Swapping countries and careers
Christopher Gerard Vila hopes his award-winning efforts in the dairy industry will inspire others from the Philippines to follow his lead.
Vila was named Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year, at the Waikato Dairy Industry Awards held in Hamilton and organisers believed he was the first Filipino to win the title.
He now goes forward to contest the national title which will be announced on May 15.
Vila started his career as veterinarian in the Philippines, specialising in dogs and cats. He arrived in New Zealand about 13 years ago and started work as a farm assistant in Reporoa.
For the past seven years he has worked as the farm manager on the JA BE Turnwald Family Trust’s 103.8ha farm, milking 341 cows in O¯ haupo¯ . He is the farm’s first manager from outside the family.
‘‘I’ve spent the last 13 years in the New Zealand dairy industry learning and accumulating knowledge,’’ Vila said.
‘‘Entering the awards is a great way to gauge where I am and challenge myself to further my career in the dairy industry.’’
It was his first time entering any type of awards and he was overwhelmed after being named a winner.
Vila said the awards judging process had been a good learning experience.
‘‘It makes you review everything you do in a season, look at what systems you’re using and how to make those adjustments for improvement.’’
Vila won $8200 in prizes and two merit awards.
Reuben and Deb Connolly were announced winners of the Waikato Share Farmer of the Year title and Ruth Connolly was the 2021 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year.
They will also go forward to contest the national titles in their categories.
Reuben and Deb Connolly have been 50/50 sharemilkers and 20 per cent equity partners with John and Fiona Worsnop on Woolly Farm Ltd’s 110ha, 280-cow O¯ torohanga property for the past four seasons.
They won $16,167 in prizes and four merit awards.
‘Ruth Connolly is a farm assistant on the Rukuhia Holdings Ltd‘s 259.6ha property at O¯ haupo, milking 800 cows. She won $6700 in prizes and three merit awards.