42 | nzdairy Clydesdale Dairy took home three awards for the Otago region. BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS » Clydesdale Dairy A born passion for livestock breeding Alexia Johnston Otago dairy farmers Francois and Shelley Tillard have been recognised at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for their outstanding approach to sustainable, productive farming. Their property, Clydesdale Dairy, took home three awards for the Otago region - the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award and Otago Regional Council Water Enhancement Award. That series of accolades celebrates their innovative, high-performing, and environmentally conscious farming operation. The 200ha year-round milking property, near Oamaru, in the Waitaki District, is 50/50 equity partnership with Craigmore Sustainable. It is home to a peak herd of between 700 and 800 cows, with an additional 150ha leased across two runoffs. With calving taking place three times a year and a barn-based wintering system in operation, the Tillards run a high-input, high-output dairy business with a focus on environmental and business resilience. Francois said the challenges they face were much the same as other farmers, particularly dealing with variables beyond their control, such as milk prices. The property itself is also quite challenging, due to its vulnerability to flash floods, which can do “quite a lot of damage”. Adapting to the land’s natural vulnerabilities has been part of a long-term plan to increase resilience, he said. The introduction of environmental and sustainable practices did not happen overnight. Instead, gradual changes were made over time. That steady transformation impressed the Ballance Award judges, who praised the Tillards for their strong business acumen, regenerative farming principles, and proactive land management strategies. Craig McMillan 027 855 2401 www.heliventuresnz.com • Spraying • Bulk / Bagged Fertiliser • Scenic Flights • Filming & Photography • Seeding • Mustering • Animal Control • Frost Fighting • Power Lines • Precision Lifting • Hunting / Fishing Servicing Otago, South Canterbury & The Mackenzie 0800 436 723 | waterforce.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING CLYDESDALEDAIRY. PUMPING SERVICES WATER MEASUREMENT ATER MEASUREMENT SERVICES IRRIGATION WATER FILTRATION Proudly supporting Clydesdale Dairy 3 Usk St, Oamaru 9400 | www.nops.co.nz | 03 434 7766 Come in and see us for: • Structural Engineering • CNC Plasma Cutting • Maintenance & Repair to farm equipment • Sheetmetal Fabrication • All your engineering retail needs, from Bearings & Oils to V-Belts & Welders Korora Road, North Oamaru Business Park | 03 434 9084 | www.apexengineering.co.nz Proud to provide Engineering support to Clydesdale Dairy
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