8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Circle D Ranch Big commitment to sustainable farming Circle D Ranch spans 760 hectares, of which about 670 are effective, with around 100 hectares in trees and scrub. Alexia Anderson Brayden McKenzie, of Circle D Ranch near Dannevirke, has been recognised for his commitment to sustainable farming after being named a finalist in the 2026 Horizons region of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. He received the Horizons Regional Council Award for Integration of Trees, highlighting the environmental gains being made across the family’s sheep and beef operation. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate sustainable farming and growing practices across New Zealand, with the Integration of Trees Award recognising farmers who successfully incorporate trees into their properties to enhance outcomes such as soil erosion control, biodiversity and stock wellbeing. Circle D Ranch spans 760 hectares, of which about 670 are effective, with around 100 hectares in trees and scrub. The scale of the property, combined with its mix of land types, has required a considered and long-term approach to development. Brayden’s latest accolade reflects the countless hours spent transforming the land, not just to benefit the environment, but also the wider farm operation, including stock performance. “I feel like we’ve made good progress with our environmental work that we’ve been doing through our Whole Farm Plan with Miar Ownens at the regional council,” he says, of what prompted him to enter the awards. A large amount of work has helped shape the land, including 5.5km of fencing around the farm’s main creek, alongside ongoing planting programmes. Poplar and willow trees have been introduced to support erosion control, although Brayden says it Cheri Henricksen B.B.S., C.A. We’ll help drive your FAMILY-OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED PROUDLY SERVING OUR FARMERS. RURALAIRWORK.CO.NZ 06 8568070 0272759050 Josh & Suzie Calder Owner Operators
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