2025 Ballance Farm Awards Southland Regional supreme winner and deer farmer Cam Nelson says it’s time more farmers shared their good stories – and the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are the perfect stage.

Entries are now open, and Nelson, who farms with partner Christina Vaughan, is urging farmers to throw their hat in the ring - even if putting yourself forward doesn’t come naturally.

“We need more people showing what good they are doing in the farming space.

“Bad news travels three times faster than good news, and we need to get more of these good stories out into the wider public.”

Facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET), the  Ballance Farm Environment Awards BFEA) celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing, recognising the many ways landowners are working to strengthen the future of food and fibre in Aotearoa.

For Nelson, entering was about honouring the legacy created by his parents Wally and Jan, who purchased the 164-hectare property in 2003 and gradually transitioned from a mixed sheep–deer operation to solely deer.

“It was a chance to celebrate what my parents’ achievements, and a sort of changing of the guard.

“We thought we would enter and see what it’s all about.”

Today, the Nelsons run 250 mixed-age stags, 400 breeding hinds, 180 R2 velvet stags and 180 R2 hinds sold in-calf - a high-performing operation that benefits from continuous improvement.

That drive for excellence is at the heart of the BFEA programme, which is supported by a wide network of agribusinesses, sector organisations and regional councils.

Many of these partners provide technical insights and feedback to entrants as part of the judging process.

For Nelson, that feedback was invaluable  - and it came with silverware.

Judges were impressed, awarding Nelson Farms the Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award.

“It was also a way to see if we were on a par with where we were heading, and get some advice, and see what they have to say.”

The business also took home the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, with judges noting superior stockmanship and a well-optimised system that allowed the team to successfully manage their high stocking rate.

On top of that, Nelson Farms claimed the NZFET Biodiversity Award, with judges highlighting Cam’s exceptional attention to detail in enhancing biodiversity.

His commitment to native ecosystems includes native plantings, pond creation and replacing eucalyptus with native species. Soil and water conservation measures, such as sediment traps and water flow management,  were also praised, along with significant investment in shelter and shade.

Nelson admits he may never have entered without a gentle nudge from Thriving Southland.

“Farmers are pretty humble sort of people.”

He describes the judging process as straightforward.

“There were two rounds of judging for the regionals, and it was basically an hour and a half sitting around the coffee table having a chin wag about what we do.”

While the awards evening pushed him out of his comfort zone, the experience was worth it.

“It was pretty inspiring to meet other regional winners and hear their stories and how proud everyone is of their wee bit of dirt and how they are looking after it.

“You come out of that room buzzing.”

Entries for the 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards close in October.

Initial farm visits will take place later this year, with regional awards events scheduled for March and April 2026.

The Catchment Group Showcase will also return in 2026, highlighting the impact of rural communities working together to improve water quality, protect biodiversity, and achieve sustainable land management outcomes.

By Claire Inkson