Entries Invited For 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards

Farmers and growers across New Zealand are invited to step forward and share their stories of innovation, stewardship, and resilience through the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET), the awards celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing, recognising the many ways landowners are working to strengthen the future of food and fibre in Aotearoa.

NZFET General Manager Sarah Harris says the programme is designed to encourage and support farmers and growers at every stage of their journey.

“The awards are about celebrating progress, not perfection, and sharing ideas across sectors and regions, farmers learning from farmers,” she says. “They are also a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve achieved, gain feedback for future growth, and connect with like-minded farmers and growers who are passionate about looking after the land for future generations.”

This year’s National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing, Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki, says the process of entering the awards was rewarding in itself.

"We entered the awards to showcase our property, but more importantly to have external parties come in and review what we were doing and really reset our strategy around where we want to go over the next five to seven years.”

“It’s been a great opportunity for our farming business, and it’s actually just the right thing to do.”

Each year, the awards provide a platform to showcase a wide range of operations, with judges looking at the whole farm system. Considerations include soil and water management, climate and biodiversity initiatives, animal welfare, waste management, team and community wellbeing, and business planning.

The Catchment Group Showcase will also continue in 2026, highlighting the impact of rural communities working together to improve water quality, protect biodiversity, and achieve sustainable land management outcomes.

The BFEA programme is supported by a wide network of agribusinesses, sector organisations and regional councils, many of whom provide technical insights and feedback to entrants as part of the judging process.

Entries for the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now open, and will close in October. Initial farm visits will take place later this year, with regional awards events held in March and April 2026.

The eleven Regional Supreme Winners will then come together at the Trust’s National Sustainability Showcase in Christchurch next July, where one will be named the recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and become the National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing for 2026.

Entries and nominations can be made online at bfea.org.nz.

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