For Immediate Release

14 November 2013

Enter Dairy Awards to Progress In Industry

Entering the 2014 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is one way aspiring dairy farmers can progress in the industry and grow their business.

That is the message from 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Don and Jess Moore. The Southland sharemilkers say those keen to emulate their success should foster relationships and use the tools available – such as entering the dairy awards – to progress and grow in the industry.

Entries are now being accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz in the awards, including the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

Mr Moore says the awards have been a great tool to grow their dairy farm business. ‘It’s a little bittersweet for us and others that win their regional contests as we have lost that tool that can push our business even further by virtue of the fact we can no longer enter the awards. We wish we could enter again!”

He says the win has boosted their confidence and provided them with opportunities. “We are looking at opportunities for next season that we thought we might look at in three years’ time, but they have been brought forward by our win.”

These include purchasing the remainder of their herd and entering an equity partnership. “Winning the financial award helped us with the bank. We always had a good relationship with the bank, but it gave them the confidence that we are doing what we say we are doing.”

Mrs Moore also urges people to work on relationships with staff, farm owners, contractors, and as a couple.

“Our young staff have been excited by our win, as it demonstrates to them a pathway to achieve their own farming goals.”

The Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown, RD1, Triplejump, along with industry partner Primary ITO (formerly AgITO).

A record 566 people entered the 2013 awards and organisers hope a similar number will enter in 2014. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information or to enter. Entries close on December 20.

ENDS

© Scoop Media