Last Chance For Sharemilkers

20 December 2005
Last Chance For Sharemilkers

Organisers of the 2006 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year are giving would-be entrants a gift most kiwis would appreciate in the lead up to Christmas – time.

Entries were due to close on December 20, but following enquiries from a number of sharemilkers who have been unable to access their farm owners’ signature on the entry form, the competition’s management committee has decided to accept entries until the end of the year.

Competition chair Allison Watters says that the lead up to Christmas can be hectic for business owners and managers.

“In the spirit of the season we’re giving sharemilkers until December 31 to sort out the paperwork. We’ve heard there are quite a number of people who simply ran out of time. I guess we all know what that’s like.”

Interestingly, it’s in the larger regions that entrants are running late.

“Maybe sharemilkers are better organised in the smaller regions – that could be a challenge to lay on the table,” she says.

Despite the late entrants, the 2006 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year is shaping up to be another exciting contest, Mrs Watters says, with well over 80 entries confirmed.

“We’ve had good numbers of entries in most regions and it’s especially good to welcome back Otago, (they already have eight entries) which had a year off last year and Northland which has not been part of the national event for several years.”

The 2006 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year Competition is run in association with Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) and is sponsored by Dairy InSight, ACC, Bank of New Zealand, Blue Wing Honda, Dexcel, Ecolab, Fonterra, Livestock Improvement and Ravensdown.

Entry forms are also available from Federated Farmers PH 0800 327 646, by contacting Chris Keeping on (021) 425 791 or can be downloaded from www.fedfarm.org.nz/smoty

Mrs Watters has sound advice for sharemilkers throughout New Zealand.

“Don’t put off entering any longer and don’t just think about it,” she says. “Do it. You won’t regret it.”

ENDS

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