A Riverton farming family has been named Southland Regional Supreme Winner at the prestigious Ballance Farm Environment Awards, announced tonight.

Striking a balance between productivity and environmental stewardship has earned Riverton’s Geordie and Frances Eade the top spot at the awards, run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. The programme champions sustainable farming and growing through a programme that sees one Regional Supreme Winner selected from each of the 11 regions involved. As a Regional Supreme Winner, the Eades are now in the running for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, with the winner of this national award to be announced at a later date.

In a statement announcing their choice, the judges say the Eades demonstrate big picture thinking that balances business risk with sustainability as the guiding the development of their Riverton sheep and beef, breeding and finishing farm. The result is sustainable productivity, achieved with a highly organised operation that puts family life first.  

The natural beauty of Granity Downs is being carefully nurtured, including the protection of large blocks of native vegetation, the judges say. The Eades demonstrated environmental leadership in the community by learning and showcasing good practices via their local catchment group.

“There’s excellent use of monitoring and management to achieve high-yielding crops and pasture. The stock performance is outstanding, resulting in top financial performance.”

The strong focus on stock and plant health at this high-output farm were supported by a Farm Focus Plan and Farm Environment Plan. Between eight and 10 soil tests are carried out every year, guiding careful fertiliser management. 

As well as receiving this year’s Supreme Regional Award, they also received the:

• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
• Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award
• Environment Southland Water Quality and Biodiversity Award

View the video about the Eades' operation below:

The full list of Southland winners:

National Sponsor Awards  

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award: Chris & Desiree Giles, Waimumu Downs

Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award: Robert & Cate Willis, Bobcat Dairy

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award: Geordie & Frances Eade, Granity Downs

DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award: Chris & Desiree Giles, Waimumu Downs

Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award: Geordie & Frances Eade, Granity Downs

Massey University Innovation Award: Andrew & Vanessa Wilkinson, Calsi Farms

Norwood Agri-Business Management Award: Chris & Desiree Giles, Waimumu Downs

Synlait Climate Stewardship Award: Andrew & Vanessa Wilkinson, Calsi Farms

WaterForce Wise with Water Award: Robert & Cate Willis, Bobcat Dairy

Regional Awards  

ES Water quality and Biodiversity: Geordie & Frances Eade, Granity Downs

The Plant Store, planting and design: Robert & Cate Willis, Bobcat Dairy

Regional Supreme Winner

2020 Regional Supreme Winner: Geordie & Frances Eade, Granity Downs

Meet the other Southland finalists...

Robert & Cate Willis, Bobcat Dairy

DAIRY

Fourth-generation Southland farmer Robert Willis was brought up on his family’s sheep farm, however it was cows that really caught his interest and led to the conversion of this dairy property. 

The high-performing dairy unit was converted from sheep almost 20 years ago. As the farm has been developed, cow numbers have grown, production has lifted, and ambitious goals around efficiency and profitability have been reached. 

Enhancing the environment was a priority during the conversion, including significant native plantings. There’s a focus on reducing the farm’s long-term environmental footprint plus innovative farm practices are used to improve animal health.

Having a manager enables the Willis’s to live off-site and follow other ambitions, with Robert currently working as an ambulance officer.

Chris & Desiree Giles, Waimumu Downs

DAIRY

A strong vision has guided the conversion of this property since Chris and Desiree set up the Waimumu Downs equity partnership in 2014. 

Since the original farm purchase, the property has almost doubled in size and there has been significant investment in infrastructure. Along with carefully managing animal health and fertiliser use, the couple has implemented systems for both waste and water recycling.

A commitment to biodiversity includes the creation of four wetlands and a shift from monoculture forage and pasture crops.

The Giles are equally interested in the community involvement that comes with farming and are highly active in the local community. This includes working with the local rūnanga to develop a native seed bank.

Andrew & Vanessa Wilkinson, Calsi Farms

DAIRY

Over the past 10 years, Andrew and Vanessa have gone from strength-to-strength on this Southland dairy farm, successfully balancing environmental achievements with profitability.

Farm operations are run using an inclusive approach that embraces new ideas and technology. There’s a strong focus on consistently trying to improve soils, pastures and animal health.

The environment is being enhanced through such things as the implementation of a wetland planting plan, putting in bird- and bee-friendly shelterbelts, and controlling gorse and broom without using herbicides. A heat-recovery system has been installed and investment has been made in genetics, recycling and fuel efficiency.

As shareholders and contract milkers, the Wilkinsons are actively involved in any decisions and enjoy bringing creative ideas to the table.