Some Mid Canterbury names are among the finalists for this year's Primary Industries New Zealand awards.

The late Chris Allen has been nominated for Rural Hero of the Year, an “industry acknowledgement” for the winner’s commitment to their communities.

Allen was a sheep and beef farmer in the Ashburton Forks area, but his legacy stems beyond his property.

“It’s absolutely wonderful that he’s been nominated for the award,” Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury president David Acland said.

“His contribution, both to farming locally and at a national level is significant, and it’s wonderful to see it being [recognised].

“It’s very tragic that he’s actually not here.”

He was a prominent figure in local on-farm conservation, having been involved with the Canterbury Land and Water Plan and the Ashburton Zone Committee.

Allen was also well known amongst Fed Farmers members, here and nationally.

He served with the meat and fibre branch, and then as the Mid Canterbury president before joining the national board in 2014.

He was the spokesperson for biodiversity and freshwater in that role.

Allen was also a prominent figure in crises, guiding then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern through flood-damaged properties in 2021, and travelling to Napier following Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Even once he finished up with Feds, he still contributed through his catchment group, with Ashburton Forks,” Acland said.

Allen passed away last December after being electrocuted in an accident.

Also amongst the finalists is AgResearch scientist Dr Robyn Dynes, who’s up for the Champion Award.

It recognises people who have spearheaded projects or initiatives which have benefited the primary industries.

“It’s a real privilege and honour to be recognised, and nominated by your peers, and recognised by the industries you work with and for,” Dynes said.

Dynes’ research revolves around how farm management can impact emissions.

Her work has always been about bringing farmers and scientists together to work towards better and realistic environmental outcomes.

“We’re working with farmers, addressing the questions that they have.”

The Mt Hutt college alumni recently received The Bledisloe Medal for her decades of agricultural and science service.

“Growing up in Mid Canterbury – growing up in a farming community – and maintaining really tight connections to that community keeps me really grounded.”

“It’s one of the most innovative farming areas you get in the whole of New Zealand.

“What better place to learn from? What better people to learn from?”

She’ll be going up against former AgResearch scientist David Wheeler, an honour in and of itself, she said.

“He was one of the first systems modelling people I worked with when I first joined AgResearch many years ago.

“He’s an extraordinary scientist.”

The winners will be announced at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit, which will be held June 24 and 25.