Dairy Awards Finalists Prepare for Queenstown

The 36 finalists in the 2011 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have been named, as the last of the 12 regional awards competitions was held last weekend.

National convenor Chris Keeping says 12 finalists have been announced in each of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Manager of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“These finalists are the best from nearly 500 entrants that have participated in regional competitions around New Zealand.

“They also represent some of the best people working the country’s dairy farms with the attitude, drive and passion to progress further in the industry.”

Mrs Keeping says most of the finalists have the goal to own their own farm, and they believe it is achievable.

“However, right now their focus will be on preparing for national judges, who will quiz them on things like the sustainability of their farm business, their financial and human resource management, and their personal and farming goals. Judges will also want to assess how efficient they are at turning grass into milk.”

She says the judging will take place early next month, although the final aspect of the judging process – an interview – will take place in Queenstown.

The winners will then be determined and announced at the awards dinner attended by more than 600 people. More than $130,000 in cash and prizes will be given to the national winners.

The Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner Agriculture ITO.

More information of the 36 finalists can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz. Tickets to the national awards dinner are limited and can be obtained by freephone 0800 693 423.