In 2012 the Ballance Farm Environment Awards were contested in nine regions across New Zealand. Click on the region name to read about the winners in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Horizons, East Coast, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
Described by judges as a potential model dairy farm, Walden Farms Oruaiti Ltd has been named Supreme winner of the 2012 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Walden Farms Oruaiti is owned by Murray and Liz Walden and sharemilked by their son Clive and his wife Jorja.
The Waldens were announced supreme winners at a special Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on March 21. They also collected the LIC Dairy Farm Award.
Their 420ha property, near Mangonui, is milking 425 cows and achieving excellent production while also providing a role model for environmental management in the Doubtless Bay catchment.
The farm had been a dairy unit in the past, but when the Waldens bought it in 2005 it was running an intensive beef production system. They began converting it back to dairying in 2008.
BFEA judges described the farm as a well-planned developing property and noted the strategic use of “well-spent” capital to re-engineer the farm dairy, upgrade the effluent system install a feed pad, stand-off pad, feed bunkers and good stock handling facilities.
Since taking over the farm, the Waldens have put a significant amount of work into environmental enhancement and protection. This includes fencing streams, native bush and wetlands. Half the farm borders the Oruaiti Stream, which flows into Doubtless Bay, and the protection of this waterway has been a top priority.
Soil structure is carefully maintained and plantings on the Mangonui clay hills minimise the risk of erosion. Any potential loss is captured by the fenced-off and retired areas.
Judges noted the time, effort and cost that has gone into this work.
Considerable thought also went into planning the farm conversion. The Waldens made good use of rural professionals during this period and they have compiled a comprehensive farm manual to assist with farm management.
“Any weaknesses in the business have been identified and measures put in place to reduce risk.”
The Waldens place great emphasis on staff training and improvement. Judges also noted their sound understanding of pasture management and their strong focus on health and safety.
They were also impressed with the family’s desire to learn.
“Enthusiasm, energy and hunger for knowledge was evident and has gone a long way in the development to date.”
Judges said the Waldens are a cohesive family unit with the three generations on the farm providing mutual business and social support.
As well as being 50:50 sharemilkers, Clive and Jorja are also equity partners in the business.
A succession plan is in place and, said judges, “this family has the potential to showcase dairying and become leaders in the industry”.
A field day will be held on the Walden farm on Wednesday, May 2.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Kevin and Christine Strawbridge - Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
John, Lurline and Peter Blackwell
Hill Laboratories Harves Award
Kevin and Christine Strawbridge - Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Clive and Jorja Walden/Murray and Liz Walden - Walden Farms Oruaiti Ltd
Massey University Discovery Award
Kevin and Christine Strawbridge - Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd
Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award
Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Alister, Lyn and Christine Candy, Plateau View Ltd
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
John, Lurline and Peter Blackwell
A Pukekawa couple’s progressive cropping venture has won the Supreme title in the 2012 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Chris and Vikki Nicholson, who together with Chris’s parents John and Claire Nicholson run Hinemoa Quality Producers Ltd, a commercial growing business which produces onions, potatoes and barley on 260ha (includes 60ha leased) in the north Waikato.
Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges said Chris and Vikki have developed a successful business in a challenging sector “while enhancing environmental values”.
“This has been achieved through productive family partnerships, passionate dedication and clever business management. They provide excellent role models for farmers while also being open to new ideas and information.”
The Nicholsons learnt of their win at a BFEA ceremony on March 20. They were also presented with the Hill Laboratories Harvest Award and the WaterForce Integrated Management Award.
About 140ha of ‘Hinemoa’ is cropped. Onions and potatoes are grown for the local market and export, and barley is harvested for grain and straw. The farm also runs about 150 cattle, which are managed by John who started the growing operation about 35 years ago and still works in the business.
Judges said the Nicholsons have a great knowledge of the physical and nutrient requirements of their soils and “an excellent understanding around water use”.
Over the years, Chris and Vikki, who have been growing commercially for about 20 years, have become increasingly aware of the value of the farm’s rich volcanic soils.
Soil testing and nutrient budgeting is undertaken regularly and an agronomist is contracted to advise on all aspects of growing. Soils are carefully managed to minimise soil loss and silt traps are used to prevent silt from reaching the nearby Waikato River.
Crops are planted to suit contour, and good use is made of shelterbelts.
Water is essential to maintain a sustainable cropping operation and five years ago the Nicholsons built a large dam to provide storage for irrigation. The areas around this dam have been planted in native species which provide a home for bird life.
Gullies, remnant bush and wetland areas are also being fenced and protected.
Hinemoa employs four full-time staff and about 20 casuals. Long-term staffer Jeff Billington is a crucial member of the team.
BFEA judges said the Nicholsons take immense pride in their product and have great passion for their “strongly vertically-integrated” operation.
“Chris and Vikki value the long term relationships they have gained within the industry and they are always looking for improvements within their business.”
Judges also noted the Nicholson’s active contribution to the community.
A field day will be held on the Nicholson’s Murray Road property on May 9.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Frank and Wendy Portergys, Braemar Lands Ltd, Morrinsville
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Brian and Jacqui Wellington, Te Awamutu
Hill Laboratories Harves Award
Chris and Vikki Nicholson, Hinemoa Quality Producers Ltd, Pukekawa
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Frank and Wendy Portergys, Braemar Lands Ltd, Morrinsville
Massey University Discovery Award
Brian and Jacqui Wellington, Te Awamutu
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
John and Jenny van Woerden, Waihi
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
Chris and Vikki Nicholson, Hinemoa Quality Producers Ltd, Pukekawa
Waikato Regional Council Water Protection Award
Ian and Judy Nelson - Resolution Dairy Unit, Landcorp Farming Ltd
Wairakei Pastoral Ltd, Taupo
Mamaku farm owners Jim and Barbara Hitchcock and their sharemilkers, Rhys and Kim Meredith, have been named Supreme Winners of the 2012 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards
At a Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on February 21, the Hitchcock and Meredith farming partnership also collected the Ballance Nutrient Management Award and the LIC Dairy Farm Award.
The Hitchcocks own Castlerock Farm, a 190ha dairy unit in the Mamaku Ranges near Rotorua. Castlerock milks about 510 cows, achieving production of around 360kgMilksolids/cow.
BFEA judges described Castlerock as “an extremely well-planned farming structure”.
“Jim and Barbara, through hard work and taking their opportunities over the last 17 years, have created a successful, profitable and sustainable business.”
The Hitchcocks, who live off-farm, share a good relationship with the Merediths, allowing their long-time sharemilkers considerable control.
Both parties are committed to farming practices that are environmentally sustainable. Animal welfare has a high priority within this profitable business and staff relations are very important. Castlerock utilises a low-input, low-cost system, with no purchased feed. The farm also has an excellent milk quality record.
Situated in a high rainfall area, Castlerock’s location in the Rotorua Lakes catchment means it is subject to regional council rules that restrict most means of increasing farm production.
But the Hitchcocks and the Merediths are happy to work within these rules. They use the Overseer programme to monitor and minimise nutrient loss from the farm. Dairy effluent is carefully managed and the Hitchcocks recently invested an extra $150,000 in their effluent system, even though the previous system already met council requirements.
Two large stand-off pads are used in winter to minimise pasture damage and reduce run-off.
BFEA judges said the Hitchcocks have a sound understanding of nutrient loss management.
They described the farm as very tidy, well-fenced and well-raced with very good pastures.
Hillocks and rock features dominate the farm’s topography along with a large area of mature native bush that includes a wetland of sphagnum moss.
The Merediths are in their last season of a six-year contract but judges noted that the Hitchcocks are keen to “keep the excellent relationship going” and discussions regarding the possibility of an equity partnership have begun.
The Hitchcocks and the Merediths enjoy a range of recreational and community interests. Jim Hitchcock has been involved with a number of dairy related organisations and is currently the local LIC Customer Relationship Manager.
A field day will be held on Castlerock Farm on March 27, 2012.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Jim and Barbara Hitchcock
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environmental Award
Whakaue Farming Limited, Tihiotonga
Douglas and Catherine Bull, Lake Farm
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Rangitaiki Station
Hill Laboratories Harves Award
Rangitaiki Station
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Jim and Barbara Hitchcock
Massey University Discovery Award
Harry and Anne Frost, Mamaku Blue
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Mark Mayston, Bruntwood Farms Ltd
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
Bruce and Judy Woods, Dreamfields Farm Ltd
ZESPRI Kiwifruit Orchard Award
Mark Mayston, Bruntwood Farms Ltd
The win was announced at a Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on March 16. As well as the Supreme title, Rangedale also picked up the Dalrymple Habitat Award and the Horizons Regional Council Award (for the integration of trees).
Managed by Paul and Donna Edwards, Rangedale is a 1578ha (1382ha effective) sheep and beef property near Pahiatua. Bought by Landcorp Farming Ltd eleven years ago, the farm carries around 12,000 stock units and its key role is to supply store stock to Landcorp finishing units in the Wairarapa and Manawatu.
BFEA judges described Rangedale as “an excellent example of how a large scale hill country farm can be run in conjunction with the environment”.
Stock carried on the Wairarapa farm last year included 6300 Romney ewes, 2100 ewe lambs, 300 yearling steers and 450 R2 steers.
Judges said stock condition is excellent and the station keeps comprehensive records of stock production, often on a paddock by paddock basis.
Climatic conditions in the district are highly variable and some areas of Rangedale, which rises from 300 to 700metres above sea level, are very exposed. However, while high wind, rain and snow are a regular feature in winter, the area is relatively summer-safe.
BFEA judges said correct land use is a real focus for the station. Five ‘farm performance areas’ have been mapped and these areas are farmed according to their soils and productive potential.
Two quite different soil types have been identified and these soils are carefully managed to minimise any detrimental effects. Cattle are wintered on the limestone soils to avoid pugging the pastures, and sheep are wintered predominantly on the papa-based country.
About 50ha of native bush on Rangedale is under QEII covenant, and the station plans to place more land into QEII in future. It also plans to retire a further 102ha of land this year. Land suitable for pine trees will be planted and the balance will be left to regenerate naturally.
Judges said the work done with QEII on the native bush sections is excellent.
They also noted the extensive use of poplar planting on erosion-prone slopes. This work has been done in conjunction with the Horizons Regional Council in accordance with the farm’s Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) whole farm plan.
Judges said staff showed an excellent understanding of the soils on the farm. Soil testing is undertaken on a regular basis and fertiliser applied accordingly.
A key focus of the farm is running an efficient low-cost system.
“The record keeping and planning is of a very high standard and is done alongside Horizons Regional Council, QEII Trust and Landcorp’s own specialists.”
The overall presentation of the farm was described as “impressive”, with buildings, tracks, yards and fences in good condition and well maintained.
Staff training and health and safety are high priorities in the operation, and Rangedale staff members are involved in a wide range of community activities.
A field day will be held on Rangedale Station, with the date to be advised.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Jim and Lynette Galloway, Jala Enterprises Ltd
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Morrison Farming Limited
Dalrymple Habitat Award
Rangedale Station, Landcorp Farming Ltd
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Grant and Diana Bird, Fairview Farm
Horizons Regional Council Award
Rangedale Station, Landcorp Farming Ltd
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Alistair and Margo Robertson, FarmZeal Ltd
Margaret Matthews Trophy for Commitment to Sustainability
Jim and Lynette Galloway, Jala Enterprises Ltd
Massey University Discovery Award
Grant and Diana Bird, Fairview Farm
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Morrison Farming Limited
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
Grant and Diana Bird, Fairview Farm
An “absolute passion for the land” has earned Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer James Hunter the Supreme title in the 2012 East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
James, who farms 660ha (574ha effective) of coastal hill country near Porangahau, received the award at a Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on March 15.
As well as the Supreme award, he also collected the Beef+Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award, the Gisborne District Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council-sponsored East Coast Farming for the Future Award, the Massey University Discovery Award and the WaterForce Integrated Management Award.
BFEA judges praised the passion and commitment James and his wife Jane have shown for ‘Rangitoto’, describing the family farm as a “high-performing, well-run and planned unit”.
“Their knowledge of trees, wildlife, soils, stock and the overall performance of their farming business both financially and environmentally is outstanding.”
Rangitoto runs a mix of breeding and trading stock. Stock carried on the farm last year included 2045 breeding ewes and replacements, 500 trading hoggets, 98 breeding cows and 150R2 bulls. The farm also grows crops such as chicory, red clover and rape, with the performance of the summer crops contributing to excellent stock performance.
Judges commended the priority given to the protection of the coastal hill country land, and the Hunter’s obvious commitment to Rangitoto’s enhancement and sustainability.
James has been “very proactive in protecting waterways, creating interconnected dams and filtration zones wherever possible and protecting all native scrub and tree vegetation”.
Rangitoto has 19ha of wetlands and dams, 28ha of pine woodlots and 41ha of mainly regenerating native bush which is protected by QE II covenants. Over the years, three generations of the Hunter family have planted more than 10,000 poplar and willow poles.
BFEA judges said James is “always looking outside the square” and is not afraid to try new ideas. An example of this is the innovative use of sub-surface drainage to increase the productive potential of cultivatable mudstone slopes while minimising winter pugging and erosion.
James is a director of the QE II Trust. In the 2011 East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards he won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Habitat Improvement Award and the East Coast Farming for the Future Award.
A field day will be held on Rangitoto on Wednesday 12 April, details to be confirmed.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
equity managers Nick and Nicky Dawson, Great Glen Farms, Patoka, Hawke's Bay
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
James Hunter, ‘Rangitoto’, Porangahau, Hawke's Bay
East Coast Farming for the Future Award (sponsored by the Gisborne District Council and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council)
James Hunter, ‘Rangitoto’, Porangahau, Hawke's Bay
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Hartree Family (Greg, Rachael and Thomas), Black Oak Ltd, Puketapu, Napier
LIC Dairy Farm Award
equity managers Nick and Nicky Dawson, Great Glen Farms, Patoka, Hawke's Bay
Massey University Discovery Award
James Hunter, ‘Rangitoto’, Porangahau, Hawke's Bay
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Hartree Family (Greg, Rachael and Thomas), Black Oak Ltd, Puketapu, Napier
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
James Hunter, ‘Rangitoto’, Porangahau, Hawke's Bay
Well-known Wairarapa hill-country sheep and beef farm Wairere Station has been named Supreme winner of the 2012 Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Owned by the Derek Daniell Trust and situated north east of Masterton, the 1206ha property is home to an internationally recognised Romney sheep stud.
Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges described Wairere as “a sustainable, innovative and financially-sound farming operation”.
“Strong consideration has always been given to conservation practices alongside the ability to be a leading entrepreneur of sheep genetics in New Zealand.”
Wairere’s win was announced at a BFEA ceremony on April 26. The station also collected the Beef+Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award.
Derek and Chris Daniell run Wairere with the help of around eight full-time employees, including manager Simon Buckley who oversees the station’s day-to-day operations.
Wairere was purchased by Derek’s grandfather in 1913 and Derek took charge of the property in 1984 after his father John died in an accident on the farm.
The mainly medium to steep property has an effective farming area of 1070ha and rises from 200 to 532m asl.
Stud breeding is the mainstay of the business and the Wairere brand enjoys considerable recognition in New Zealand and internationally.
Involving nine farms in the Wairarapa and Manawatu, the breeding operation sells over 2500 rams a year. These rams are selected according to strict criteria.
Judges described this as “a complex farming system requiring a relatively large staff and high standards of organisation and stockmanship”.
The stud operation is supported by commercial sheep and beef production.
Judges said Wairere was achieving exceptional revenue from multiple sources and the business has “a diverse income base with equity partnerships and off-farm investment”.
Judges also noted the station’s strong focus on biodiversity. A number of QEII covenants, currently totalling 60ha of bush, headlands and wetland, are in place and the farm boasts an increasing number of native birds and a resident native bat population.
Wairere has significant amenity plantings which increase the aesthetic value of the farm while also providing a habitat for native bird life.
Conservation woodlots have been strategically placed in areas prone to erosion and judges also noted the good use of pole planting for stabilising slopes.
Staff members are an integral part of the operation and the station has a good reputation for developing young shepherds. Judges also noted the “pivotal role” of long-term manager Simon Buckley who is responsible for all daily management and production activities.
Derek and Chris have three adult children – Jess, Josh and Marcus- and Derek has many off-farm responsibilities. A former Federated Farmers representative and district councillor, he is a director of Lean Meats Ltd and a member of the Wairarapa Romney Improvement Society and NZ Forest and Bird. The Nuffield Scholar is also an active participant in four farm discussion groups.
A BFEA field day will be held on Wairere Station on Wednesday, May 16.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Guy and Andrea Didsbury, Pirinoa Station, Featherston
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Derek and Chris Daniell, Wairere Station, Masterton
Greater Wellington Regional Council Lifestyle Award
Peter and Bridget Evans, Awatiritiri, Carterton
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Dorothy-Ann and Alan Bissett, Wee Red Barn, Masterton
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Stewart and Alexandra Weatherstone, Rotopai, Featherston
Massey University Discovery Award
Tim and Belinda White, Upperwood, Masterton
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Guy and Andrea Didsbury, Pirinoa Station, Featherston
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
Stewart and Alexandra Weatherstone, Rotopai, Featherston
Their win was announced at a Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on March 29, where the Shands also collected two category awards -the Environment Canterbury Habitat Award and the Massey University Discovery Award.
BFEA judges described the Shands as “an innovative couple making a tough high-country farm profitable through intelligent, balanced diversification”.
The Shands farm sheep and beef on 6800ha, west of Culverden, while also running a beekeeping business and farm tourism venture.
Island Hills Station runs about 3200 stock units on 1800ha of freehold land and 5000ha of pastoral lease. Rising from 400 to 1700metres above sea level and traversed by many rivers, the station’s limited carrying capacity means it is marginally economic as a livestock operation.
So Dan and Mandy, who took over from Dan’s parents Ed and Jan, diversified into other ventures, including honey production and tourism.
Their beekeeping business has 350 hives, most of which are based on the station, and produces top quality manuka honey. Their farm-based tourism operation capitalises on the Hurunui High Country Track which runs through the station.
BFEA judges said this innovative diversification had helped the farm to achieve financial sustainability. The three separate ventures, all based on the farm, spread risk “with each component supporting the other”.
The station runs a small breeding flock and a breeding herd. Steers are sold at three-years of age, with some calves sold store in autumn. Most lambs are also sold store.
Judges said the station was achieving good stock performance given the difficult terrain, limited subdivision and lack of cropping contour.
They noted the “recognition and intelligent management of fragile soils”, the deliberate lack of grazing pressure on valuable native areas and the excellent use of capital invested in difficult land.
Two previous generations of the Shand family have also provided good stewardship on the station. In 1991 Dan’s parents placed 600ha of native bush into QEII covenant and this protected a variety of trees including Rata and red, black and silver beech.
Judges praised the Shand’s enthusiasm and passion for their business.
They said Dan and Mandy, who have two young children, are “constantly up-skilling and trialling new ways of doing things”.
A field day will be held on Island Hills Station, with the date to be advised.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
John Evans, Tregynon
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Mt Arrowsmith Station
Environment Canterbury Habitat Award
Dan and Mandy Shand, Island Hills Station
Environment Canterbury Water Efficiency Award
Ben and Shannon Johnson, Bodiam Dairies Ltd
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Tony and Yolande Redmond, Waverlea Partnership
LIC Dairy Farm Award
Ben and Shannon Johnson, Bodiam Dairies Ltd
Massey University Discovery Award
Dan and Mandy Shand, Island Hills Station
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Castle Hill Station
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
John Evans, Tregynon
An “enthusiastic and incredibly driven” couple has been named Supreme winners of the 2012 Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Blair and Jane Smith run Newhaven Farms Ltd – a North Otago sheep, beef, forestry and dairy support operation that spans three family-owned properties totalling 1528ha.
Their win was announced at a special Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on April 13. As well as the Supreme award, the Smiths also collected the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Nutrient Management Award, the Massey University Discovery Award, PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award and the Otago Regional Council Sustainable Resource Management Award.
BFEA judges described Jane and Blair as incredibly driven individuals who continue to challenge themselves to meet their personal and business objectives.
The Smiths, who are still in the early stages of their farming career, have demonstrated excellent care of the environment in parallel with the wise use of fertiliser based on a very good understanding of soil, animal and pasture requirements.
The couple has three young children and are second generation farmers. They farm 9000 stock units on three farms, including 230ha ‘Newhaven’ at Five Forks. This farm is home to the Newhaven Perendale Stud started by Jane’s parents, David and Robyn Ruddenklau, in 1972. Newhaven Farms Ltd also farms 200ha at Danseys Pass and 1100ha ‘Blairgowrie Run’, near Five Forks.
The home block and Danseys Pass farms are used largely for intensive sheep production while Blairgowrie is run mostly as a cattle breeding and finishing unit. Some sheep are also farmed on Blairgowrie.
The sheep operation includes both commercial and stud sheep. BFEA judges said sheep production levels were impressive with lambing percentages (survival to sale) of 162% to 168% in the last three seasons. Lamb carcase weights average 16.5 to 17.5kg.
Newhaven is a leading Perendale stud, and rams from the stud sire over 300,000 lambs in New Zealand each year. A Perendale-Texel stud was also formed in 2009.
The cattle enterprise is based on 370 Angus cows. Progeny from this herd is finished but finishing cattle are treated as flexible stock units in times of drought.
Up to 400 dairy cows are grazed each winter. Cows are grazed in mobs of 50 and shifted twice a day to minimise the risk of pugging or compaction damage.
Newhaven is beautifully planted in shelter belts established by Jane’s parents. Blair and Jane continue to plant Blairgowrie with shelterbelts and woodlots while also endeavouring to maintain and protect the tussock landscape.
Over 60,000 trees have been established on Newhaven and the other farms, often in harsh climatic conditions. Native Falcons and Wood Pigeons are living undisturbed on the hill country and fresh water crayfish have been introduced to contained waterways.
In 2011 the Smiths also planted 16ha of Douglas Fir for carbon sequestration and as part of a strategy to learn more about carbon credits and the ETS.
Judges said the Smiths show a high level of entrepreneurship in the new challenges they tackle and are very aware of what is happening globally and locally in the marketplace and their industry as a whole.
“They have surrounded themselves with a fantastic support network that should ensure the continuation of their success. Their sound financial management and an impressive formal business structure help them to get the best from the people in their business.”
Judges said the Smiths are a highly enthusiastic and passionate couple who make full use of the technologies available to them.
They have also demonstrated a commendable commitment to industry and community organisations.
A field day will be held on Newhaven, with the date to be advised.
Other winners were:
Ballance Nutrient Management Award
Blair and Jane Smith, Newhaven Farms Ltd
Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award
Doug and Jeannie Brown
Otago Regional Council Sustainable Resource Management Award
Blair and Jane Smith, Newhaven Farms Ltd
Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Gillian Wilson and Matt Connell, Akarua Ltd
Massey University Discovery Award
Blair and Jane Smith, Newhaven Farms Ltd
PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award
Blair and Jane Smith, Newhaven Farms Ltd
Waterforce Integrated Management Award
Gillian Wilson and Matt Connell, Akarua Ltd
Opio farmers Michael and Karen Blomfield, the owners of an “industry-leading” dairy farm, have won the Supreme award in the 2012 Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges were lavish in their praise of the couple’s 220ha former sheep and beef farm, describing it as an “impeccable and aesthetically pleasing farm with the wow factor”.
“This dairy business can be highlighted as demonstrating all the disciplines we would have expected of a medium scale operation that epitomises near optimum environmental, social and financial sustainability.”
The Blomfields were announced Supreme winners at a BFEA ceremony on April 11, where they also collected a slew of category awards, including the LIC Dairy Farm Award.
Michael and Karen took over the farm from Michael’s parents John and Joan in 1994, and converted it in 2008. Last season they peak milked 580 cows on a milking platform of 189ha, achieving 233,300kgMilksolids at a cost of just $3.13/kgMS.
BFEA judges said the whole farm conversion had been thoughtfully planned and executed, with the Blomfields utilising their extensive knowledge of the farm’s soils to implement an impressive grazing management programme.
Their strong focus on pasture monitoring and management was enhanced by the use of expert advice and Michael’s extensive knowledge of pasture species to create highly productive pasture mixes.
Crops are kept to a minimum. Swede crops are precision drilled and carefully grazed to improve utilisation while minimising damage to soils.
Though the Blomfields run a low input system, they set high performance targets and are always mindful of environmental impacts.
Judges said they demonstrated a very good understanding of soil nutrients. Fertiliser is carefully placed across different sectors according to a detailed nutrient management plan.
The Blomfields, who run the operation with the help of herd manager Nathan Knight, seek expert advice from a range of sources and are always looking for opportunities to improve their business. Over the last four years they have made a significant effort to reduce farm debt, with farm succession being a key consideration in most decisions.
Judges said the Blomfields’ strong awareness of sustainability is highly evident. All improvements on the Opio property have been “thoughtfully considered and carefully implemented, resulting in many innovative features”.
Examples include the use of solar panels for powering road-crossing lights and the utilisation of native bark chips as a protective layer around drainage pipes. Plastic bale wrap is compacted in an old wool press, and a cardboard shoebox “muffler” is used to silence molasses feeding in the shed.
Judges said a range of water and energy-saving devices and practises are in place. The farm also has a highly effective effluent system which utilises a weeping wall.
Steeper areas and gullies have been planted out and the property features some outstanding riparian zones “that have been created with a real focus on plant species and beautification”.
These plantings have also provided a home for native birds.
Shelterbelts were established on the farm before conversion and these were added to as part of the laneway creation and farm subdivision.
Judges commended the Blomfields’ passion, which has prevailed despite the challenge of learning a whole new mode of farming.
“The huge focus on the creation of both aesthetic and habitat-enhancing environments was industry-leading. Michael is a self-confessed tree man who has taken the contour of the land and enhanced the natural features to create a profitable dairy farm in a park-like setting.”
As well as the Supreme award, the Blomfields also won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Nutrient Management Award, the LIC Dairy Farm Award, Hill Laboratories Harvest Award, Massey University Discovery Award and the WaterForce Integrated Management Award.
Riverton farmers Euan and Linda Templeton won the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award and the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award.
A field day will be held on the Blomfield farm on May 9.
