The late Chris Allen has been recognised for his work in agriculture and conservation with a national award.

The Ashburton farmer, who passed away following an accident last year, received the Rural Hero of the Year award at the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards earlier this week.

The judges said Allen’s “collaborative nature” made for compelling and effective advocacy over his time with the cooperative.

“A top farmer in his own right, he led with humour and knowledge.” 

He had interests in freshwater and biodiversity, which he experimented with on his Ashburton Forks farm, and worked hard to spread his knowledge through the farming community.

“It’s been said that every New Zealand farming family is in his debt for his years of championing rural causes,” a statement for Federated Farmers said.

Allen had a long history with Feds, having served on the Mid Canterbury meat and fibre branch and as region president, before joining the national board in 2014.

Locally, he was involved with the Ashburton Zone Committee and Canterbury Land and Water Plan, bringing a farming voice to council tables.

“I think it’s a tremendous recognition of Chris’ work,” farmer David Clark said.

“[He] would have received the award in his normal, humble manner.”

Clark worked with Allen in Fed Farmers, but the two were also neighbours and close friends.

He said Allen prioritised local issues and advocated for them on a national stage.

“Chris always had a keen eye on issues pertinent to the Mid Canterbury community around water, the environment, and responding to crises.

“Chris was just such a selfless person, our community is much better for his effort.”

“Chris always had a keen eye on issues pertinent to the Mid Canterbury community around water, the environment, and responding to crisis.”

“Chris was just such a selfless person, our community is much better for his effort; just an all-around rural hero.”

Many people remember Allen for his leadership in crises.

Following the devastation of the 2021 floods, he toured then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern through damaged properties. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Allen flew up to Napier to lend a hand with recovery.

Allen’s win was not the only one Mid Canterbury took home – Methven scientist Dr Robyn Dynes won the Champion award, which recognises individuals whose work or research has served the primary industries.

“It was a huge honour, unexpected,” she said.

Unexpected and also bittersweet, winning over former colleague David Wheeler and long-term industry servant James Ward.

“And to be awarded the same night as Chris Allen was very special.”

And it may be the last time an AgResearch scientist is up for the award, as its one of many organisation being restricted following the government’s science overhaul.

“Next week, our organisation ceases to exist.”

She’ll carry on in the same role, just for a new organisation.

Her work around nitrate leaching and emissions has impacted national mitigation strategies, providing industry and farmers with achievable emission targets.

Her ability to cross communicate with academics and farmers has led to effective and practical policy, the judges said.

Those skills developed through years of career progress: as a scientist, advisor, and board member for groups like the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

Speaking of FAR, they took home the Technology Innovation Award for their machinery initiative.

The Combine Harvester workshops helped farmers squeeze the most productivity out of their machines.

Farmers called it the “best use of levies ever,” with some reporting an up to 50% increase in yield.

“One grower took 70 hours off his combining and another reduced fuel consumption by 30%,” Technology manager Chris Smith said.

By Anisha Satya