3 February 2011

The skills and knowledge of nearly 500 entrants in the 2011 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards go under the spotlight this week, as judging begins.

“We try to encourage entrants to be original and unique with their presentations and to really demonstrate their passion for dairy farming and career goals,” national convenor Chris Keeping says.

Entrants in the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year competition and New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year contest each have two-hour on-farm judging sessions.

For the first time this year, entrants in the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition will compete in a 30-minute practical session in a central location, as part of their judging criteria.

Mrs Keeping says judging can provide one of the most rewarding aspects of entering the awards.

“The feedback entrants receive from judges on areas where they could improve their business is invaluable. As entrants have to present all aspects of their business to the judges, the judges are in a position to identify or highlight areas of improvement or opportunity for their business."

She says those who gain the most from judging plan and prepare how the visit will go. Organisers recommend entrants read the judging criteria, seek advice from past entrants about what to expect, have a practice run-through and avoid any distractions.

“It’s also a good idea to have a back-up plan in case of bad weather and to even get someone else to drive, so they can concentrate on what they are presenting to the judges.”

“Those that do prepare well will learn a bit more about them and their farm business by having to think about what their strengths are, where they want their farm business to go and how they are going to get there.

“Some amazing new ideas appear each year too.”

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner Agriculture ITO.

Judging continues throughout February, with the first regional winners announced in Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua at an awards ceremony on March 4. There are 12 regional competitions, with the Southland region completing the series of awards ceremonies on April 2.

Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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