Record Farm Manager Entries in Awards

Media Release
20 January 2005

Record Farm Manager Entries in Dairy Excellence Awards

An “outstanding” number of Farm Manager entries has set a new record for this year’s Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards.

Awards Project Manager, Barbara Kuriger says more than 50 entries and nominations have been received for the Farm Manager category - the highest number ever for the national competition.

“The Awards has been growing steadily for three years now and it has really come of age this year,” says Barbara.

“The record result nationally has also been matched by a notably outstanding number of regional entries – especially the increase in Northland and the Southern South Island.

“The regional teams out in the field have done a fantastic job encouraging farm managers to enter which has been crucial in achieving such a great result and really boost the quality of entries.”

There is about a 50/50 split between Farm Managers who have entered themselves and those who have been nominated, with the high number of nominations coming from farm owners who have recognised the ability of their farm managers and put their name forward to compete at a national level.

Farm Manager regional judging begins on 07 Feburary, with the regional Farm Manager winner being announced at regional dinners being held across the country in February and March.

Farm owners wanting to enter for the Farm Business International Travel Scholarships still have until 27 January to get their entries in. The scholarships are for individuals or couples seeking the opportunity to broaden their horizons. Owners can apply or be nominated for six national scholarships, which will see the winners and their partners partake in an international study tour to South America – a key region of dairy industry growth and significant Fonterra activity.

The Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in eight categories of dairy farming and dairy farm management. The Awards offer prizes to the six Farm Business International Travel Scholarship winners and to the Farm Manager of the Year Awards. They also seek to recognise contribution to the industry with the Mazda Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards are supported by Dexcel and sponsored by Mazda, Telecom, Livestock Improvement, Ravensdown Fertiliser, RD1 and DTS.

For information about the Awards and how to enter, Fonterra suppliers should contact their local Field Representative or visit www.dairyexcellence.co.nz.

ENDS

Breakdown of the entries by region:

Northland 8
Waikato/King Country 8
Bay of Plenty/East Coast 11
Taranaki/Lower North Island 10
Northern South Island 6
Southern South Island 9
TOTAL 52

© Scoop Media