Ballance Farm Environment Awards
In 2002, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards were established to take the Waikato initiative nationwide. The awards are held in eight regions across New Zealand.
We introduced the awards to our region in 2005-06 through partnership with the Farm Environment Awards Trust.
The key objectives of the awards are to encourage sustainable land management and to display to farmers that profitability need not compromise and, in the best examples, can restore and enhance environmental values.
Through feedback and profiling winners, the awards encourage other farmers to be more proactive on their resource management by providing them with role models and practical ideas for sustainable land management.
2024 Winners
Winners of the 2024 Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award are Philip and Julia Leaf of Brierly Hill, Kaipara.
Philip and Julia are also winners of the NZFET Biodiversity Award, showcasing their exceptional dedication to both improving water quality and preserving biodiversity on their farm.
Northland Regional Council Chair Geoff Crawford (left) with Philip & Julia Leaf of Brierly Hill, winners of the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award for 2024.
The awards recognise and celebrate good farm practices and are an opportunity to have fresh eyes look over your property and provide expert advice.
Watch our video below, where Greg and Kerry talk about entering the awards.
Previous winners - 2023
Winners of the 2023 Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award were Andrew & Vicky Booth — Jade Dairies
Andrew and Vicky are also winners of the Northland Regional Supreme Award for 2023; DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award; Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award and NZFET Climate Recognition Award.
Read more about how they're helping to bridge the urban-rural divide at: nzfetrust.org.nz/news
By entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, farmers and growers are given the opportunity to have their businesses evaluated by a team of highly respected and experienced peers and agribusiness professionals. Constructive advice and feedback is given in an informal setting, with visits followed by a report offering commendations and recommendations.
Further information
For more information, please contact:
Ellie Ball, Northland Regional Coordinator | Ballance Farm Environment Awards
P: 09 438 3109 | M: 021 117 5324
E: [email protected] | W: nzfeatrust.org.nz