14 Feb 2012

Judge welcomes spread of competition entries

8:56 am on 14 February 2012

One of the judges of this year's Maori Excellence in Farming Award Ahuwhenua Trophy says there's a good geographical spread of entries in the competition, which is this year for dairy farmers.

Entries for the award have just closed.

Judge Peter McGregor, of Hastings, says Northland is the only dairy region of the North Island not represented.

He says the farms, which are milking between 300 and 1200 cows, will be judged on a comprehensive range of criteria.

Mr McGregor says everything from governance of the property to productivity, profitability, sustainability, innovation and what the farm owners put back into the local community will be assessed.

He says the competition plays a unique role in encouraging Maori farmers to make the best sustainable use of their resources.

Judging begins early in March and the winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland in June.