INTEREST
Covid fails to stymie farm environment awards’ success. Covid-19 may have made the usual Ballance Farm Environment Awards ceremonies impossible this year for most regions, but it certainly did not diminish the quality and commitment of this year’s award entrants. WORDS BY RICHARD RENNIE, IMAGES SUPPLIED BY NZFET
Now in their 27th year, the awards have come to represent a high point in the farming careers of those who have entered and been recognised for their efforts, while support for the awards has also grown from within the agribusiness sector. This year marked the first for Ruralco stepping up as a strategic partner with the award organisers, the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. Two regions were fortunate enough to recognise their award nominees before Covid forced the national lockdown, with East Coast and Canterbury holding their ceremonies in the conventional way. This year’s Canterbury supreme winners also share close ties to Ruralco. Tony Coltman, Ruralco director and his wife Dana Carver claimed Canterbury’s supreme award for their outstanding efforts on their Canlac Holdings dairy operation at Dunsandel. They also claimed the Bayleys People Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award and the WaterForce Wise with Water Award. The couple’s ability to manage nitrogen in one of the country’s most sensitive catchments was a key reason for their recognition, and something they continue to work on despite already making significant headway in nitrate reduction. The regional plan required them to lower nitrate losses by 30%, and they have achieved a 48% reduction. The East Coast supreme award went to Central Hawke’s Bay beef and deer farmers Evan and Linda Potter who were recognised for their “do it once, do it right” approach to protecting their farm’s environment. This has included extensive fencing, water investment and bridging on a very environmentally challenging property. 26
RE AL FARM E R
The couple have included 125ha of QEII bush covenant within their property and an extensive native replanting programme beyond that area. After these two regions were announced, Covid-19 prevented further award evenings being held in the traditional manner.
ABOVE: Tony Coltman & Dana Carver claimed Canterbury’s supreme award for their efforts on their Canlac Holdings dairy operation at Dunsandel
Farm Environment Trust general manager James Ryan said the decision to postpone the remaining events was difficult but necessary.
