Taranaki Ballance Environment Awards Provide Worthwhile Challenge
Entering the Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards was a great challenge for Opunake dairy farmers Kenneth and
Rachel Short.
The equity partners and sharemilkers milk 443 cows on 180ha and are in the process of converting to a fully organic
operation.
They first entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards in 2014 and were happy to win a category award. They entered the
Awards again this year and won three categories, including the CB Norwood Ltd Agri-Business Management Award, which
recognises the approach that farmers take to accomplish the important management practices of operating a successful
farm business.
BFEA judges praised Kenneth and Rachel’s excellent use of agri-business professionals and their in-depth knowledge of
business management and strategy.
Rachel says good business management is very important to them.
“We are always trying to fine-tune our system. And with the payout at the current level, it’s even more crucial to
constantly review what is happening inside the farm gate.”
She says being involved in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards was an important part of the planning process “because
it made us sit down together and take a good hard look at what we had done and what we are trying to achieve”.
The judging panel offered a broad range of experience and expertise, and the judging process was conducted in a relaxed
and friendly manner.
“I used to get very nervous about these things, but the judges are just normal everyday people who are there to help
you.
“It was definitely worthwhile having those judges come onto the farm and provide us with an outside perspective of our
business. Some of their ideas were very useful and we enjoyed their feedback.”
Rachel says they are now in the process of making changes to their farm system to meet requirements of organic
certification.
“We’ve had to look pretty hard at our fertiliser policy and how we manage weeds.”
She says she and Kenneth would certainly like to re-enter the Ballance Farm Environment Awards again in future.
“I’d recommend it to anyone. The Awards are a really good way to challenge yourself and learn more about how to improve
your operation.”
Entries for the 2017 Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards close on September 30, 2016. It costs nothing to enter
and entry forms are available online at www.nzfeatrust.org.nz
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