For Waipara local John McCaskey creating wine from water was probably one of his more eyebrow-raising farming ventures. But his vision nearly 50 years ago was instrumental in placing the north Canterbury region on the global wine-producing map.

John has been recognised for his lifetime contribution to irrigation in New Zealand, receiving a special commendation as part of the 2024 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

Canterbury sharemilkers Eugene and Sarah Cronin have been named the Supreme Winners of the 2024 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

Eugene and Sarah milk 500 cows on Falstone Farms near Methven through their sharemilking business Kilmurry Farm. Falstone is owned by the Molloy family. Eugene impressed the judges with his deep technical understanding of soil moisture and irrigation management. Head Judge Keri Johnson praised his passion and expertise.

This year’s Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards finalists have been praised by the judges for embracing water resource management far beyond compliance.

Four New Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists in this year’s competition. Launched in 2020, the Awards commend outstanding achievements in sustainable irrigation, spotlighting farmers who demonstrate leadership in responsible irrigation techniques, innovative water management strategies, and environmental stewardship.

NZ judging panel technical expertise boosted

IrrigationNZ’s Principal Technical Advisor Stephen McNally is the newest judge on the Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards, bringing his expertise in freshwater management to the panel.

Awards highlight the need for long - term thinking about water.

Insuring sustainable water management practices is an intergenerational responsibility. Decisions made today will profoundly impact future generations, emphasising the need for long-term strategic thinking.

International collaboration could help drive sustainable water management in New Zealand

New Zealand should be taking a more collaborative international approach to efficient sustainable water management says Irrigation New Zealand Chair Keri Johnston.

The Supreme winner, and category winners, of the 2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards have been announced, with judges remarking on the particularly strong group of finalists.

This level of excellence is reflective of the effort that many irrigating farmers are making toward improving the sustainability of their operations.

Three innovative farm irrigators have been selected from a strong pool of diverse entries as finalists in the 2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

The Awards celebrate excellence and recognise farmers who are at the forefront when it comes to responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental sustainability.

Entries and nominations have closed on this year’s Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards with an increase in entrants for the 2020 Award.

Nominations and entries came in from around the country and across a range of industries covering cropping, cattle, horticulture, rice, cotton, dairy and more.

The entry deadline for the 2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards has been extended to 21 AUGUST 2022.

Given the increase in nominations this year we wanted to ensure that all busy Australian farmers had the opportunity to enter.

2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards to recognise excellence in irrigation management.

The 2022 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards were launched today to celebrate excellence and recognise farmers who are at the forefront when it comes to responsible irrigation, innovative water management and environmental sustainability.

Good soil management key to sustainable irrigation for award winning Canterbury farmers.

Understanding soil types and managing soil biodiversity is key to sustainable irrigation and a successful farming operation, according to Canterbury mixed cropping farmer Angus Aitken.

Awards finalists demonstrate willingness to embrace challenges for the greater good.

This year’s Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards finalists have been praised by the judges for their willingness to embrace the challenges.

Time is running out to get your entry in for this year’s Trailblazer Awards. The Zimmatic team, together with Vantage, Farmers’ Weekly and Irricon, have pooled together a prize pack worth more than NZD$22,000.

Entries and nominations are now open for the 2021 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. Farmer curious about what judges are looking for in Irrigation-Driven Improvements, Waterway Protection and Environmental Stewardship can read this compiled summary of the leading submissions from the 2020 entrants.

Entries and nominations are now open for the 2021 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. Farmer curious about what judges are looking for in Sustainable Irrigation Management can read this compiled summary of the leading submissions from the 2020 entrants.

E Tipu sets the scene for 2021 Sustainable Irrigation Awards launch

The gathering of primary industry leaders this week at E Tipu sets the scene for the launch of the 2021 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Zimmatic™ Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

The high calibre of entries truly epitomise how Australian and New Zealand farmers are leading the way in water sustainability.

Finalists announced for sustainable irrigation awards.

Eight farmers from Australia and New Zealand have been selected as finalists of the Zimmatic™ Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

Sustainable irrigation awards spread positivity and recognise farmers leading the way.

The Zimmatic™ Trailblazer - Sustainable Irrigation Awards are on track with nominations and entries rolling in.