25 Feb 2010

Search on for top Maori dairy farmer

8:33 pm on 25 February 2010

The chief judge of the Ahuwhenua dairy farming awards says Maori tend to take greater care of the environment than other farmers.

Opotiki farmer Doug Leeder, serving on the judging panel for the third time, says that this year care for the environment has jumped up the judging criteria.

Good environmental practices are vital for the long-term sustainability of farming as a business enterprise, Mr Leeder told Waatea News.

Initial judging takes place next month, with field days for the three regional finalists in April and the prizegiving in Taupo at the end of May, when the top Maori dairy farmer will be named.