Keith and Wendy Holdom reckon they got a lot of hidden benefits from entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards last year. Keith and Wendy, who grow kiwifruit on a 10 hectare Katikati orchard, were encouraged to enter the competition by a friend and ended up winning the Hill Laboratories Harvest Award and the Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award.

But Keith says the prizes were just the beginning of the benefits they gained. He says they learned a lot from the valuable feedback the judges gave them and built up some valuable contacts as well.
'I'd happily recommend it. Even if you don't think you are doing anything particularly special, just put it out there and have a go. There are lots of different award categories and you might be surprised at what you get picked out for.”
The Bay of Plenty Awards are open for entries until October 16. Further information and entry forms can be found at www.nzfeatrust.org.nz or by phoning regional co-ordinator Kirsten Winter on 07 573 5238.