15 December 2004

Last Minute Reprieve For Sharemilkers

Would-be entrants in the 2005 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year have been given a last minute reprieve.

Entries were due to close on December 20, but following enquiries from a number of sharemilkers who have not yet been able to get their farm owners to sign entry forms, the competition's management committee has decided to accept entries until the end of the year.

"Our move this year to close entries early seems to have caught some sharemilkers unawares," says committee Chairman Damian Roper. "Some have left it too late to get their farm owner's signature on the entry form and rather than see them miss out we will allow them to slip in under the wire."

Despite the late comers, the committee is very pleased with the response to this year's competition.

"We've had good numbers of entries in most regions and it's especially good to see the increase in first time entrants," Mr Roper says. "Until you've actually taken part in a regional competition it can seem daunting. But in fact, it's a lot of fun and the benefits are huge."

To further encourage new sharemilkers, each region has a special first time entrant prize.

The 2005 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

Mr Roper has sound advice for sharemilkers throughout New Zealand.

"Don't put off entering any longer and don't just think about it," says Mr Roper. "Do it. You won't ever regret it."

ENDS

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