Entries for the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are open now.

The awards recognise sustainable land management, good farm practices and environmental values. They represent an opportunity to have fresh eyes look over your property and provide expert advice.

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards were first held in the region in 2005–2006, when Northland Regional Council partnered with the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. Council remains a proud sponsor of the Water Quality Enhancement Award 20 years later.

Farmers and growers that enter the Awards have their businesses evaluated by a team of highly experienced peers and agribusiness professionals. Farm visits are followed by constructive advice and feedback given in an informal setting, and a report with recommendations.

The awards aim to encourage farmers to be more proactive with resource management by providing them with practical ideas for sustainable land management, and role models in previous winners.

Rob and Mandy Pye of Mangere Falls Farm in Kokopu, Whangārei were named Regional Supreme Winners at the Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards in March 2025. The accolade recognised the exceptional balance struck by Rob and Mandy between profitability, environmental stewardship and farm efficiency.

They also took home the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award, the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award and the Norwood Farming Efficiency Award, in a resounding endorsement of their efforts.

According to the judges, the best time to enter your property is when you feel that it is not ready. If you wait until the farm is perfect – you will never enter! Even if you don’t win an award the feedback you receive will be invaluable in helping to improve your business, and you can enter again in future years.

Find out more about how the Awards, including how to enter, and hearing from previous winners at bfea.org.nz