The farm, which has 1300 cows on a flat-contoured milking platform, was in its second year of production after forestry land was cleared between 2007 and 2011.
The judges described the property as an impressive large-scale dairy conversion with a clearly developed strategy and the impressive use of technology for monitoring.
They also noted there had been extensive efforts to understand and minimise the impact of the farm business on water quality.
Ngai Tahu Farming general manager Andrew Clayton said local runanga (governing council of tribe) had been involved throughout the development of the farm.
“Before the conversion concept could be embraced local runanga approval was sought and we went through the process of defining what farming meant to Ngai Tahu,” he said.
Clayton said the farm’s close relationship with Lincoln University had also contributed to its success.
“Our relationship with Lincoln is a symbiotic one,” he said.
“They take an absolute approach to best practice farm management systems so are able to give us a good steer.”
Lincoln University supports local Maori into agriculture through the Whenua Kura education programme. Students from that programme and Lincoln environmental students worked on the farm.
They took an active role in monitoring biodiversity enhancements and undertaking biological surveys.
The farm was in the process of having 40 lysimeter barrels installed which would be the largest number on any farm in New Zealand.
The barrels contain cross sections of soil which allow water to percolate, which is analysed for nutrient leaching and leads to improved decision-making around efficient water use.
Chairwoman of Environment Canterbury commissioners, Dame Margaret Bazley, who presented the award, said entrants needed to demonstrate they were aware of the impact their operation had on water quality, and to have taken deliberate steps to manage this.
“Ngai Tahu Farming has demonstrated that good and innovative farm management can also be good for business,” she said.
“By adopting and investing in the best available technology, farmers can often improve productive capacity while at the same time reducing environmental effects.”
Dairy Farm One also won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award.
