A family sheep and beef station in the Ashurst area has claimed the top title in the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
William Akers and his partner Laura Oughton, along with his parents, Hugh and Judy Akers received the award last night.
The Akers family from left Laura Oughton, William Akers, Judy Akers and Hugh Akers. Photo: Supplied
Broadlands Station on Ashurst hill-country has been owned and operated by the Akers family since 1880. The farm runs about 6000 ewes and has a 70 to 20 sheep to cattle ratio.
The judges said the farm was an excellent example of multi-generational farming with environmental stability and financial success.
They said the lambs were finished to strict carcass specifications on high performing pastures, and the station has won numerous awards for its consistency and quality of meat.
They noted the families dedication to historical and environmental preservation, including protection for the Pohangina River, protecting native bush and a large wetland area, home to a rare native mudfish.
