Sustainable irrigation awards spread positivity and recognise farmers leading the way

 The Zimmatic™ Trailblazer - Sustainable Irrigation Awards are on track with nominations and entries rolling in.

Awards coordinator Sarah Elliot says, “The competition is a timely way to spread positive news, help farming communities stay connected, and recognise those farmers who are going the extra mile with their sustainable water management.”

“The nomination and entry processes are easy to complete online. We hope that the Awards provide the industry and farmers with a platform from which to give a virtual pat-on-the-back to those who are putting in that extra effort to protect our precious natural resources.

“We have six fantastic prize packs of agricultural products and services up for grabs for all finalists, which will be announced on 29 May.

“On-farm judging of these finalists is planned to take place between 8 June and 6 July. However, if on-farm judging is not possible during this period it may be postponed, or alternatives considered.”

The supreme award winner will receive a trip for two to the USA and be invited to join the Zimmatic team on a tour showcasing American irrigation advancements. This tour was planned to depart in September. However, it will now be delayed until 2021 or later if required.

“If international travel is not advised at the time, we will postpone the trip or put an alternative plan in place,” says Elliot. “The health and safety of our team and our farmer customers is paramount.”

The Zimmatic Trailblazer – Sustainable Irrigation Awards is open to all farmers and farming operations within New Zealand and Australia with an irrigation system used on their property or properties irrigating over 25ha. 

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

The Awards have been made possible thanks to the support of our Awards partners IrrigationNZ, Farmers Weekly, Vantage NZ, Irricon, Precision Agriculture Pty Ltd, Ag Logic Pty Ltd and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA).

For more information about the Awards or to make a nomination, click here