Management skills recognised

A learning experience turned into an unexpected placing for Tokoroa couple, Nathan and Elri Levin who were awarded two titles at the Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards.

The couple has been in the industry for eight years and came in second place in the farm manager of the year contest and won the Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award. The first time entrants who manage a farm in Tokoroa entered the awards to learn.

‘‘It was not to see how great we are, but to benchmark ourself against people in the industry,’’ Mr Levin said.

The 650-cow farm the pair are currently with is the largest they have managed.

Mr Levin said although the judges saw what he does every day, he was still nervous.

‘‘It was pretty nerve-racking. It’s really just presenting your business though,’’ he said.

The category was judged on a variety of aspects including financial planning, animal health, staff management and leadership.

Mr Levin said they will enter next year and hope to win the title.

First place for the Central Plateau farm manager of the year went to Robert Hartley of the Rerewhakaaitu farm while third place winner was a Reporoa farm manager Tracey Astle.

The event, held at Energy Event Centre in Rotorua on March 18, named Donald and Kristen Watson as the region’s Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the year.

The couple are in their first season of 50 per cent sharemilking 990 cows in Taupo.

Both veterinarians by trade, the couple entered the dairy in 2009 and have enjoyed working in the industry.

‘‘We have found the dairy industry to be full of supportive people with immense knowledge they are willing to share. Resources are made easily available and there is no shortage of opportunities to learn and grow.’’

Runners-up for the second year were Rotorua 24 per cent sharemilkers Alistair and Sarah Coatsworth.

Ruth Hone walked away from her second time entering the awards with the Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the year.

Hartley will host a field day on April 2 at the Rerewhakaaitu farm while the Watson couple will host a field day April 9.

Elri, left, and Nathan Levin with their award at the Central Plateau Dairy Awards.