Entries open on August 1.
Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment (NZFE) Trust, the awards promote best-practice land management by showcasing the work of people farming in a way that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
Open to all farming and horticultural types, the 2016 awards will be held in 11 regions.
National judging co-ordinator Andrea Hanna said every farmer, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, should give it a go.
“Most people enter because they want high-quality feedback on how their farming operation stacks up in terms of environmental and economic sustainability,” she said.
Entering the free competition was as easy as filling out a form, available online at www.bfea.org.nz. There was also an option for entrants to have entry forms mailed to them.
The judging process was done in a relaxed and friendly manner and judges always took climatic factors into account.
Hanna said the competition offered an excellent educational opportunity for any farmer wanting to learn more about how to improve business profitability and environmental management.
Past-entrants described their participation as a highly worthwhile experience.
“It’s not just targeted at top farmers. Every farmer should take the opportunity to enter.”
The awards covered a wide range of categories so farmers performing well in one specific area had a chance of picking up a category award.
Supreme winners from each region were honoured at the trust’s annual Sustainability Showcase, where the Gordon Stephenson Trophy was presented to a national winner.
This year the trophy and national title went to Bay of Plenty’s John and Catherine Ford, who strongly urged all farmers to enter the 2016 competition.
“We need to promote our industry by providing examples of the things farmers are doing to care for the environment,” John said.
“It gives you a huge confidence boost when the judges say you are doing a good job. And if you are not on the right track, the judges will give you direction on how to get there.”
