Archive Article: 1997/10/24
CAREFUL use of fertiliser is a responsibility all farmers must shoulder. Public concern for the environment and government policy dictate that much.
But responsible use also has financial benefits in more cost-effective crop production. And now there is an added attraction – £3500 in prize money if you can prove you are the best fertiliser user in the land.
To encourage the correct use of fertilisers and give credit to those who set the highest standards, ICI Fertilizers and farmers weekly have united to run the Nitram Award for Best Fertiliser Practice again in 1998.
Initial judging is by questionnaire, followed by farm visits to provide five regional awards. A national winner is then selected for the overall prize of £3500 to be invested in an on-farm environmental project. The competition benefits from the support of FWAG and the NFU.
The award places responsible use of all types of fertiliser as a key criterion for farms which are achieving effective food production while safeguarding the environment.
As well as examining fertiliser systems and applications, judges will also consider the use of organic wastes, nutrient planning and creation of new wildlife habitats.
Fill in the coupon now to obtain your entry form.
RULES:
1. Only farmers in England, Wales and Scotland who have supplied a completed entry form questionnaire to ICI Fertilizers are eligible.
2. The Nitram Award For Best Fertiliser Practice will be awarded to the farm which, in the judges opinion, has most successfully balanced profitable arable production, responsible fertiliser practice and concern for the environment.
3. The award carries a first prize of a complete FWAG farm plan plus £3500 to be used over a two-year period to implement that plan.
4. There will be five regional awards made in summer 1998 with the main award presented at the 1998 Royal Show.
5. The decisions of the judging panel are final and no correspondence can be entered into.
6. Closing date for completed entry forms is Jan 2, 1998.n