Award recognises sustainable farming
Deadline for farmers’ nominations closes March 31
While New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards regional finalists are being named during 11 award dinners around the country this month, nominations for a national award that flushes out dairy farmers who demonstrate innovation and passion in their approach to sustainable dairying remain open until March 31.
The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards to recognise those dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.
This year, entry for this award is by nomination of a farmer, or for the first time, farmers can nominate themselves.
Past Share Farmer entrants are now also eligible to enter. Entry is via dairyindustryawards.co.nz
The 2022 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award farmer could come from any of New Zealand’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership who demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities is eligible to enter.
Robin Congdon, New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards general manager, says it is important to showcase the good work farmers are doing within the industry because it does not always get the exposure it deserves.
“We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have a positive effect on the environment.
“We want to hear about the projects and the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis.
“This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community. This award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for younger farmers coming through.”
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy and Ravensdown, along with industry partners DairyNZ and MediaWorks.
Waikato farmers Pete Morgan and Ann Bouma won the 2021 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award and received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy.
Nomination are via dairyindustry awards.co.nz, with entries closing March 31.
From those nominations, three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel of judges at the national final in Christchurch this year with the winner announced at the awards dinner on May 14.