The Ravenwood family of Fernglen Farm won The Gallagher Innovation Farming Award. Photo: Charlotte Hedley www.lottiehedle
The best people, technology and innovations in the red meat sector have been recognised at The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.
About 300 people attended the awards gala in Hamilton on Thursday night.
The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award was won by Wairarapa-based Fernglen Farm, which is run by the Ravenwood family.
The family has incorporated a 1300-strong milking ewe herd into their sheep and beef operation, enabling all of the family to be part of the business.
The judges described the farm as a shining example of innovation. They said diversifying into sheep milking, processing and marketing addressed the issues of adding value, succession and financial security to their family farming business.
Pukeatua farmer Graeme Gleeson took out the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award for his advocacy and involvement in industry-good activities.
He had been particularly focused on helping farmers remain productive and profitable while understanding and mitigating their environmental impacts, the judges said.
Gleeson had worked hard to ensure regional and national government policies were fair, equitable, and based on science, they said.
Plant and Food Research senior scientist Ian McIvor was awarded The Alliance Significant Contribution Award for his extensive work around the use of poplar and willow trees for soil stabilisation and erosion control on hill country farms.
Recent weather events along the east coast of the North Island highlighted the importance of soil conservation work and many well-planted sheep and beef farms came through those events well because of the work initiated, led and championed by McIvor, the judges said.
The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award was won by AgResearh plant scientist Dr David Hume who was instrumental in the development and commercialisation of endophyte AR37.
The endophyte, a natural occurring fungus, gives ryegrass protection against pests.
It has been estimated that AR37 has contributed $3.6 billion to the New Zealand economy over a 20-year period.
The Rabobank People and Development Award was won by Growing Future Farmers, a programme that places young people on farms for two years of training.