Federated Farmers 2010 Agricultural Awards

Agribusiness Person of the Year in association with Ravensdown, Agri Personality of the Year and Agriculture’s Cream of the Crop, all at Federated Farmers 2010 National Conference

Federated Farmers is preparing to recognise the very best New Zealand agriculture has to offer in its prestigious 2010 awards evening – all part of the Federation’s 2010 National conference being held in Invercargill.

“New Zealand’s second Agribusiness Person of the Year will be announced in association with Ravensdown at Federated Farmers National Conference in a few weeks time,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

“I’m especially proud that this is taking place in my home town of Invercargill. The business and farming communities from Southland and Otago are warmly invited to join us for this evening on 24 June.”

Details of the Awards evening and the rest of the 2010 National Conference can be obtained by emailing events@fedfarm.org.nz, dialling 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646 from Monday), or off the Federation’s website (www.fedfarm.org.nz).

“We are truly honoured to be working with Ravensdown, the largest supplier of fertiliser in New Zealand, to determine Federated Farmers Agribusiness Person of the Year,” Mr Nicolson added.

“This award recognises the person who has contributed most to the business of agriculture through innovation, determination, growth and leadership. The 2009 winner was Synlait’s John Penno.

“Federated Farmers Agri Personality of the Year, last year won by Massey’s Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, celebrates that special individual who has contributed outstanding service to the farming industry over the past year. Someone who is a “farming figurehead”.

“Farmers tend to underplay their massive achievement in what is New Zealand’s largest, most dynamic and most important export industry.

“Our National Conference provides the only opportunity to bring all of Agriculture’s award winners together under the same roof. These are agriculture’s Cream of the Crop and the Federation wishes to recognise those who have won the various national awards over the preceding twelve months.

“Agriculture’s Cream of the Crop includes the 2010 New Zealand Dairy Award (NZDIA) winners from Farm Manager of the Year, Sharemilker of the Year to Sharemilker Trainee of the Year.

“We also recognise the 2009 National Bank Young Farmer of the Year, the 2010 Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Award winner, the 2010 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award winner (dairy) and the 2010 supreme award winners of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

“Federated Farmers National Conference on 24 June provides an opportunity for us to recognise just how progressive and sophisticated agriculture truly is.

“Federated Farmers wishes to invite everyone to be a part of our National Awards as we celebrate the best of the very best,” Mr Nicolson concluded.

For tickets and more information please call – 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING from Monday), email events@fedfarm.org.nz or go to www.fedfarm.org.nz for more information.

2010 FEDERATED FARMERS NATIONAL CONFERENCE


Day one highlights – 23 June 2010:

· Sir Henry van der Heyden – Fonterra Cooperative Chair

· Prof Caroline Saunders – Lincoln University’s Director of Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit

· Keith Cooper – Silver Fern Farms Chief Executive



Day two highlights – 24 June 2010:

· Hon Phil Goff MP – Leader of the Opposition

· Bruce Sheppard – Shareholders Association Chair (and FMA member)

· Tim Gibson – former Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

· Rodney Jones – Economist

· Dr Paul Le Miere – Federated Farmers North Island Team Leader for Local Policy
· Rod Drury – Executive Director of Xero

· Rod Inglis – Chairman of Woosh Wireless

· Hon David Carter – Minister of Agriculture

· His Excellency, David Huebner – Ambassador of the United States of America

· Don Elder – Chief Executive Officer of Solid Energy

· Conor English – Federated Farmers Chief Executive



2010 Federated Farmers National Awards – 24 June 2010:

· Agribusiness Person of the Year will be announced in association with Ravensdown
· Federated Farmers Agri Personality of the Year
· 2009-2010 Agricultural Cream of the Crop winners


Day three highlights (includes Prime Minister’s luncheon in association with Woosh Wireless) – 25 June 2010:

· Don Nicolson – President of Federated Farmers

· Hon John Key MP – Prime Minister of New Zealand



Venue:

Ascot Park Hotel (cnr. Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill 9810)