"We are lucky enough to live in a region where we have a lot of progressive farmers but convincing them to enter has been a challenge."
In 2017 South Taranaki farmers Nicola and Peter Carver won the national Gordon Stephenson award, becoming national ambassadors for the industry.
Bede, a dairy farmer near Manaia, says the awards are a perfect opportunity to receive constructive feedback from experienced farmers and agribusiness professionals.
"The feedback we get from entrants is that the process is so easy, it's not daunting and they learn a lot about their business," she says.
Entries are open for the Taranaki awards and there are some good entries this year, says Jessie.
Judges will be looking for evidence of sustainable profitability, environmental awareness, good business practices and social and community responsibility.
* For more information on the awards, visit www.bfea.org.nz or phone Jessie on 027 423 8417.