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Simon and Josi Beamish, along with Hugo and Pip Beamish from Awapai in the WhanaWhana Valley, west of Hastings, have emerged as the regional supreme winners at the East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Gisborne this week. Awapai, situated on a 2,100ha (1,625ha effective) portion of the family's original 7,910ha property, operates as a grazing and finishing farm with 5,500 breeding ewes, 3,700 trade lambs, 850 beef cattle, 300 bulls, and 300 Wagyu beef cattle.

The farm's success lies in its incorporation of innovation, technology, and modern ideas within the context of a well-established and enduring family business, as noted by the judges. Simon and Hugo employ research-driven practices, matching land class to sustainable use and implementing careful soil management.

Their commitment to excellence extends to animal welfare, targeting international markets with high-quality products. The farm provides ample shelter for its healthy stock, ensuring they enjoy a diverse range of feed. Despite facing severe impacts from Cyclone Gabrielle last year, the Beamish family has invested considerable effort in reinstating the farm's infrastructure.

Improving the farm system's resilience has been a key focus, including forestry on steep marginal land and the strategic planting of poplar and willow on grazed areas to manage erosion. To preserve and enhance native biodiversity, significant planting has occurred in and around wetlands and riparian areas, with specific attention to five QEII National Trust Covenant blocks.

Facing the challenges of the future, the Beamish family is actively developing a succession plan, aiming to enhance the land for the next generation to bring both pleasure and prosperity to the family. The judges commended the family for their fearless embrace of innovation and their efforts to secure premiums for meat and wool products through producer supply programs, emphasizing high environmental and biodiversity outcomes.

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