The ‘train’ of change is coming

It is vital for the future of their enterprises that farmers and orchardists understand and take steps to control the nutrient cycles on their properties, says Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards judging co-ordinator Margaret Wright.

“Changes to how we are able to farm are underway and those in the primary sector need to know what to do and take control now, because the train is coming and they don’t want to be run over by it through lack of preparation.”

Government legislation on the management of fresh water quality now requires district councils to implement measures to meet new the standards, which is resulting in regulations to control nutrient leaching from farms and orchards.

“We need to understand what is happening on our land and how we can make a difference to that. It’s not as scary as it seems, and there is help and advice available. The process may not necessarily be costly but it requires some commitment,” says Margaret.

Improving outcomes

“However, we can make a difference by changing some of our management practices. There is no way we can totally mitigate the impact of farming and horticulture on the environment but we can improve what we do, and the outcomes, starting at the grassroots, so we can continue to have an economically viable primary industry, producing top quality food for the world.” The judges reviewing entrants in this year’s Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards have been impressed, as always, at the commitment of entrants to farm or grow in the most environmentally sustainable and ethical ways possible.

“What is very heartening to see this year in particular is most of those who have entered have done so because they want to have access to an outside critique on what they are doing and the opportunity to learn how to enhance their land management.

“It seems the message is really getting through that the awards are not about winning – though it is nice to reward those who are making a difference – it is about learning and striving for improvement.

Positive attitudes

“We have always said we don’t want entrants to wait until they have finished all the environmental projects they want to do, and their properties are pristine, because really there is always something more which can be achieved.”

This year’s entrants are a good mix of dairying, sheep and beef and kiwifruit but despite the different industries they come from, all have the same positive attitudes and desire to create operations that are sustainable both financially and environmentally.

“For the judging panels, it is a real privilege to visit these properties and we are humbled by how generous entrants are in opening up their businesses to us and the time they make available to show us their operations.

Role models

Margaret always come away from each property inspired “and impressed by what people are doing on the land, for their businesses, their environment, their staff and their wider communities”.

“Our finalists this year are role models for others in the industry and also provide the ‘good news stories’ which the wider public needs to hear about; what is really happening on the land.”

The entrants in this year’s awards are: Blackwood Orchard Whakatane, Brian and Jan Barton Katikati, Brumby Farms Waihi, B A Looney Trust Edgecumbe, Mataiwhetu Farms Kaimai, Jared and Sue Watson Opotiki and Sisam & Sons Whakatane.

The 2017 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards winners will be announced at the gala dinner on February 24, 2017, ASB Baypark, Mount Maunganui. Tickets are $75 (incl GST ) per person, with pre-dinner drinks at 5.30pm and the award ceremony commencing at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.nzfeatrust.org.nz


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