Farming Award
Sponsored by AWS Legal
Winner - South Coast Dairy Ltd (Chris & Lynsey Stratford)
Well-planned dairy conversion
When word got out that a dairy farm was being developed at Curio Bay, there was an immediate reaction to the idea of introducing dairy cows to what was seen as a pristine and precious environment. Farmers Chris and Lynsey Stratford answered this anxiety through their actions – taking the best available advice, committing to much higher standards of effluent storage and buffer zones than were required, and fencing off all waterways. They have have retired substantial areas of regenerating sand dunes, wetlands and podocarp forest from the productive area of the dairy farm. Testing shows that water quality has improved since milking began last year, while they have an extensive planting programme and pest management regime. The judges were impressed by the amount of planning that went into the conversion, and see it as a model that other farmers should consider.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.