About the awards.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards is an annual awards programme run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate the mahi of farmers and growers who are caring for the land, strengthening their businesses, and contributing to thriving communities. The programme showcases good practice, shares positive stories from across Aotearoa, and highlights the innovation happening throughout our food and fibre sector.
Want the full picture? Download the BFEA About the Awards Doc (PDF).
Entering the Awards is a practical and uplifting way to gain fresh insight into your business. Every entrant goes through a supportive assessment process where experienced judges take a holistic view of your farm or growing operation. They consider your environmental care, productivity, profitability, people, and wider community involvement, recognising the interconnected nature of successful, sustainable food and fibre businesses.
The assessment explores key elements of your system, including:
- Animal & Plant Care
- Biodiversity
- Business Health
- Climate
- People & Wellbeing
- Soil
- Water
- Waste Management
Each regional Awards evening is a celebration of progress and connection. Farmers, growers, agribusiness professionals, community leaders, and government representatives come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and recognise the impact of sustainable leadership across Aotearoa.
Many past entrants say the experience helped them see their business in new ways, build confidence, and make lasting connections. Their stories speak to the true value of being part of the Awards whānau.
Reasons to enter.
Gain expert insight
Have your business evaluated by a team of highly respected and experienced peers and agribusiness professionals.
See the bigger picture
Receive a holistic view of your business including environmental management, productivity and profitability through to family and community involvement.
Celebrate your success
Celebrate success with your peers and community.
Gain valuable feedback
Receive feedback and recommendations to support your sustainability journey.
Join a national network
Join the BFEA alumni and continue to connect and learn from others across the country.
Share your experience
Have the opportunity to mentor and develop other farmers and growers.
Awards process.
From entry to celebration, an outline of what you can expect from the Ballance Farm Environment Awards journey.
“This experience has been a highlight in our lives – new mates, connections all over New Zealand, constructive and positive talk with like-minded, passionate farmers and growers. BFEA has given us so much, it has without question enriched our lives and we thank everyone so much for this. So enter, be brave and keep supporting this wonderful industry initiative. It’s worth it!”
Simon & Trudy Hales
Horizons
“It was very much worthwhile. A wonderful experience and a journey that reminded us of how much we have achieved in our farming time.”
Duncan & Kerralie Falconer
Southland
“Farmers shouldn’t wait until they have finished improving their farm because there is always more to do and the feedback gained could help you prioritise this.”
George & Ellen Bartlett
Horizons
“I’d say all farmers should give this a go. It forces you to sit down and think about what you are trying to achieve. You also get access to key professionals with different skills to take a look at your farm for free.”
Sam & Laura Werder
Awatea Farm, Taranaki
“The judging process made us take a good look at our business and think hard about what we are spending our money on. That’s been valuable exercise because in times like this, we have to watch our expenses very carefully.”
Sara & Stuart Russell
Canterbury
