Entries for the 2012 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards open today with this year's focus on entrants' attitudes and particular sustainable farming methods.

Awards committee chairman John Burke says this year assessors will be focusing on particular aspects of farm management, with the systems for handling effluent being a priority for dairy farms.

'It is so important the dairy industry is seen to do the right thing in regards to effluent and the awards are a chance to highlight best practices,” says John.

'I doubt the public has any idea of what a significant cost to farmers it is to build effluent-holding facilities and means of spreading it on pasture.”

'The appropriate use of fertiliser and the implementation of nutrient budgets will be another focus, as will the attitude of farmers and growers to their care for the environment.”

Entries are not limited to dairy farming and John is encouraging anyone operating a property, be it dairy, dry stock, deer or horticulture in a sustainable, profitable manner, to consider entering.

'The key criteria for the awards are that farms are operated in a profitable and sustainable way which takes into account its particular environmental factors.

'There are properties on the Rangitaiki Plains that have few trees, but because of the management practices of their owners, could do well in the awards.”

Entry and nominations close on October 14 and John is also asking people to nominate any farmers and growers who they think fit the criteria.

'Farmers and growers are by nature often reluctant to put their names forward, or they think their property is not quite ready because they have not done all they planned, but no property is ever completely ready because managing the land is on-going and constantly evolving.”

The new team of assessors attended their first training session last month and are looking forward to visiting the entrants.

Enter the 2012 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards here.

View nominations for the 2012 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards here.