Media Release, News
“Myth Buster” campaign clears up Award misconceptions
With entries now open for a new season of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) has launched a campaign to bust some of the biggest myths they think might be preventing farmers and growers from putting themselves forward…
29 Jul 2026
As entries open for the latest Ballance Farm Environment Awards, the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) is tackling some of the biggest misconceptions that may be stopping deserving farmers and growers from entering.
NZFET General Manager Sarah Harris said the campaign was inspired by conversations with previous entrants, which revealed a number of common myths about the Awards.
“We know there are exceptional farmers and growers across New Zealand who would make fantastic entrants, but misconceptions about the Awards often stop them from putting their names forward,” Sarah said.
“Attracting a strong field of entrants is essential. The integrity and reputation of the Awards relies on recognising high-performing businesses that are willing to share their journey and inspire others.”
One of the most common myths is that entrants must be Ballance Agri-Nutrients customers.
“Our long-standing partnership with Ballance Agri-Nutrients as our naming sponsor has understandably led some people to believe Ballance owns or runs the Awards programme,” she says.
“While Ballance is our principal sponsor, the Awards are owned and delivered by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, an independent charitable trust supported by a wide range of industry partners. You certainly don’t need to be a Ballance customer to enter,” Sarah says.
Another common excuse Sarah said her regional committees hear is: ‘I’m not ready’
“The reality is that very few people ever feel ready. The Awards aren’t about perfection – they’re about the journey and peoples’ willingness to keep improving.”
The Trust is also keen to dispel the belief that entrants only get one opportunity to participate.
“We regularly see previous entrants come back years later. A new generation may have joined the business, succession may have taken place, or they’ve completed a development project they’re proud of.
These Awards celebrate continuous improvement, so there is absolutely value in entering more than once,” she said.
Sarah believes there is huge value for New Zealand’s food and fibre industry when farmers and growers are given a platform to tell their stories.
“Not everyone feels comfortable putting themselves out there, and we completely understand that. But these Awards are about creating positive stories about New Zealand’s primary sector.
“Every day, farmers and growers are making thoughtful decisions, innovating, caring for their people, their environment and their communities. Those stories deserve to be told,” she says.
It’s a view shared by 2021 National Ambassador Evan Potter, who believes the sector has a responsibility to shape its own narrative. “At the end of the day, if we don’t, as primary producers, tell our story the way we want it told, someone else will fill that vacuum with their version. I believe we have an obligation, when we play in this space, to help ourselves. That’s why we got involved with the Awards.”
Sarah says many past entrants admit they were hesitant before entering, but almost universally describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences on their farming journey.
“The judging process gives people the chance to step back and reflect on what they’ve achieved. It creates great conversations, valuable feedback and often lifelong connections with others in the sector.
“Our Myth Buster campaign is simply about helping people see past the misconceptions. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m not ready,’ or ‘These Awards aren’t for me,’ we’d encourage you to have another look. You might just be surprised,” she said.
The campaign has started rolling out across their social media platforms, Facebook and LinkedIn.
