A dairy farming operation described as "a real family affair" is the supreme winner of this year's Waikato Farm Environment Awards.
Tiroroa Farms Ltd is an equity partnership between Wynn and Tracy Brown and Tony and Coby Brown, who sharemilk about 700 cows on 350 hectares near Matamata.
The farm is owned by a family trust that also involves Wynn and Tony's parents, Tom and Barb.
Judges said the Browns' business was a good example of family members working well together towards a common goal.
Along with the milking herd, they also grows 15 to 20 hectares of maize a year.
The family has put a lot of effort into habitat restoration and water quality management.
Almost all streams are fenced and there are several large native plantings on the farm, mainly around ponds and watercourses.
Some of the farm is also in forestry.
