Connecting with our Communities

We believe that a thriving agricultural community can only exist with the support of all who live and work in it, and as a result, we invest both time and money to help secure the future of New Zealand farmers.

Our involvement in the rural community occurs on many fronts. One of the most prominent is our support of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Aimed at recognising the achievements of those who farm with respect for the environment, these awards started in 1993, and have grown every year since. Ballance has been the naming rights sponsor since 2002, and many of the company's employees are involved in the judging process.

Ballance also sponsors a number of industry awards and conferences, along with a variety of regional activities and events with a farming focus.

We're proud to support these organisations

Ballance Farm Environment Awards
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards recognises and celebrates good farm practices which promotes sustainable land management through an annual awards programme which is now run in 11 regions throughout New Zealand.
Dairy Women's Network - Prime Network Partner
Ballance is proud to align with Dairy Women’s Network’s clear purpose of giving unlimited opportunities to women in dairy through providing leadership, inspiration, learning and connection. Our enduring partnership enables us to better understand the challenges, goals and aspirations of our customers while we work to add value and develop solutions to achieve sustainable and enriching outcomes, together.
Ahuwhenua Trophy - Excellence in Māori Farming Award
Ahuwhenua Trophy - Excellence in Māori Farming Award acknowledges and celebrates business excellence in New Zealand's important pastoral sector. This competition is held annually, alternating each year between dairy and sheep & beef, and now also horticulture. Ballance has been aligned as a silver sponsor since 2004 providing both financial and practical support to assist in the smooth running of the event.
Young Grower of the Year National Awards
Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition run by Horticulture New Zealand to find the best young fruit or vegetable grower in the country. The focus of the competition is to give young people working in the industry recognition, develop their skills and foster young grower leadership. Ballance is proud be a Gold sponsor of the event and play a part in encouraging and promoting New Zealand’s up and coming horticultural talent.
New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser Association's Conference
Independent groundspreaders are key stakeholders in the wider agricultural industry. Ballance has supported the New Zealand Groundspread Association's national conference since its inception back in 1956. The conference is traditionally held over four days and provides a valuable and leading forum in which relevant issues can be highlighted and discussed.
Surfing for Farmers
Surfing for Farmers was founded by Stephen Thompson of Bayleys Real Estate in 2018. It is an initiative that brings farmers and growers together, off farm and into the surf to enhance wellbeing. Surfing for Farmers runs throughout summer in 22 locations all over New Zealand. The weekly surf sessions consist of a laidback lesson, followed by a BBQ and yarn.
Pioneer Contractors Conference
Maize is an essential part of many farming operations. Ballance is pleased to be involved with the Pioneer Contractors' Conference, at which leading industry specialists and researchers share information on the efficient production and use of this versatile crop. This well-run and well-attended conference features speakers from a range of backgrounds, offering something for all delegates.
Rural Riders
Rural Riders is all about encouraging farmers and rural communities to step away from their daily routines, get off the farm, and onto their bikes to support their well-being. Originating in Taupo in 2021 and initiated by Ballance employees, Rural Riders now has groups with facilitators across the country, including three South Island locations – Ashburton, Naseby and Alexandra.
Meet the Need
Meet the Need connects quality nutritious protein grown by New Zealand farming communities to those who need a helping hand. Ballance values this opportunity to show our commitment and support for the diverse needs of the communities we operate in. We are proud to align with Meat the Need, and together, play our part in helping New Zealand communities thrive.