Since first winning the Supreme title in the inaugural Southland BFEA in 2002, the Tripps have added a dairy farm to their diverse farming operation based on Nithdale Station, south-east of Gore.
Along with sheep, beef, dairy and forestry, the 1635ha property also runs a genetics business – comprising stud Romney and Suffolk sheep – and a farmstay.
BFEA judges praised the Tripps’ commitment and passion for the land which was first settled by Andrew’s grandfather in 1924.
Carrying 17,000 stock units, Nithdale was described as a large property with six enterprises running at once and “excellence sought from every stream of operation”.
Judges said the Tripps were always at the cutting edge of farming for the future and are determined to adapt and adopt new practices.
Nithdale’s 275ha (effective) dairy unit was established in 2008.
Sharemilkers Jan and Catherine de Klerk milked more than 830 cows and the farm achieved production of 1309kg milksolids/ha last season.
A feedpad for up to 600 cows was built two years ago and assisted with prevention of soil pugging.
Judges described Andrew’s knowledge of soils on the property as excellent, noting his measured approach to increasing soil health by applying fertilisers to optimise plant uptake and nutrient efficiency.
Careful consideration had also been given to fitting stock class to the best use of land, judges said.
Pasture utilisation, weed control and overall aesthetics were excellent, with established trees providing future income, biodiversity and shelter.
All waterways on the dairy unit had been riparian fenced to incorporate generous buffer zones.
Judges also noted the Tripp’s focus on retaining as much red tussock and indigenous vegetation as possible during hill development.
A BFEA field day will be held on Nithdale Station on April 29.
Winners in the 2014 Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards were:
Supreme award, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, LIC Dairy Farm Award, Massey University Discovery Award, Alliance Quality Livestock Award; Andrew and Heather Tripp, Nithdale Station, Kaiwera.
PGG Wrightson Land And Life Award, WaterForce Integrated Water Management Award, Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award; Mark and Deborah Hamill, Folly Farm – Tiro Roa, Gorge Road.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award, Hill Laboratories Harvest Award, Meridian Energy Excellence Award; Robert and Cameron Grant, Grant Bros Partnership, Otapiri Gorge, Mandeville.
