Sheep and beef farm wins Canterbury Farm Environment award

Duncan and Tina Mackintosh have been recognised for their efforts to protect the environment and support their community. Photo / Supplied

North Canterbury farmers Duncan and Tina Mackintosh have been named this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment award winners.

The couple run White Rock Mains Ltd at White Rock, north Rangiora, running sheep and beef.

The Mackintoshes were recognised for their determination and hard work to help the environment, as well as their strong community spirit.

The couple recently established a 91ha QEII covenant on their farm, while Mrs Mackintosh has been active in supporting North Loburn School, through the award-winning garden-to-table programme.

Last year the couple hosted a shear-a-thon to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

The 24-hour event raised $45,000 to support four organisations operating in the mental health and wellbeing space.

The award judges were just as impressed with the Mackintosh's efforts on farm.

"Duncan and Tina Mackintosh impressed us with their strong focus on their animals, people and land," the judges said.

"They demonstrate a willingness to adapt and change as new information becomes available and maintain excellent monitoring of stock, land and business."

The couple said entering the awards had been a rewarding experience.

"It is a good opportunity to get a feel for where we are sitting.

"We're open to ideas and being challenged," they said.

"While the environmental side of things is important, the awards are not just looking at the environmental footprint of the farm.

"It's the whole system, so there's that much more to what you can learn from the judges."

As well as taking overall honours, the couple won four merit awards.

The 11 regional winners will now be finalists at the national awards night being held in Hamilton on Thursday, June 6, and the winner will take home the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.