First-Timers Scoop Northland Sharemilker Prizes

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First-Timers Scoop Northland Sharemilker Prizes

Three first time entrants scooped the major awards at the 2008 Northland Dairy Industry Awards held in the Bay of Islands last night.

The prestigious 2008 Northland Sharemilker of the Year title went to Dean and Tania Mischeski, who won prizes worth $9600.

The Mischeski’s 50% sharemilk 560 cows on 220ha for Hanerau Farms, near Maungaturoto, with milk production anticipated to be 175,000kg milksolids this season, ending May 31.

It was their first time entering the Dairy Industry Awards and they had done so to analyse their business, meet like-minded people and compare their business practices with others.

They say Dean Mischeski’s extensive knowledge of dairy farming, pasture management and milk production combined with Tania Mischeski’s financial background are the key strengths of their sharemilking business.

Their goals are to reduce debt and move their herd into the top 5% on Breeding Worth in New Zealand. They also want to move into farm ownership and look at business investments.

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

Other winners announced on the night include the 2008 Northland Farm Manager of the Year Charlotte Greaves and the 2008 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year Cameron Mitchell. Together with the Mischeski’s they will all compete against 11 other regional winners for the New Zealand Sharemilker, Farm Manager and Dairy Trainee of the Year titles in Christchurch on May 24.

Runner-up in the 2008 Northland Sharemilker of the Year was Jarrod and Phillipa Halse, winning $5200 in cash and prizes. The Halse’s are 33% sharemilkers milking 380 cows on a 150ha family farm at Mata, near Whangarei. They anticipate production of 109,000kg milksolids this season.

It is just their third season in dairying. Jarrod Halse was previously an engineering supervisor for the New Zealand Refinery Company and Phillipa Halse was an administration manager.

It was also their first time entering the competition and they did so to challenge and motivate themselves to achieve their farming goals.

“We want to be successful in the dairy farming industry and that keeps us motivated to keep on learning and updating our skills,” they say.

Gavin Neumann placed third, winning $2850. Mr Neumann is 50% sharemilking 370 cows on 200ha owned by Kelvin and Liz Attwood, near Whangarei.

Another first time entrant, Mr Neumann is using the dairy industry to achieve his goal to own a large scale sheep and beef property.

A field day will be hosted by the Mischeski’s on Wednesday March 26. Further information can be found on www.dairyindustryawards.conz.

Merit Awards:
• Northland Regional Council Best use of the Property Award – Gavin Neumann
• Allens Farm & Country Sales Farm Safety Award – Damon & Daff Adams
• Blue Wing Honda ATV Safety Award – Dean & Tania Mischeski
• DairyNZ First Time Entrant Award – Sam Davis
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Wayne & Sarah Pepper
• Federated Farmers Leadership Award – Dean & Tania Mischeski
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Jarrod & Phillipa Halse
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Dean & Tania Mischeski
• Ravensdown Pasture Management Award – Damon & Daff Adams
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Jarrod & Phillipa Halse

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