“Powerhouse couple” become Waikato Regional Supreme Winners

Jon and Fiona Sherlock have been named the Waikato Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for their powerful combination of profitability, innovation and environmental stewardship. 

Judges described the pair as “a powerhouse couple who combine their broad base of skills and knowledge to develop and achieve their strategic goals,” noting their “winning combination of profitability and environmental outcomes.” 

Farming sheep and beef on 660ha of steep hill country, the Sherlocks have embraced technology and innovation to reshape what’s possible. Judges highlighted their strategic use of virtual fencing systems, saying they have “identified the opportunities which virtual fencing systems provide them to achieve win-win solutions for land and water management.” 

Their broader vision for the farm stood out strongly to the judging panel. 

“Their vision for their farm as a productive mosaic could lead to transformational change across the industry.” 

For the Sherlock family, Otorohaea is more than a business – it’s a family legacy. 

“We believe we’ve found the sweet spot where good environmental management and good business work together. Finding that balance – the sweet spot between production and protection – is what we’re most proud of.” 

Judges also acknowledged their strong commitment to the industry and local community, evident in the way they operate their business and contribute beyond the farm gate. 

Other Awards for Jon and Fiona Sherlock – Otorohaea Ltd 

• Hill Labs Agri-Science Award 

• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award 

• Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award 

• Waikato Regional Council Water Protection Award 

• NZFET Innovation Award  

Other award winners 

Noel and Lorraine Fox – NR & LA Fox 

• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award 

• DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
   

Willy and Keely Muir – Muir Farming Partnership 

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award 

• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award 

• Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award 

• Waikato River Authority Catchment Improvement Award
   

Luke Campion – Hopehill Farm 

• FMG Risk Management Award 

Catchment Group Showcased 

The awards also showcased the Wharekawa Catchment Care Group, which is celebrating 20 years of community-led environmental restoration. Established in 2005, the group has grown into a catchment-wide movement uniting farmers, residents and holiday-home owners to improve water quality and restore the mauri of the Wharekawa Harbour and its waterways. From wetland restoration and native fish habitat recovery to a 10km predator trapping network and cutting-edgeeDNA monitoring, the group demonstrates how collective local action can deliver lasting environmental gains for both biodiversity and livelihoods. 

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are delivered by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing. 

As Regional Supreme Winners, Jon and Fiona Sherlock will now join fellow regional winners from across the country in contention for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July 2026. The recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.