PHOTO: SUPPLIEDTapanui dairy farmers Luke and Nicole Kane were last night named the Otago regional supreme winners in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The couple were recognised for their farming system that balanced performance with environmental stewardship and respect for family legacy, a statement said. For nearly a century the Kane family have farmed their 668ha (580ha effective) property. Smart technology was used across the dairy herd to monitor animal health and performance, improving efficiency while reducing waste. Other award winners: —Ben and Rebecca Trotter (Black Peak Farming, Alpine Fresh and Red Bridge Berries, Luggate): Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award; Hill Labs Agri-Science Award; Beef+Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award; FMG Risk Management Award; NZFET Innovation Award.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC