At a time when managing the farm environment in a sustainable, ecologically sound and profitable manner is of paramount importance, it’s a great boost to our local profile that the Supreme Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Award has been won by Helensville farmers Dianne Kidd, who recently stepped down from many years as the Chair of the Helensville District Health Trust, and her husband Richard. Excellent management of their 376-hectare sheep, beef and forestry farm Whenuanui also won the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award and the Farm Stewardship Award.
Whenuanui, whose stock is managed by Jeffrey Bradley, was praised by the BFEA judges for its pragmatic, environmentally sound water, vegetation, soil and cropping management and for its impressive stock practices. Describing Whenuanui as “a show piece farm on the edge of the city” and the Kidds as “environmental champions” the judges applauded the fact that future generations will benefit from their work.
