When it comes to Catchment Management, Pūniu River Care, known as PRC, are big initiators in the Waikato. Established in 2015 to enable local hapū to be involved in the restoration of the Pūniu River Catchment, PRC work with their rural community, iwi, regional and central government to implement restoration work at scale. A main […]
Region: Waikato
Puniu River Care Catchment Group Award Winners 2021
A move across the globe proves fruitful
Back in the Netherlands Tineke was a florist while Frans grew up on a dairy farm – before a career as a chemist in agricultural analytical testing beckoned. At that time, their son Talbert was studying dairy farming which saw him heading to New Zealand for work experience. A Christmas visit to see him soon […]
Beautification at heart of epic dairy conversion
The 660ha Renown unit has an undeniable ‘wow’ factor, thanks to a long-term commitment to beautification and biodiversity that is equal to the focus on performance and profitability. Under the guidance of Damien and Joan Barendsen, it took out an impressive suite of awards at the 2020 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards, run by the […]
Farming more than just a livelihood
Adrian was just 16 when his father passed away and he had to step up and run what was then a 122 ha beef finishing farm. Today, a fair bit has changed. Some 270 Holstein Friesian cows make up the bulk of the herd on their now 196 ha dairy and dairy beef farm, which, […]
Board member Andrea Hanna stepping down
The Trust’s election is for three Board representatives, with the results being announced on 12 October. The candidates are Mark Brough, Jon Lee, Phill Muir, Mike Scarsbrook and Kate Taylor. As a Trustee, Andrea has made a significant contribution and we’re delighted she will continue to support the Trust through her involvement with the BFEA national judging programme and […]
2020 Waikato Entrants
Here are our wonderful 2020 entrants for the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards. We congratulate them all for becoming involved in the awards programme – it’s a privilege to have learned more about their food and fibre production businesses. Tony, Fran and Lucas Allcock, AJ and FC Allcock — Te Awamutu Dairy This property has been in the family […]
Tim and Rach Phillips – Waipa Meadow
2020 finalists: Tim & Rach Phillips of Waipa Meadow – Dairy Creative thinking and hard work on this farm have enabled the owner-operators to make big improvements without a big price-tag. Their measured approach to solving problems and dealing with challenges has led to some impressive achievements on this Otorohanga dairy farm. Tim and Rach entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards because they were […]
Bryan Frederick & Stu Morgan – Waikeria Prison Farm
Owned by the Department of Corrections, the Te Awamutu property is striving to become a self-sustaining dairy farm that operates a class-leading milking system. The judges were impressed with how Waikeria prioritises people, strategically moving to once-a-day milking which works well for prisoners and staff – as well as the cows. They have increased training outcomes for the men in their care, while improving work-life balance for staff. Each of Waikeria’s three dairy units have their own Farm […]
Chris Irons & Debra Hastie – Te Waitere View
2020 finalists: Chris Irons & Debra Hastie of Te Waitere View – Sheep and beef breeding and finishing. This couple is focused on developing a farming system that is sympathetic to their environment, while still driving profitability and debt reduction to provide future growth opportunities. The property is two farms that were merged in 2016, […]
Damien Watson & Joan Barendsen – Renown
2020 finalists: Damien Watson & Joan Barendsen of Renown – Dairy. This property has the ‘wow’ factor, thanks to a commitment to beautification and biodiversity that is equal to the focus on performance and profitability. Significant investment in innovation and sustainability is paying off at this property that is owned by Wairakei Estate and leased by Landcorp Farming Pāmu. Farm Manager Damien […]
2020 Waikato Regional Supreme Winners
Mark & Felicity Brough of Paerua – Sheep and Beef. Native birds have returned, and water quality has improved, since the Broughs took over Paerua about 20 years ago – reflecting their respect of land, animals, soil and water. Land use is carefully matched to land capability and the couple is embracing upcoming regulatory changes. Mark and Felicity entered the Ballance […]
2019 National Ambassadors
Aspiring to model low input, low footprint, high animal welfare values, the Balls have achieved best practice agronomy to optimise crop and animal yields without compromising environmental health. Pauline runs the dairy beef unit which is part of their closed, low-input system where forage crops are home-grown and stocking rates are adjusted accordingly. An innovative […]
2019 Waikato Regional Supreme Winners
Dennley Farms Ltd, owned and operated by Adrian and Pauline Ball, was announced the Regional Supreme Winner at this evening’s 2019 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards champion sustainable farming and growing through an awards programme which sees one Regional Supreme Winner selected […]
Adrian & Pauline Ball – Dennley Farms Ltd
The business’ tagline is ‘creating value inside the farm gate’ and there is sustainable value on this farm – in environmental, social and economic respects – as far as the eye can see. Active in the creation of meaningful industry change, and driven to improve consumer perception of the sector, their effective leadership culminates in […]
Malcolm & Sally Lee and Kevin Burke – Burklee Limited
A special partnership between husband and wife, Malcolm and Sally Lee, and Kevin Burke has given rise to a special business. Burklee – a portmanteau hybridising the last names of its two shareholders – is a 496ha sheep and beef business which spans two farms. The team has strong principles and clear goals for its […]
Richard & Robyn Glenn – Glenview Orchard
When speaking with Richard Glenn, one half of the dynamic duo that makes up Glenview Orchard, it takes mere moments to realise this is an orchardist who not only lives and breathes what he does, but is also an incredible asset to the industry. Richard and wife Robyn have dedicated their lives to orcharding. Their […]
Graeme & Karen Saunders and Nathan & Vanessa McCluskie (as partners) – KaIwhio Farms
A business’ success is perhaps best measured by how much its owners are fulfilling their own potential. And if personal growth and fulfilment are indicators of this potential being realised, then each of the partners involved with Kawhio Farms can be proud to say they are part of a successful enterprise. The 680ha farm owned […]
Owners Phil & Maree White, contract milkers Mike White and Daphne Missirlis – Philmara Ltd
There is a powerful lifeblood flowing through the White family farm, Philmara Ltd. Attributable to the lifetime commitment from owners Philip and Maree who purchased the property in 1983, and the investment of their three boys, John, Mike and Thomas and their wives and partners, the inimitable dynamic has a positive impact on all elements […]
2018 Waikato Regional Supreme Winners
Matamata dairy farmers Rod and Sandra McKinnon, Oakstone Hinuera Ltd, have won the Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Their win was announced on Thursday night (April 5) at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre at Lake Karapiro. The McKinnons will host a field day at the Taotaoroa Road property on Thursday May 10 from 10am. Rod […]
2017 Waikato Regional Supreme Winners
Charlie and Helen Lea of Cambridge have won six of the 10 category awards on their way to being named the supreme winner of the Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Their farm, Ratanui is a 225ha (190ha effective) property with a stunning outlook in the hills just east of Cambridge. The livestock operation is closed […]