Ballance Farm Environment Awards
In 2002, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards were established to take the Waikato initiative nationwide. The awards are held in eight regions across New Zealand.
We introduced the awards to our region in 2005-06 through partnership with the Farm Environment Awards Trust.
The key objectives of the awards are to encourage sustainable land management and to display to farmers that profitability need not compromise and, in the best examples, can restore and enhance environmental values.
Through feedback and profiling winners, the awards encourage other farmers to be more proactive on their resource management by providing them with role models and practical ideas for sustainable land management.
2026 Winner
Alan Dobbie has been named the Northland Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
In addition to the Northland Regional Supreme Award, Alan also received:
- Ballance Agri‑Nutrients Soil Management Award
- Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
- Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
- Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award
Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene (left) with Alan Dobbie and NRC Councillor Jack Craw (right).
The awards recognise and celebrate good farm practices and are an opportunity to have fresh eyes look over your property and provide expert advice.
Watch our video below, where Greg and Kerry talk about entering the awards.
Winners of the 2025 Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award were Rob and Mandy Pye of Mangere Falls Farm in Kokopu, Whangārei.
Rob and Mandy were also named Regional Supreme Winners at the Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards in April 2025, recognising an exceptional balance between profitability, environmental stewardship and farm efficiency.
By entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, farmers and growers are given the opportunity to have their businesses evaluated by a team of highly respected and experienced peers and agribusiness professionals. Constructive advice and feedback is given in an informal setting, with visits followed by a report offering commendations and recommendations.
For more information, please contact:
Ellie Ball, Northland Regional Coordinator | Ballance Farm Environment Awards
P: 09 438 3109 | M: 021 117 5324
E: northland@bfea.org.nz | W: nzfeatrust.org.nz