Environmental Leadership in Farming

This award recognises whole-farm approaches to environmental issues and innovations in farm practices, water management and land management in Southland. Judges are looking for clear leadership/innovation and action that has wins for the environment. All farmers/farms are eligible for this award.

Sponsored by Wynn Williams

Winner: Blair & Jody Drysdale

Blair and Jody Drysdale run a largely arable operation in Northern Southland, growing cereal grains alongside breeding sheep and grazing cattle.

The couple have a particular focus on managing nutrients while farming on soil that is prone to nutrient losses.

The Drysdales use methods such as plant testing and paddock selection to manage nutrient application and potential losses to get the best results both environmentally and productively.

Diversifying their operation is another key aspect of the Drysdales’ operation.
Known for the Hopefield Hemp line of products made from hemp grown on the property, the Drysdales also grow camelina and buckwheat and rotate their paddocks by leasing land to tulip growers.

The couple are addressing sediment runoff with a series of sediment traps working effectively with further expansion planned.

Finalist: Joel & Linnet Burns

Joel and Linnet Burns are pushing their environmental focus beyond what could be considered the regular farm boundaries.

The sharemilking couple strive to follow best practices and are conscious of the environmental impacts in managing their dairy operation.

In recent years, the couple have also developed a strong focus on their systems for recycling, and appropriate waste management.

The Burns’ reduce and recycle baleage wrap, silage cover plastic, containers, glass, cans and more.

Their commitment to recycling extends to hosting field days demonstrating how they operate a system of keeping their baleage wrap clean and ready to be recycled, as well as sharing other of their waste management methods.

Joel is also on the Waihōpai Catchment group committee, helping to shape the direction of the group including encouraging greater responsibility for on-farm waste.

Finalist: Chris & Hollie Paterson

The Patersons run Coasthaven Farm near Riverton, a 385ha property where they breed and finish lambs, while running both beef and dairy cattle.

Chris has a strong farming background having graduated from Lincoln University before working as a fertiliser rep and environmental consultant, and he’s still a nutrient management advisor.

Hollie’s background is in horticulture which is also an asset to the farm.