Dairy’s best named for industry awards
The finalists have been found in the 2017 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards with the winners set to be announced at a dinner at Mystery Creek on March 10.
Among the finalists is Cambridge’s Josh Monks, competing for the Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year title.
Awards regional manager Jade Millner said it had been an exciting time when judges visited the farms of entrants in the Waikato Share Farmer of the Year and Waikato Farm Manager of the Year competitions.
‘‘The calibre of entrants this year is excellent, with a mixed bag of entrants coming from all across the Waikato.
‘‘The judges have been very impressed with the quality of entrants and the pride, passion and dedication they are showing towards their properties and dairy industry as a whole.’’
Judges spent two hours on the Share Farmer entrants’ farms and one and a half hours with Dairy Manager entrants.
A new team of judges from Taranaki will revisit the Waikato entrants to undertake the final round of judging, she said.
‘‘The judges are looking for entrants who are maximising the resource available to them on their properties, as well as how they are growing themselves and their businesses towards their next farming, personal or business goal.’’
The Dairy Trainee judging is a little different, as the entrants undertake an interview and practical skills module at local Farm Source stores.
The Waikato region received 51 entries in total, including 16 competing in the Waikato Share Farmer of the Year, 13 entered in the Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year and 22 entered in the Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.
General Manager of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, Chris Keeping, said the regional awards dinners are always a night of celebration, and not just for the winners.
‘‘The regional dinners not only focus on the regional winners and those in other categories, but provide another opportunity to meet, network and socialise with likeminded people who live and breathe the dairy industry.’’
Tickets to the 2017 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards dinner at Mystery Creek cost $85 and can be purchased online at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.