Judges Decide On The Best Of The Best

Judges Decide On The Best Of The Best

Judging gets underway this week to find the best in dairy excellence from New Zealand farmers in the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards.

"The awards are an exciting and innovative competition that bring to light many high achievers in the dairy industry," says judge and Dexcel Consulting Officer Paul Kane.

The judging process is rigorous and independent, and will include a Dexcel Consulting Officer, Westpac Agribusiness Manager and a respected farmer involved in the process.

"The standard of judging is meticulous as we look for the best that farmers in the dairy industry have to offer," says Mr Kane.

"For example, in the farm business award we are measuring each farmer against the criteria of financial performance, asset growth and productivity. Human resource management and the farm's future goals are also taken into consideration."

"The environment award focuses on such farmer merits as sustainability, water and nutrient management, effluent and waste management, animal welfare and projects and innovation. The awards have the support of Dexcel and are sponsored by Holden NZ, Ravensdown, Pioneer, DTS, Livestock Improvement, RD1 and Fegan and Co.

Regional awards dinners where the winners are announced begin in April, with the seven winners progressing to the national final on June 27. For more information on the regional dinners and to purchase tickets phone 0800 65 65 68 or visit www.dairyexcellenceawards.co.nz.

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