Ohangai sheep, beef and dairy farmers Peter and Nicola Carver, supreme winners of the 2018 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Organisers of a national awards scheme honouring sustainable farmers say entrants shouldn't let recent extreme weather put them off.

Entries for the 2018 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now open and all farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, are eligible to enter.

The awards are organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to promote land stewardship by showcasing sustainable farming.

NZFE Trust national judging co-ordinator Andrea Hanna encouraged farmers to enter, even if they were worried about the effects of recent bad weather on their land. Judging teams had a wide range of skills and experience and climatic factors were taken into account, she said.

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"In the past we've found farmers can be reluctant to enter if their farm has been affected by wet weather or drought. But the judges know severe climatic events are part of farming and will look beyond this at the wider picture."

Hanna said most people took part because they wanted high quality feedback from independent rural professionals which they could use to improve their business.

"It's not just targeted at top farmers. Every farmer should take the opportunity to enter."

Hanna said the awards proved good farming practices and sound business management go hand in hand. Farmers who participated in the awards programme were also encouraged to share ideas and innovations with the wider farming community.

Last year's national winners, Ohangai farmers Peter and Nicola Carver, describe their farm as the largest lifestyle block in Taranaki.

Operating as Holmleigh Trust Partnership, the couple combine dairy and dry stock farming on their 515-hectare family property east of Hawera and are determined to leave their land in better shape than they found it.

Following their national win, Peter said the judging had been intimidating at times but the opportunity to feedback and test their business against others was something he held in high regard.

The couple have a sheep and beef breeding and finishing unit wintering 4500 stock units complemented by a 95ha dairy platform milking 260 cows at the peak of last season.

Speaking on behalf of the national judges, Joanne van Polanen said the Carvers were upbeat and enthusiastic, insightful and had immense pride and passion in their business, the environment and the primary sector.

"From a business point of view, they planned and managed their dairy conversion with consideration given to future management," she said. Their first season milking was 2014/15.

"Their farm has 5km of road frontage and they embrace the opportunity to have their farm in public view."

She said the couple had a well-performing business supported by strong partnerships and worked closely with the Taranaki Regional Council Stress Scheme to progressively retire and plant erosion-prone land.

The awards are run over 11 regions, following regional council boundaries, each with its own judging timetable. Winners will be announced at awards dinners in early 2018.

Entering costs nothing and takes two minutes by completing a form online at bfea.org.nz

The awards programme offers educational opportunities for farmers and growers interested in improving the sustainability of their farming business including key social, economic and environmental outcomes.

Many past entrants said their involvement had helped their personal development because they met and were inspired by a range of like-minded people.