Working hand-in-hand with the environment | Beef + Lamb New Zealand
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Environment

Working hand-in-hand with the environment

Auckland farmers Richard and Dianne Kidd are the national winners of the 2016 Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA).
Thursday, 23 June 2016

The Kidds own Whenuanui Farm – a 376ha sheep, beef and forestry unit on the edge of Auckland city.

It's a breeding and finishing operation and they run 4,820 stock units on 331ha (effective). They have a pine woodlot established on 18.5ha, and 15.3ha of regenerating native bush.

Environmental strengths

Earlier in the year the Kidds won the BFEA Supreme Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award and Farm Stewardship Award for their region.

Judges commented that the Kidds "achieved impressive stock and financial performance while working hand-in-hand with the environment".

Particular areas of strength included "outstanding" soil, cropping and winter stock management to minimise environmental impacts; waterways being fenced, with raupo providing sediment traps; and having shade and shelter in every paddock.

Awards evening

The Kidds were chosen for the national title from the 11 regional 'supreme winners' at a dinner event in Auckland on 22 June.