Four make Dairy Woman finals

Michelle Ruddell, who runs a large-scale dairy farm near Whanga¯rei, is one of four women in the running to be the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.

Organisers say the award recognises an outstanding woman who has contributed to the dairy sector with passion, drive, innovation and leadership. The recipient will receive a scholarship to be part of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

Ruddell (Ngati Tu¯wharetoa) chairs Northland Rural Support Trust, and was instrumental in the Northland dairy sector’s recovery after Gabrielle. The other finalists are:

❏ Myfanwy Alexander: Originally from Wales, Alexander came to NZ 18 years ago to intern on a dairy farm during her time at university and fell in love with the country. She has been contract-milking in Waitaki Valley on a 280ha, 920-cow farm for the past decade. In North Otago, she is the leader of the Dairy Women’s Network, president of Federated Farmers and also sits on the South Island Dairy Event governance group.

❏ Amber Carpenter: Carpenter sharemilks 450 cows on a Paparimu dairy farm in Auckland, with a separated beef block. She is the chairwoman of DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders and an ambassador for FarmStrong, among other leadership roles.

❏ Katrina Roberts: A herd health veterinarian and farm consultant, Roberts has helped Waikato farmers improve their operations, is a mentor of young vets and an InCalf trainer with DairyNZ. She also coaches netball, and is involved with Cambridge Riding for the Disabled, Walton School Board of Trustees and Matamata Pony Club.