Irrigation awards finalists named

Four New Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists in this year’s Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

This year’s finalists are:

Shane and Lynnette McManaway, Logan Nation and Nico Butler – Ongaha (Wairarapa)
Aidan Bichan, Vern Brasell, and Neville Fisher – Kaiwaiwai Dairies (Featherston)
Ben and Shannon Johnson – Bodiam Dairies (Canterbury)
Eugene Cronin – Kilmurry Farm (Canterbury)

Launched in 2020, the Awards commend outstanding achievements in sustainable irrigation, spotlighting farmers who demonstrate leadership in responsible irrigation techniques, innovative water management strategies, and environmental stewardship.

IrrigationNZ’s principal technical advisor, Stephen McNally, is the Awards’ newest judge, bringing his expertise in freshwater management to the panel. He has been impressed by the calibre of this year’s entrants and their commitment to a truly holistic approach to water management.

“This is my first year on the judging panel for the Trailblazer Awards, and I am thoroughly impressed by the calibre of the entrants from a wide range of land use types and diverse regional locations,” he says.

“It’s clear that all participants have embraced the importance of water resource management as a core aspect of whole-farm management, far beyond mere compliance. Their decisions are making a positive impact on soils, crops, animals, and their businesses as a whole. I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the other Awards judges and Lindsay ANZ throughout this programme.”

The Awards have been made possible thanks to the support and generosity of New Zealand industry partners Zimmatic, Irricon and Vantage NZ and IrrigationNZ.

Awards Coordinator, Sarah Elliot, says since their launch in 2020, the Awards have sparked important conversations about smart practices and cutting-edge technologies available to farmers to enhance irrigation efficiency and freshwater conservation.

“The goal of the Awards has always been to seek out farmers deeply committed to water management and provide them with a platform to share their experiences and insights with peers and broader audiences. This year is no exception! We have been blown away by the quality of the entries we have received.

“We are proud to champion the leadership of our 2024 finalists within the agricultural sector and wish them the best of luck.”

Angus and Elise Aitken from Clifton were the New Zealand winners of the 2021 New Zealand competition. The Awards are run bi-annually alternating between Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, the first international study tour visited the US. The next tour will depart in 2025.  

Each entrant is judged in the following categories: sustainable irrigation management; irrigation-driven improvements, which may include cost reductions, environmental outcomes, yield improvements, and/or improved efficiencies; waterway protection; and stewardship/community involvement.

On-farm judging will take place in October. The winners will be announced at the Awards celebration in Wellington on 6 November.

The categories include Supreme Award Winner, Sustainable Irrigation Management Award, Community Award, and the Judges Choice Award (awarded at the judges’ discretion). Each category winner will receive a valuable prize pack including travel vouchers to attend future Trailblazer international irrigation study tours. The Awards will be held in Australia in 2026.

IrrigationNZ will also be recognising stalwarts and innovators in the irrigation industry this year at the awards ceremony in Wellington.