Nearly a decade ago, Northland farmers Andrew and Vicky Booth of Jade Dairies decided to give entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards a go. “I had gone to a previous awards ceremony and found the winners so inspirational, entering seemed like a good way to try and understand what we know and why we farm.” […]
Industry: Dairy
Second time’s a charm
The Miller Family of Roslyn Downs
2024 Southland Regional Supreme Winners: The Miller Family of Roslyn Downs – Dairy, Sheep and Beef Roslyn Downs is going from strength-to-strength under the guidance of the Miller family whose approach centres around teamwork, the land and business. The 1,034ha Glencoe dairy, sheep and beef operation is led by brothers Jason and Quentin Miller, along with Jason’s […]
Tracy & Steve Henderson of Legendairies
2024 Southland Finalists: Tracy & Steve Henderson of Legendairies – Dairy and Beef Located near Invercargill, this Awarua beef and dairy farm is increasing production in a sustainable way, thanks to the clear and imaginative vision of its owners. Tracy and Steve Henderson are building on their extensive dairying experience as they realise the potential of […]
Mike & Kirsty Bodle of Braintra Farms
2024 Southland Finalists: Mike & Kirsty Bodle of Braintra Farms – Dairy The couple behind this Hokonui dairy farm is seeing their vision become a reality, driving increasing performance while creating an environment that is rich in biodiversity. Braintra Farms is a 439ha (389ha effective) property that runs 700 cows plus supplies calves to local buyers. […]
Justin Pigou, Neill Casey & Matt Hamilton of Waitepeka, Pāmu Farms
2024 Otago Finalists: Justin Pigou, Neill Casey & Matt Hamilton of Waitepeka, Pāmu Farms – Dairy and Beef The team at Waitepeka Dairy Complex are consistently thinking ahead and planning for a sustainable future – adapting practices that enhance environment, animals and people. The 888ha (730 ha effective) self-contained dairy farm is owned by Pāmu […]
Jason Christensen of Fernhill
2024 Greater Wellington Finalists: Jason Christensen of Fernhill – Dairy, Sheep and Beef Since 1879, Fernhill has evolved and expanded under the guidance of the Christensen family, and today the Masterton farm remains both environmentally and economically sustainable. Jason Christensen is currently managing the farm, actively supported by his parents Henry and Dorothy, along with full-timers […]
Adam & Laura Cullen of Ararua Hills Farm
2024 Northland Finalists: Adam & Laura Cullen of Ararua Hills Farm – Dairy A strategic and deliberate farming approach that is based on science and monitoring is delivering tangible results at Ararua Hills Farm. Adam and Laura Cullen have been dairy farming at the 256ha property since 2008, purchasing it from Adam’s parents in 2016. Soil […]
Damien Watson, Chris Tidey and Robin Gerding of Renown Pāmu, Wairakei Pastoral
2024 Waikato Finalists: Damien Watson, Chris Tidey and Robin Gerding of Renown Pāmu, Wairakei Pastoral – Dairy Renown has gone from pine trees to lush pastures in 17 years, thanks to excellent planning, perseverance and a strong collaboration between owner and management. Today’s profitable Reporoa dairy farm is the result of a joint venture between Pāmu […]
Sam Waugh of Donald’s Farm
2024 Auckland Finalists: Sam Waugh of Donald’s Farm – Dairy Donald’s Farm is small in size but not in stature, with this not-for-profit educational dairy operation existing for the purpose of connecting young people with farming. In 2018, the 74ha (63 ha effective) property was gifted by Donald Pearson to New Zealand Young Farmers and today […]
Kathy and Craig Maxwell of Paparimu Valley Farm
2024 Auckland Finalists: Kathy and Craig Maxwell of Paparimu Valley Farm – Dairy Guided by a clear vision, this couple ensures the little things are done well – culminating in a dairy farm that is both environmentally and financially sustainable. Building on an extensive family legacy, Kathy and Craig Maxwell are today managing this 300ha […]
David Neumann and Ashlee Crane of Rocklea Farms
2024 Northland Finalist: David Neumann and Ashlee Crane of Rocklea Farms – Dairy Rocklea Farms has undergone a transformation which has resulted in it becoming a high–producing operation with a light environmental footprint. David Neumann and Ashlee Crane have put significant time and effort into the 147ha Whakapara property. Meticulous planning means they are now […]
Greg and Claire Collins of Emerald Hills
2024 Northland Finalists: Greg and Claire Collins of Emerald Hills – Dairy Strategic planning, being adaptable and thinking outside the box are three reasons this small Dargaville dairy farm is both profitable and environmentally friendly. Greg and Claire Collins bought the 80ha (60ha effective) property in 2014 and moved on site to run it 12 […]
James & Debbie, and Dave & Jan Stewart of Stewart Dairylands
2024 Horizons Finalists: James & Debbie, and Dave & Jan Stewart of Stewart Dairylands – Dairy The family behind this Palmerston North dairy farm listen to the land, meaning its use and protection are priorities, while they still operate a profitable business. Stewart Dairylands was established in 1999, however five generations of Stewarts have farmed and […]
John Wright & Richard Green of Wainono Dairy
2024 Canterbury Finalist: John Wright & Richard Green of Wainono Dairy – Dairy & Dairy Support The number of cows has doubled at Wainono Dairy since it was converted in 2006, with this growth balanced against a strong focus on enhancing the environment. The Fairlie farm is comprised of a 730ha dairy platform and 640ha dairy […]
Sam & Jo Spencer-Bower of Claxby Estate
2024 Canterbury Finalists: Sam & Jo Spencer-Bower of Claxby Estate – Dairy Farming efficiently, with an increasingly light environmental footprint, is a key driver behind this 920ha farm that has been in the Spencer-Bower family since 1852. Located in North Canterbury, Claxby Estate was converted to dairy in 2012 and today is comprised of two dairy […]
Gavin and Kylie Bay of Bluff Farm
2024 Canterbury Finalists: Gavin and Kylie Bay of Bluff Farm – Dairy Simplicity is the key to success at this family–owned dairy farm which boasts lush pastures, healthy animals and a thriving natural environment – all with very few inputs. Gavin and Kylie Bay have been involved with Bluff Farm for 14 years, and farming it […]
Murray & Cecilia Winters and Chris & Karly Deed of Mangorewa Farms
2024 Bay of Plenty Finalists: Murray & Cecilia Winters and Chris & Karly Deed of Mangorewa Farms – Dairy Relationships, resilience and revitalisation provide the foundation for this successful Te Ranga dairy farm that has been owned by the Winters family since 1992. Current owners Murray and Cecilia Winters have owned it since 2019 after working […]
Jonathon Boyle of Four Oaks Farm
2024 Bay of Plenty Finalist: Jonathon Boyle of Four Oaks Farm – Dairy, Avocado and Kiwifruit support The large-scale native planting projects at Four Oaks Farm illustrate both a commitment to the environment and a U-turn on the family’s farming approach. The Pongakawa property has been in the Benner and Boyle families for 125 years. […]
Kevin Hall on facing the challenge of how to “winter better”
From the day he purchased Hollyvale farm in Waimahaka, Southland in 2008, Kevin Hall was looking for ways to improve his wintering facilities for around 700 mixed-age cows. He didn’t want to send them away for contract grazing, and knew there had to be a way to “winter better.” Kevin, who was the 2022 Regional […]
Justin Pigou and Matt Hamilton of Landsdown Dairy Unit – Pāmu
2023 Finalists: Justin Pigou and Matt Hamilton of Landsdown Dairy Unit – Pāmu – Dairy Careful strategic planning that balances productivity, profitability and the environment means that Landsdown Dairy Unit is a well-run farm that will be sustainable into the future. Part of Pāmu, Landsdown is a spring calving operation that winters about 680 cows […]