BayGold, one of the region's biggest orcharding companies, last night won the supreme award in the 2016 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Judges says the company, which owns around 100 ha of kiwifruit orchards at Parengaroa and manages others, is a resilient business which survived the impacts of the disease Psa-V by demonstrating excellence and innovation.

BayGold's general manager Leighton Oats and orchard manager Matt Nelson (centre front) with the BayGold team after winning the supreme award in the 2016 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards last night. Photos: Elaine Fisher.

They also praised the company's good governance protocols including the provisions of succession and staff ownership opportunities, the use of science and technology and the planting of trees for enhancement and wildlife.

Gary and Debra Rowlands, dairy farmers of Edgecumbe, with Gary Baldwin of LIC who presented their awards at last night's dinner.

In accepting the award BayGold's general manager Leighton Oats and orchard manager Matt Nelson paid tribute to Murray McBride who developed the orchards and management company today known as BayGold.

'We have an awesome team, all committed to getting better and striving to do our best for future generations to come,” says Leighton.

BayGold's core principle is 'Grow the Future” and underpins its business and orchard management decisions, ensuring there is a strong focus on environmental and financial sustainability.

Peter and Marine Anstis, kiwifruit orchardists of Opotiki won the Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award, presented by Zespri CEO Lain Jager.

The company also won the Hill Laboratories Harvest Award, the CB Norwood Distributors Ltd Agri-Business Management Award and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council award.

Other awards were also presented at the dinner attended by 200 guests representing the primary industries, central and local government, sponsors and supporters of the entrants.

Shane and June Birchall, their son Daniel and daughter Megan Schutt, dairy farmers at Lake Okaro, won the Ballance Agr-Nutrients Soil Management Awards, the Waterforce Integrated Management Award and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Award.

Ongare Point kiwifruit growers Phillipa Wright and Stephen Kenna won the Massey University Innovation Award, presented by Huub Kerckhoffs of Massey, (left).

Peter and Marine Anstis, kiwifruit orchardists of Opotiki won the Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award, the PGG Wrightson People in Agriculture Award and the Farm Stewardship Award in partnership with the QEII National Trust and the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust.

Gary and Debra Rowlands, dairy farmers of Edgecumbe won the LIC Dairy Farm Award and Ongare Point kiwifruit growers Phillipa Wright and Stephen Kenna won the Massey University Innovation Award.

A public field day will be held at BayGold, 471 Old Coach Rd, Te Puke on Tuesday April 5, from 9.30am to 2.30pm. For further information, email [email protected]