Farm environment awards open

Tuesday 26 September 2006

An award that promotes farming which is both profitable and sustainable has just opened for entries in the Bay of Plenty.

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which are coordinated by Environment Bay of Plenty, are now open for their fifth year in the region. Chairman John Bourke says they’re a great opportunity for farmers who want to improve their farming practices and learn new ones.

“It’s easy to enter and it’s a chance to get new ideas and learn about different methods of farming from other entrants,” he says. “They’ll be able to meet with people who have similar ideals and share ideas with them.”

The judging and feedback process also gives entrants a chance to learn from others in the industry. “We’re incredibly lucky to have John and Jean Mackintosh, winners of last year’s supreme award, on our assessment team this year. They’re role models for farmers in the region, and they’ll be a valuable source of information and feedback for entrants,” he says.

The awards, which showcase the work of farmers and orchardists, are run in eight regions of New Zealand. Principal sponsor Ballance Agri-Nutrients is joined with Livestock Improvement, PPCS, PPG Wrightson, Gallagher and Hill Laboratories. Environment Bay of Plenty is the regional partner.

Entries for the awards close on Friday 27 October. To enter or for more information, contact Sheree Phillips at Environment Bay of Plenty on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267), email sheree.phillips@envbop.govt.nz or go to www.envbop.govt.nz.

ENDS

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