Canterbury sharemilkers Eugene and Sarah Cronin have been named the Supreme Winners of the 2024 Zimmatic™ Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards tonight in Wellington.
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.
“Eugene demonstrated an advanced level of understanding of soil moisture and irrigation management. His depth of technical system and infrastructure knowledge is outstanding,” she says.
“We love the shared learning between his on-farm practices and his supervisory role with Dairy Holdings Group supporting their Canterbury farm teams, as well as his willingness to study and learn about all things new that can support the farm.
“You can see the passion he has for what he's doing. His great use of data, and ability to share it in a meaningful way, truly sets him apart.”
Keri says the passion and commitment of the finalists was truly inspiring. The decision was so close that, for the first time, a Supreme Winner Runner-Up was awarded, as they were only half a point behind the Supreme Winner.
The Supreme Winner Runner-Up was Aidan Bichan, Vern Brasell, and Neville Fisher of Kaiwaiwai Dairies in Featherston. Judges commended this dairy farm for its exceptional community involvement and environmental stewardship, particularly their outstanding wetland restoration project.
“Passion! Their love for their community and focus on people was evident,” says Keri. “Kaiwaiwai Dairies' community and environmental stewardship is outstanding - the wetland is exemplary.
“They understand the value of water and what it brings to their farm and business, and they're not afraid of technology and how it can support on-farm decision-making.”
Category Awards Winners
The judges were impressed by the calibre of this year’s entries and each finalist’s unique strengths in sustainable water management. There was a clear winner in each category:
· FARMERS WEEKLY - Environmental Stewardship & Community Award
Shane and Lynnette McManaway & Nico Butler, Ongaha Farm, Wairarapa (Trading, cropping, sheep breeding)
· IRRICON RESOURCE SOLUTIONS NZ - Irrigation-Driven Improvements Award
Ben and Shannon Johnson, Bodiam Dairies, Canterbury (Dairy & dairy support).
· IRRICON RESOURCE SOLUTIONS - Sustainable Irrigation Management Award
Eugene and Sarah Cronin, Kilmurry Farm, Canterbury (Dairy)
The awards were presented by the Associate Minister of Agriculture (Horticulture) Hon. Nicola Grigg. Each category winner received a prize pack, including travel vouchers for the 2025 international irrigation study tour, providing a valuable opportunity for these leading farmers to further their knowledge and share best practices.
IrrigationNZ also recognised stalwarts and innovators in the irrigation industry at the same event. Together with the Trailblazer Awards, excellence was celebrated across our entire sector - from industry pioneers, leaders, and innovators to farmers who are leading the way in sustainable irrigation management and environmental stewardship.
The Awards have been made possible thanks to the support and generosity of our New Zealand industry partners Zimmatic, Farmers Weekly, Irricon and Vantage NZ and IrrigationNZ.
For more information visit www.irrigationtrailblazer.com or www.irrigationnz.co.nz
