Friday, March 29, 2024

Irrigation awards finalists named

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Four New Zealand farmers are finalists in the inaugural Zimmatic Sustainable Irrigation Trailblazer Awards.
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The awards aim to celebrate excellence in sustainable irrigation and encourage Australasian farmers to share ideas for achieving sustainable freshwater management. 

The competition is run by agricultural irrigation systems firm Zimmatic with support from IrrigationNZ, Farmers Weekly, Vantage NZ and Irricon. It recognises farmers leading the way in responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental stewardship.

Four finalists from each country have been selected. The NZ finalists are: Ben and Anna Gillespie of Central Otago, Brock and Gemma Hamilton, North Otago, Ted Rollinson, Mid Canterbury, and Nick Webster, North Otago.

Each entrant was judged on sustainable irrigation management, irrigation-driven improvement that might include cost reductions, environmental outcomes, yield improvements and improved efficiencies, waterway protection; stewardship and community involvement.

Irrigation NZ chairwoman and Irricon Resource Solutions principal Keri Johnston is head judge. 

All four finalists demonstrated a high-level of achievement across all four categories, which set them apart from the others, she said.

“Our finalists all have farm businesses with values and philosophies based on environmental stewardship, care of the land, water and community and being caretakers for the next generation. 

“These finalists also demonstrated a level of considered decision-making in relation to irrigation system design. They are all using technology to their advantage while taking steps to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impacts. 

“It was obvious these farmers have a deep understanding of their properties and their unique challenges. 

“They have used clever thinking and an innovative approach to tackle these challenges rather than just trying to tick the box.  

“From supporting their peers to helping with education in schools, we were also impressed by the outstanding community leadership demonstrated by some of our finalists.

“While we could choose only four NZ finalists all our entrants should be commended for their commitment to responsible water management both on and off the farm,” Johnston said.

On-farm judging will be done in spring. 

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