Farmers and growers are being encouraged to enter the 2018 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The awards, organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to promote land stewardship by showcasing sustainable farming.
Entries opened on August 1. The awards operate in 11 regions following regional council boundaries, each with their own judging timetable. Winners are announced at awards dinners in early 2018.
NZFE Trust National Judging Co-ordinator Andrea Hanna says all farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists are eligible to enter.
She says most people participate because they want high quality feedback from independent rural professionals which they can use to improve their business.