Mackenzie Country Station wins Canterbury regional award for water quality

Omarama high-country farmers Richard and Annabelle Subtil have been awarded the Environment Canterbury Water Quality Award at the regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) in Christchurch (held on Thursday 26 March, 2015).

The Subtil’s farm also won the Supreme award, WaterForce Integrated Management Award, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, and Massey University Innovation Award.

Situated south of Omarama Village the 12000ha family owned farm winters 23,000 stock units, including 7500 Merino ewes and 310 Angus-Hereford cows.

The diverse operation also grows a range of crops, produces high quality wool, and finishes around 10,000 lambs and 700 steers and heifers annually. Additional income is produced by a homestay and hydro electricity generation.

The award judges described the property as a proven farm business demonstrating excellence in financial, environmental and social sustainability. They also noted the operation is run by an exceptional team that includes both family and staff, and its production and financial performance are industry leading.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner Chair Dame Margaret Bazley, who presented the regional award, said entrants needed to demonstrate they were aware of the impact their operation had on water quality, and have taken deliberate steps to manage this.

“Richard and Annabelle Subtil have demonstrated that good and innovative farm management can also be good for business.

“By adopting and investing in technology, famers can often improve productive capacity while at the same time reducing environmental effects, and in this case, actually improve water quality.

“Environment Canterbury congratulates all entrants in these awards for their vision and leadership to put new ideas into practice,” said Dame Margaret Bazley.

BFEA judges noted the Subtil’s regularly test soil and water quality and they have an excellent understanding of nutrient budgeting.

Production has risen significantly since the installation of a centre pivot irrigation system that was developed between 2006 and 2011 from 240ha of border dyked land and now covers 560ha. The Subtil’s are also utilising water for irrigation and hydro generation in a way that allows for improved water quality outcomes.

For the past 11 years the Subtils have also been working with local iwi and the Department of Conservation to promote the regeneration of the native longfin eel population. As part of the tenure review process for the station, a 120ha flood plain, incorporating the Omarama stream, has been designated scientific reserve.

A QEII National Trust covenant has been placed over 2500ha, including unique high-country bog wetland containing rare native species. The covenant allows for managed grazing to ensure invasive weeds like hieracium (hawkweed) are controlled.

A BFEA field day will be held on Omarama Station, with the date to be advised.

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