The award judges were impressed with the accomplishments of Rick Morrison and Sharleen Hutching in just their third season of ownership of their first farm, an 83ha (70ha effective) milking platform and nearby 26ha runoff, just south of Eketahuna.

Commented the judges: “Their achievement in the development of this dairy farm in just three years is quite outstanding.” They wrote: “Overall, the judges felt that this farm created a significant impact in terms of presentation, efficient use of resources, and in particular as a great example of environmentally sustainable New Zealand farming practices.”