Entering Dairy Awards Motivates And Enthuses

For Immediate Release
29 August 2012

Entering Dairy Awards Motivates And Enthuses

Unique opportunities, enhanced farm businesses and stronger networks are some of the major benefits gained from entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

Plans for the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are underway, with details to be confirmed at a conference in October. The awards run the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

In reflecting on their participation and success in the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, 2011 national winners Jason and Lisa Suisted say the experience delivered a new perspective to their farm business.

“We are in an industry that I would describe as dynamic, constantly changing, full of energy and new ideas, and not surprisingly the home of some unique success stories,” Jason Suisted said. “At times we can feel scrutinised from many different angles but it’s our ability to look outside the box and learn, challenge and support each other that makes our industry successful.”

Mr Suisted says the industry offers considerable promise and is attracting passionate, hard working, intelligent, down-to-earth go-getters.

“The possibilities and opportunities we see in dairy farming are endless. There really is no such thing as a lack of opportunity in farming you just need determination to find it at times.”

The 2011 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year, Jason Halford, says the benefits of entering the awards are as significant as the work it takes to enter. “And it’s not just about winning.

“I have widened my industry networks, strengthened my farming model and solidified my business plan. Winning the competition has increased my motivation like you wouldn’t believe. It has shown me that there is still so much to learn and achieve, as agriculture is so diverse.”

The New Zealand Dairy Industry 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 AgITO.

Entries for the 2013 awards open in November. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information or follow the awards on twitter @nzdairyawards.

ends

© Scoop Media