Dairy Awards Attracts Equity Farmer Entrants

For Immediate Release
18 January 2011

Dairy Awards Attracts Equity Farmer Entrants

Changes enabling equity farmers to enter the 2011 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have been well received, with 15 entries accepted.

National convenor Chris Keeping says just under 500 entries had been received in the awards when entries closed prior to Christmas, and 140 of those entries were received in the prestigious New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year competition.

“We gave the sharemilker contest a makeover for this year’s contest with a new name and changes to its entry criteria to enable equity farmers to participate in the competition.

“So we are rapt that 15 equity farmers (including four lessees) have entered the contest and we believe that number will grow in coming years as equity farmers also experience the benefits of entering,” Mrs Keeping says.

“The main benefit from entering the awards is that it provides an opportunity for those in the industry to better themselves and their business while building strong networks and friendships with rural professionals and farmers from around the country.”

Entrants in the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer contest include 69 50% sharemilkers, 56 lower order sharemilkers, 11 equity farmers, and 4 lessees. For 89 of the entrants it is the first time they have entered the awards, with 51 having previously entered the competition.

The 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.

The awards also received 147 entries in the New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year competition and 210 entries in the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year contest.

Judging begins later this month in the 12 regional competitions, with the first winners announced in early March. All regional winners will progress to the national finals in Queenstown in May.

Further information on the awards can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

ENDS

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