New Zealand Farm Environment Awards 2011 Supreme Winners
Grant and Bernie Weller, Southland - GrowFARM Clients
If anyone needs proof of the power of focus and positive challenge, look no further than Grant and Bernie Weller, GrowFARM clients from Riversdale, Southland. In April 2011 you
read about the Wellers winning the Southland Farm Environment Awards. In June 2011 they went one better, becoming the supreme winners of the New Zealand Farm Environment Awards.
The New Zealand Awards judging and presentation dinner held in Napier capped off a hectic 6 months of focus and absolute commitment for Grant and Bernie. “But it really is the culmination of many years of effort, vision and decision making for us as a family,” says Grant. “We have a real passion for building a sustainable and environmentally conscious farm business that is inspirational to New Zealand farmers. Winning this award is a great opportunity to really live that vision and make a positive difference to our great industry, beyond just our farm gate. Although we are taking a breather just now after our win, we really look forward to, and are humbled by, the responsibility of being ambassadors for New Zealand Farming.”
Selecting outstanding ambassadors to represent the spectrum of New Zealand farmers on the national and international stage was the major aim of the New Zealand Farm Environment Awards Trust. The Trust has a passion for spreading the mindset of farming sustainably and profitably for the good of all New Zealanders. Finding the right leadership from the grass roots is crucial for the delivery of this vision. Gordon Stephenson, a retired farmer from the Waikato region instigated the Environment Awards many years ago. “I originally wanted to help farmers make positive steps towards preserving the land and lifestyles we all enjoy so future generations could see and experience New Zealand for what it really is. I am so pleased that today we have passionate people who are willing to carry that mantle for us all,” says Gordon.
Grant and Bernie enjoy sponsors product and services for their win but more importantly they become a voice for sustainable and profitable farming. Their duties over the next 12 months include an overseas trade trip attending and presenting at major agricultural events, as well as a presentation to the primary producers committee in the New Zealand Parliament.
“We are really humbled by this opportunity but also want to highlight and provide an example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it,” relates Bernie. “Knowing the effort and energy that we had to give for this achievement, knowing where we came from and knowing the challenges we have had to overcome just shows that anyone can achieve what they really want, if they really want it. It means a lot to us both to inspire others to reach for their dreams and do what it takes.”
Grant and Bernie want to set a very high standard in their duties and responsibilities as ambassadors. “We are passionate about New Zealand farming regaining its strength and ensuring it continues to do so, well into the future. As New Zealand farmers we must operate responsibly and be accountable to ourselves, our families, our fellow kiwis and our worldwide customers,” adds Grant. “There are great systems out there that farmers can use to get themselves and their businesses to a position of strength. They just need to step up and get on with it. We will do what we can to help them understand this.”
"Our future is too important to give up these sorts of opportunities," finishes Bernie. "Going forward from here there is plenty more to achieve yet. We really appreciate this opportunity and we will give our all to provide leadership as best we can."