Te Puke Farm Manager Regional Award

TE PUKE FARM MANAGER REGIONAL AWARD

Media Release
17 April 2003

FOCUS ON STAFF EARNS TE PUKE FARM MANAGER REGIONAL AWARD

Providing ongoing support, training and skill development to staff has helped earn Te Puke farmer Shanan Wadsworth the top dairy farm manager award for the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato.

Mr Wadsworth won the RD1 Farm Manager Award category at the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards in Rotorua last night.

The 25-year-old will now go on to compete against six others for the national farm manager title in Hamilton on June 27, which recognises emerging talent in the industry and offers $5000 in prizes.

Mr Wadsworth says he prides himself on ensuring staff members are valued by providing opportunities for them to increase their capabilities, which helps to ensure farm and animal appearance and production operates at an optimum level.

He is in his eighth season as farm manager on Colin and Dale Armer's 220ha Te Puke dairy farm, and oversees a herd of 800 cows.

"As I have been employed by Armer farms for such a long period I have been entrusted with the discretion to make many of the farming decisions myself.

"This has included budget allocations, and staffing."

Mr Wadsworth says the great working relationship he has established with the Armers, and staff, has allowed them to work towards the same goals, including retaining workers through positive staff relationships.

"Everyone is valued, respected and challenged, giving each team member self-esteem and confidence," Mr Wadsworth says.

"Growth in skills and knowledge is encouraged at each individual's level of capabilities."

The farm manager award has been introduced to the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards - which have the support of Dexcel and are sponsored by Fonterra, Westpac, Holden, Pioneer, Ravensdown, RD1, DTS, Livestock Improvement, and Fegan and Co - to recognise the important role farm managers play in the industry.

The awards are run in seven regions, with the winners of the farm business and farm manager categories in each region progressing to the national final.

Tickets are available on 0800 273 759 or online at www.dairyexcellenceawards.co.nz where further information on the awards is also available.

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