Entries have officially opened for the 2013 Ahuwhenua Trophy, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary.
The competition was launched on the weekend by Minister of Maori Affairs, Pita Sharples, in Taupo.
Each year the competition alternates between sheep, beef and dairy farmers and this year the focus is on Maori sheep and beef farmers.
The trophy is the premier award for Maori in agriculture and acknowledges business excellence in the New Zealand pastoral sector.
The trophy's convenor of entries Peter MacGregor says the competition is getting more and more recognition from big industry organisations.
For the first time the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Trainee competition will also be held for young Maori sheep and beef farmers.
