Entries rolling in for New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards

Entries rolling in for New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards

The window of opportunity for dairy trainees, dairy managers and share managers to give their farming career a boost, closes on November 30.

Entries for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have been steadily rolling in since entries opened in October, with 276 entries across the three competitions received so far.

General Manager Chris Keeping says if some-one is still considering entering, they should do so soon.  “The sooner a person enters, the longer they have to prepare their farming business for judging,” she explains.

“Through the process of bringing their presentation together, they will basically be doing a full review of their business/position held.   In turn this will help identify any areas that may need updating or implementing.  These could include reviewing goals, setting new ones or identifying weaknesses and strengths.”

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra Farm Source, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.

The Awards are split into 11 regions, with regional judging commencing early in the new year.  The winners of the regions are announced at Award Dinners around the country during late February and March next year.  The regional winners go forward to another judging round, competing for the National honours, which will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Auckland on May 6 2017.
The Share Farmer of the Year competition is open to self-employed farmers responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm.
Dairy Manager of the Year is open to salaried farm staff, in job roles such as farm manager, herd manager and production manager.
Dairy Trainee of the Year is open to salaried farm staff, but must be aged between 18 to 25 years with no more than three years full-time experience on a dairy farm.
Chris says entrants shouldn’t wait for the perfect time to enter. “If you’re sitting on the fence, and still thinking about entering, now’s good.”

Full entry criteria must be met to enter and can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

ENDS

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