Of All Blacks, Bull And Cows…

Media release
20 December 2006

Of All Blacks, Bull And Cows…

All Blacks, Bull and Cows…all in one sentence?

It’s only likely to happen when you’re talking about the Dairy Industry Awards where former All Black legend Bull Allen has become an integral part of the programme.

For the past four years, Bull has built a strong rapport with the dairy industry as MC of long running Sharemilker of the Year which this year joins the Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year under the umbrella of the new Dairy Industry Awards.

The awards organisers recognise the pressures of on-farm life leading up to Christmas and are extending closing off of entries until January 10 although they emphasise downloading an entry form from www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz and sending it in is a simple process.

“I really hope people out there take advantage of the opportunity – I’ve seen people develop phenomenally, both professionally and personally through taking part in these awards. I love to see them grow and benefit from being part of this incredible programme.

“And of course, one of the benefits not widely promoted is seeing me on stage in a dinner jacket!”

Since his All Black days, Bull has undertaken a wide range of other business opportunities and recognises the importance of building networks.

“The chance to not only mix and mingle with the best dairy practitioners in the industry but also key representatives of the family of sponsors - Westpac, Dairy InSight, Fonterra, RD1, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown, Federated Farmers, Ecolab, Honda and ACC, along with industry partner Dexcel – is invaluable.”

As a former top echelon rugby player, Bull sees similarities between achieving on the rugby field and dairy pastures and has been “blown away” by the people he has met through his involvement in the awards over the years.

“To become an All Black, you have to work hard; you have to be a team player; you have to learn from your peers and the people who have gone before you. I see the same kinds of challenges being faced and met by people coming up through the dairy industry,” says Bull who wore the Black jersey from 1993-1997.

Bull says he has also been inspired by the humanity and dedication he has seen in entrants while still determinedly setting and achieving business goals.

“Be the ball and give it a go,” he says. “I’m looking forward to meeting tomorrow’s champions at regional events throughout New Zealand. No-one ever scored a try from the sidelines.”

ends

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