarapa Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Tathams, who farm a 2070 ha property east of Masterton, also picked up the Ballance Nutrient Management Award and the New Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Award.
Their impressive farming operation, 'Matariki', is situated just south of Riversdale Beach and comprises about 1485 ha effective, featuring 5 km of coastline. Sheep, beef and dairy grazers are farmed on flat or medium hill contour, with the steeper land taken out of grazing and planted in either production forestry or natives. The Tathams also grow seed and forage crops.
Like George's parents, Bob and Terry, George and Sarah have focused on creating a better farm for the next generation and they have invested heavily in infrastructure and environmental enhancement. Recent improvements include a major upgrade of the water reticulation system and the creation of a laneway system to improve stock movement. An ambitious fencing plan is underway and this is run in conjunction with an extensive native planting programme.
Two major estuaries on the farm have been fenced and the Tathams are continuing to fence other waterways and small gullies. They have also fenced off areas of native bush and are continuing to plant pines on the poorer areas of the farm.
A poplar planting programme started by Bob Tatham has provided major benefits for erosion control and this is an ongoing priority for George and Sarah. With assistance from the regional council, they have also started removing willows that are hindering water flow in some waterways.
Some parts of the farm are cropped and in most years the Tathams will grow about 30 ha of seed peas and 30-50 ha of seed barley. They also plant around 50 ha of summer forage and 30 ha of winter forage. Fertiliser is applied according to the results of a nutrient budget that takes into account variations in contour and soil type.
Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges noted the Tathams' strong focus on increasing soil fertility and production, and their 'good understanding of carbon farming opportunities on marginal land'. Staff members are highly valued and have 'clearly delegated areas of responsibility'.
Judges also praised the Tathams' land-use choices, their well-planned subdivision and shelterbelts, and the good retention of native tree cover. Matariki is a focus farm for the Meat & Wool NZ Wairarapa Monitor Farm Group and judges said this has 'added huge value' to the management of the business. George is on the steering committee for this group and is also a member of the East Coast Sheep and Beef Council. He and Sarah have two children - Poppy, aged two, and Freddy, one.
Other winners were:
Akura Conservation Centre Lifestyle Farm/Small Block Award
Dougal and Denise MacKenzie
Greater Wellington Regional Council Special Places Award
Bill and Jill Maunsell, with managers Rod and Andrea Easton
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Marinus Van der Put and family
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Bryce and Kylie Baron
Massey University Discovery Award
Marinus Van der Put and family
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Bryce and Kylie Baron
Canterbury
DIVERSIFIED HIGH COUNTRY FARM SCOOPS SUPREME ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Hawarden farmers Dugald and Mandy Rutherford are the supreme winners of the 2010 Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards. With the help of their son, James, the Rutherfords farm sheep, beef, deer and forestry and run a trophy hunting business on 3936 ha in North Canterbury. Their operation is spread over three separate farms on Virginia Road, inland from Hawarden. Low rainfall, steep topography and periodic (and sometimes heavy) snowfalls on the home farm can make for challenging farming conditions, but BFEA judges said the Rutherfords run a very hard property with exceptional skill and care.
'They have dedicated their lives to keeping the property free of weeds and pests and they are environmentalists of the highest degree.'
'Melrose', the home farm, comprises 3477 ha of hard hill country, rising from 460 m above sea level to 1360 m asl. Dugald and Mandy have farmed this property since 1975. The two smaller blocks feature easier contour, and judges noted that all three properties are 'well managed, integrated and complementary to the varied enterprises the Rutherfords manage'. These enterprises include fine wool production (the farm carries Corriedale and Merino flocks), a Hereford breeding herd, deer run for velvet, trophy hunting and a significant forest of 200 ha.
The Rutherfords started planting trees in 1975 and have been passionate innovators in site selection, species, agroforestry and silviculture. Forestry is used for shelter, soil conservation and income generation, while also providing a retirement fund to assist with intergenerational settlement. Judges said the forestry is cleverly balanced with stock management.
The fragility of topsoils is well recognised and soil health is carefully managed by reducing stocking rates when required and planting poorer pastoral areas in forestry. Significant areas of matagouri have also been retained to provide wind and snow protection for stock and this, along with the enhancement of flax and native grasses and the planting of native trees in fenced-off agroforestry areas, has helped improve biodiversity. Pests such as wild cats, possums and ferrets are controlled to protect this biodiversity.
The farms are very suitable for fine wool production and Corriedale and Merino wool is enthusiatically marketed 'with the minimum of middlemen'. Owning their own Corriedale stud also gives the Rutherfords significant control over sheep genetics.
Judges said the Rutherfords' long-term planning is carefully thought out and always done with the environment in mind.
'There is deliberate and well-seasoned thinking and planning behind all the big decisions they have made. They have set out to achieve diversification and they have taken control of their future to provide long-term sustainability for their farming operation.'
The Rutherfords were also commended for their concern for animal health and welfare and strong team work. As well as the supreme award, the Rutherfords also collected the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards Committee Habitat Award.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Craige and Roz MackenzieEnvironment Canterbury Water Efficiency Award
Craige and Roz MackenzieHill Laboratories Harvest Award
David, Tracy and Andrew FisherLIC Dairy Award
Alan and Sharron Davie-MartinMassey University Discovery Award
David, Tracy and Andrew FisherNew Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Award
Graham CarrPGG Wrightson Land & Life Award
Alister and Jeanette Maxwell Otago
FAMILY'S HARD WORK RECOGNISED WITH TOP FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARD
An astute and hard-working Waitahuna family has taken out the Supreme award in the 2010 Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Ronald and Carol Alderton, who farm sheep and grow forestry in partnership with their son David and his partner Paula, were also named winners of the New Zealand Farm Environment Award Turst Livestock Award.The Aldertons farm two properties totalling 580 ha in the Waitahuna area, southeast of Lawrence. These farms currently support about 5600 stock units and grow 40 ha of trees. Ronald and Carol purchased the 280 ha home farm in 1979 and in 1998 they bought a second farm of 300 ha, less than 4 km away. Son David and his family live on the second property and David has been farming in partnership with his parents for the past six years.
The Aldertons have worked hard to clear the farm of weeds and develop it through regrassing, tree planting and extensive fencing. Contour is rolling with steep gullies, and while the climate is described as temperate, three to four snowfalls can be expected each year. Stock wintered on the farms last year included 3250 Wairere Romney ewes and 1130 two-tooths. The mixed-age ewes (hoggets are not mated) lambed at 142% and average income per stock unit over the last five years was an impressive $82.
In 1991 Ronald and Carol started planting trees in gullies that were weed-prone and hard to muster. Forestry is now a significant part of the operation and Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges were impressed with the well-planned and continuous planting and pruning programme. The Aldertons' aim is to have 10% of the farm in trees and they will achieve that goal next year. Plantings are mainly pine, with some Douglas fir. Eucalypts have been planted for firewood, aesthetics and (along with other species) for shelter. Family members share the workload when it comes to jobs like planting and pruning the trees and crutching sheep.
BFEA judges noted the great pride the Aldertons have taken in the development of their hill country property. Stock and financial performance were excellent and the Aldertons worked hard 'to achieve consistent performance at a moderate cost per stock unit'. Their strategic decision to run sheep on both properties had also helped minimise pasture damage and enhance water quality.
Judges said long-term succession plans were in place to enable David and his brother Bruce, who is currently working in Ireland, to continue farming. They said the family also demonstrated an impressive commitment to the local community and has always been ready to help others.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Neville and Bernadette LeslieHill Laboratories Harvest Award
Neville and Bernadette LeslieMassey University Discovery Award
Phil and Donna SmithOtago Regional Council Sustainable Resource Management Award
Robert, Jill and Andrew ReidPGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Phillip Hunt and Lizzie CarruthersSouthland
'MAGNIFICENTLY PRESENTED' FARM EARNS TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Waimea Valley farmers Elliot and Janine King are the Supreme winners of the 2010 Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Kings, who farm near Balfour in northern Southland, run a sheep, beef and deer property, 'Pahiwi', on the lower flanks of the Hokonui Hills. Farmed by the King family for four generations, Pahiwi totals around 300 ha effective and features mainly river flat or rolling to undulating contour. BFEA judges described Pahiwi as 'a magnificently presented farm with park-like shelter and habitat'.
Livestock on the farm includes around 2650 mainly Coopworth ewes, 1200 ewe hoggets, 200 weaner deer and 30 Murray Grey cows, which are bred to produce service bulls for the dairy industry. Deer are soon to be dropped from the system and hogget numbers have been increased to compensate for this.
BFEA judges were impressed with the Kings' excellent livestock management, exceptional stocking rate and outstanding stock performance. Lambing has exceeded 160% over the last three years, with lamb carcass weights averaging 18.7 kg last year. The average kill date is January 25 and judges noted that this requires a lamb growth rate in excess of 300 grams/day from birth.
Considerable thought has gone into ensuring stock policies are sustainable and profitable. The farm's infrastructure (laneways, subdivision, etc) is constantly improved to streamline stock management. A wintering pad has also been constructed to reduce the cow herd's impact on soils and pasture. Judges noted the Kings' 'startling' pasture quality and their sound understanding of the farm's various soil types.
As the bulk of the soils are prone to waterlogging during wet periods, a well-planned subsurface drainage system is used to maintain pasture quality and soil health. Grazing is carefully managed to avoid damage to the soil structure, and nutrient testing is carried out on a regular basis.
Shelter is another highlight of the property. Continuing a shelter planting programme started by their forebears, Elliot and Janine are adding new shelterbelts while also replacing existing belts that are past their best. They use a wide variety of both evergreen and deciduous species, including cypresses, eucalypts, poplar, willow and natives. A Pinus radiata woodlot has also been successfully used for wintering cattle. 'Species selection, establishment techniques and attention to detail are all of a high standard,' said the judges.
Significant riparian protection work has also been conducted on the farm, with the eventual aim of having all streams fenced off to exclude stock. A water reticulation system installed seven years ago is also reducing the farm's reliance on natural water. EID (electronic identification) will be used as a future tool to improve sheep performance.
Elliot and Janine employ one fulltime staff member, Jamie McGinn, and BFEA judges said it 'is evident that there is an exceptional relationship between employers and employee'.
The Kings, who have three young children, are both heavily involved in their local community, particularly the local primary school and playcentre. Elliot is also involved with the local rugby club and the South Suffolk Breeders club. Judges described the Kings as 'a busy young couple putting time and effort back into their community'.
In their final feedback report, judges said Pahiwi was a very well managed farming operation and the Kings have a good understanding of the physical parameters of the farm and a desire to constantly improve both the infrastructure and the amenity/biodiversity values of the property. 'Stock production is outstanding. Animal welfare issues are well catered for by way of excellent farm shelter, water supplies and stock handling facilities.'
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Jack and Julie Ballam
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Jack and Julie Ballam
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Jack and Julie Ballam
Massey University Discovery Award
Tim and Trish Smith, Landcorp's Mararoa Station
New Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust Livestock Award
Kerry and Kit Dunlop
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Kerry and Kit Dunlop
Southland BFEA Water Quality Award
Tim and Trish Smith, Landcorp's Mararoa Station
