The winners in this year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards were announced at a gala dinner at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton last night.
Around 300 people attended the celebrations which recognised the people, the technologies and innovations that contribute to New Zealand’s world-leading red meat sector.
B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland congratulated all the winners and finalists. “Tonight’s winners represent the very best of our sector. I’m so proud of our farmers and organisations and individuals that support and innovate in our sector. It’s really important that we celebrate them all, especially in a tough year. The calibre of B+LNZ Award finalists and winners shows that there’s a lot to be optimistic about.”
Throughout the evening, the finalists of the eight award categories were introduced and winners announced. The Awards ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Regional Leadership Award.
The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award
The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award was the first to be presented and was won by AgResearch Plant Scientist, Dr David Hume.
Dr Hume was instrumental in the development and commercialisation of the novel endophyte AR37. It has been estimated that AR37 has contributed $3.6 billion to the New Zealand economy over a 20-year period.
The judges described Dr David Hume’s work in the development and commercialisation of this endophyte as being world-leading and of immense benefit to New Zealand’s pastoral farming industry.
They commented that his robust and complex science, years of commitment, leadership and focus on commercialisation to benefit the farmer and grow export value had contributed massively to this country’s primary sector.
David’s continued research in this field, including the breakthrough science with cereal endophytes, highlights his ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
The Datamars Livestock Technology Award was won by FarmIQ Freshwater Farm Plan Tool
The judges described FarmIQ’s Freshwater Farm Planning Tool as being a great asset to the toolbox.
They said it takes a step-by-step approach to identifying the most productive and vulnerable parts of the farm landscape. This enabled targeted management and provided clear evidence of land stewardship to underpin farmer stories.
They described FarmIQ’s Freshwater Farm Plan tool as being a great tool to help farmers with compliance requirements and improve efficiencies within their businesses.
They added that FarmIQ’s Freshwater Farm Planning tool was a simple solution for all farmers which held all data and compliance requirements in one place.
The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award was won by Wairarapa-based Fernglen Farm
The Ravenwood family, who own Fernglen Farm, has incorporated a 1,300-strong milking ewe herd into their sheep and beef operation and in doing so, have enabled all members of the family to be part of the business.
The judges said the Ravenwood family have combined courage with science and talent to develop a new business and diversify within Fernglen Farm.
They said diversifying into sheep milking, processing and marketing addressed the issues of adding value, succession and financial security to their family farming business.
The judges described Fernglen Farm as being a shining example of innovative farming in New Zealand.
They said the Ravenwood family leveraged each family member’s strengths and incorporated expert advice. They complimented the Ravenwood family for keeping animal welfare at the forefront of their management systems.
The Silver Fern Farms Market Leader Award was won by Headwaters
The judges described Headwaters as being a fine example of farmers working together to add value by improving their product. This has been done through the incorporation of genetics, feeding, finishing and processor input.
They said Headwaters had led from the front in obtaining premiums in the marketplace. They had created a plan and proved they could execute it at scale, this was providing real financial benefit to farmers.
They added that Headwaters had worked directly with chefs to understand the specifications which added value and was striving to meet them through a combination of genetics and pasture systems.
AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award was won by Te Kuiti farmer Mitchel Hoare
The judges said Mitchel Hoare was actively working towards farm ownership with many irons in the fire to make it happen.
They described Mitchel as being very motivated and innovative. He demonstrated experience and achievements within the sheep and beef sector as well as strong community involvement.
They added that Mitchel had successfully progressed through the industry and was having a positive impact through influence and leadership.
The Rabobank People and Development Award was won by Growing Future Farmers
The judges said Growing Future Farmers was a well-structured programme that had grown significantly and was turning out great cadets. It offered both on and off-farm development opportunities for cadets.
They commented that Growing Future Farmers was making an important contribution to the industry at trainee and new entrant level.
They added that Growing Future Farmers demonstrated inclusiveness and incorporated a comprehensive mental and physical well-being programme as well as good on-farm support.
The FMG Rural Champion Award was won by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust
Judges said that through its long-running flagship event, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust provided a platform from which farmers could tell their story to a wide audience.
They said it was a pan-industry organisation that had massive reach and media coverage.
They commented that the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust brought regulators and farmers together to celebrate the work farmers were doing to protect their natural resources while running productive and profitable businesses.
The Alliance Significant Contribution Award was won by Ian McIvor
The judges said that Ian McIvor’s science and research had contributed to farm production and resilience, particularly in the sheep and beef sector. This has been through his extensive work around the use of poplar and willow trees for soil stabilisation and erosion control on New Zealand hill country.
They said as one of the founders of soil conservation work in New Zealand, Ian’s work had touched sheep and beef farming operations throughout the country, yet many farmers were unaware of the man behind the science.
Recent weather events along the east coast of the North Island have highlighted the importance of soil conservation work and many well-planted sheep and beef farms came through these events well because of the work initiated, led and championed by Ian.
The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award
The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award, which recognised an outstanding individual, organisation or business in the sheep, beef and dairy beef sector, went to Pukeatua farmer Graeme Gleeson. The winner of this award was identified by the Farmer Council in the Award’s host region.
Graeme Gleeson was recognised for his exceptional commitment to the region’s farming industry through his farmer advocacy and involvement in industry-good activities. He has been particularly focused on helping farmers remain productive and profitable while understanding and mitigating their environmental impacts.
As a farmer advocate and leading campaigner for the group Farmers for Positive Change, Graeme has worked to ensure regional and national government policies are fair, equitable, and based on science. He has earned the respect of farmers and politicians through his involvement in the development of Waikato-Waipa Plan Change I and in National Essential Freshwater discussions.
ENDS
For more information, please contact B+LNZ Senior Communications Consultant, Sandra Taylor on 021 151 8685.
Photos available on request.
