Whangarei brothers Ian and Tim Douglas have won the premier award at the 2013 Northland Dairy Industry Awards, announced in Waitangi last night.

The pair equity manage a 300ha family farm they are shareholders in, along with their parents, Murray and Marcelle Douglas.

It is the first time a pair of brothers has won the award, and they collected cash and prizes worth $26,100, and the opportunity to compete for further honours in the national finals.

The night’s other big winners are Niall and Delwyn McKenzie, the 2013 Northland Farm Managers of the Year, and Jake Thomson, winner of the 2013 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year title.

The Douglas brothers have been involved in the farm’s management for as long as they have understood farming, but have only been in the partnership for the past three years after returning to the farm following work in other sectors.

“We are stronger together than we would be apart, and as the root of success in any business is the people we have a real emphasis to grow people within our business.”

The pair says they have a solid business plan with good systems and financial monitoring. “This gives a consistent return for all stakeholders and allows for growth.”

It was the first time the brothers, aged 28 and 29, had entered the awards and, as well as the win, they won five merit awards. They plan to grow the business to 2500 cows (currently 950) and to also expand a farming business they have in Brazil.

Wellsford 50% sharemilkers Johann and Jemal Guitry placed second in the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer contest, winning $6500 in cash and prizes.

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.

The 2013 Northland Farm Managers of the Year, Niall and Delwyn McKenzie, love what they do and want to continue to develop their farm skills and business.

The McKenzies, who won $12,400 in cash and prizes, are managing a 320-cow farm near Wellsford owned by Andrew and Angelea Fleming.

They entered the awards for a third time as they welcome the opportunity for internal evaluation of their farm management and business. “We also enjoy the comradeship it brings meeting like-minded people, along with the competitiveness of the contest.

“One of our strengths is our low environmental impact by having sustainable systems. We also enjoy farming in a partnership of farming profitably and loving what we do.”

The couple says their goal is to grow within the business and to purchase a small coastal winter milk farm.

Poroti contract milkers Mike and Donna Carroll placed second in the Northland farm manager contest winning $2500 in prizes, and Wellsford farm manager Steven Ketter was third, winning $1500 in prizes.

The 2013 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year, Jake Thomson, says entering the awards has been an “awesome” way to gauge his career and personal development.

“I got feedback from entering last year and have been able to re-motivate myself to get ahead. I met awesome people and I enjoyed being around people who are passionate about dairy farming.”

Aged 24, Mr Thomson won $5200 in prizes and is currently on a 350-cow Maromaku farm owned by John and Jacqui Kehoe.

With wife Alana, he plans to move into a herd management position for the new season and progress towards lower-order sharemilking. “Our long term goal is to own our own herd and sharemilk on a profitable farm. We hope the NZ Dairy Awards will help us to keep moving onwards and upwards.”

Twenty-two-year-old Kokopu trainee,  Luke Boylan, placed second in the trainee contest, winning $1500 in prizes, and Dargaville trainee, Julia Mathis, aged 20, was third winning $1000.

Northland Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Ian and Tim Douglas, will host a field day on March 26, while Northland Farm Managers of the Year, Niall and Delwyn McKenzie, will host a field day on the Wellsford farm they manage on March 14. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Agriseeds Strategic Planning Award – Johann & Jemal Guitry
• NDS Fuels Innovation Award – Ian & Tim Douglas
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Ian & Tim Douglas
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Ian & Tim Douglas
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Cam Hansen & Amy Deal
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Ian & Tim Douglas
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Johann & Jemal Guitry
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Andrew & Vicky Booth
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Ian & Tim Douglas
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Johann & Jemal Guitry

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Northland Regional Council Sustainable Land Management Award – Sam Hartles
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Niall & Delwyn McKenzie
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Glenn Hobbs
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Niall & Delwyn McKenzie
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Niall & Delwyn McKenzie

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Jamie Lang
• Cervus Equipment Farming Knowledge Award – Jake Thomson

At just 28, the 2013 Auckland Hauraki Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, James Courtman, is young, ambitious and already successful.

Mr Courtman won the title and $14,000 in cash and prizes at the region’s Dairy Industry Awards dinner at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau last night.

“I entered the awards for the first time to challenge myself, to develop better goals, and to try and win!” he said. In February he contested the regional Young Farmers Competition final, winning the AGMARDT agri-business challenge.

Other winners at the 2013 Auckland Hauraki Dairy Industry Awards were Kylie and Michael Cox, winners of the Auckland Hauraki Farm Manager of the Year, and Mathew Whittaker, the Auckland Hauraki Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Mr Courtman is currently 23% sharemilking 870 cows for Mark and Dianne, and Richard and Karyn Townshend at Ngatea. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University and has previously worked on farms in Australia and Chile.

“I believe the strengths of the business are its focus on business operating costs and executing the production plan, which happens because of good skill sets and strong accountability.”

He aims to own up to 30% of a 200,000kg milksolids business within two years and 100% of the business by the time he is 35 years old.

Second place in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Karaka 50% sharemilkers Carl and Julia Marquand, who won $8000 in cash and prizes, and third went to Onewhero 55% sharemilkers Bryce and Rosemarie Costar, who won $7000.

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.

The 2013 Auckland Hauraki Farm Managers of the Year, Kylie and Michael Cox, are highly motivated to achieving their goals in an industry they are passionate about. They won $10,500 in cash and prizes.

Mrs Cox, aged 25, has previously entered the dairy trainee contest (placing third in 2011) and the couple has been farming in partnership since 2011 when Mr Cox, 24, left building to join the dairy industry.

“We both have different areas of strength. Kylie is very good with animal health issues due to her past vet nursing experience and I’m very practical and can fix or build almost anything,” says Mr Cox.

“We are highly motivated to achieving our goals. We love our cows and the farming lifestyle and value our good reputation in the community.”

The couple is currently contract milking 620 cows for Neil and Glenda Gray at Turua. The couple’s short-term goal is to increase equity, while their 10-year goal is to own their own farm milking 400 cows.

Second place in the farm manager contest went to Huntly contract milkers, Aaron and Michelle Croucher, who won $4500. Third went to Paeroa contract milkers Warrick and Jessica Smith, who won $2500.

The 2013 Auckland Hauraki Dairy Trainee of the Year, Mathew Whittaker, entered the awards for the first time to challenge himself as he had gained in confidence in the past two years in his second in charge role.

Mr Whittaker, aged 28, and who won $5000, is in his fourth year in the industry and is currently working for Steve and Andrea Mills, on their Paerata farm, near Pukekohe, milking 440 cows.

He plans to go managing or lower order sharemilking with wife Claire by 2015. “Our ultimate goal is to be 50% sharemilking with 300 cows within six years.”

Second place in the dairy trainee contest went to Paeroa assistant Andrew Hodgson, aged 23, who won $3000 in prizes, and third place went to 24-year-old Paeroa assistant Marion Reynolds, who won $2000 in prizes. 

Auckland Hauraki Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, James Courtman, will host a field day on March 28, while Auckland Hauraki Farm Managers of the Year, Kylie and Michael Cox, will host a field day on the Turua farm they manage on April 3. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• BlackmanSpargo Legal Audit Award –  Bryce & Rosemarie Costar
• Nick Hoogeveen & Associates Strategic Planning Award – Bryce & Rosemarie Costar 
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award –  James Courtman
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Carl & Julia Marquand
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – James Courtman
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Carl & Julia Marquand 
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Bryce & Rosemarie Costar 
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – James Courtman 
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Peter & Charlotte Giddy
• Westpac Business Performance Award – James Courtman 

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Bayleys Real Estate Leadership Award – Raelene Williams
• Bell-Booth Encouragement Award –  Stefan Read
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Raelene Williams
• Fonterra Best Practice Award –  Kylie & Michael Cox
• RD1 Farm Management Award –  Kylie & Michael Cox
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Kylie & Michael Cox

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Andrew Hodgson
• Franklin Vets Farming Knowledge Award –  Marion Reynolds

By winning the 2013 Waikato Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title, Andrew and Michelle McPherson are well positioned to attract business growth opportunities.

The McPhersons won $19,700 in cash and prizes at the region’s Dairy Industry Awards dinner at Bledisloe Hall, Mystery Creek, near Hamilton last night.

It was the first time the Te Awamutu farmers had entered the awards. “We entered to gain a better understanding of our business and of what we both contribute, as well as to sharpen our game and position ourselves for future opportunities,” they said.

The other big winners at the 2013 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards were Gary McFarlane, winner of the Waikato Farm Manager of the Year, and Thomas Herbert, the 2013 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Andrew and Michelle McPherson are 50% sharemilking 500 cows for brothers Michael and Donald Macky and are in their ninth season 50% sharemilking, having progressively grown their business every three years.

“It’s a great dairying location and we’ve got fabulous farm owners.”

The couple are both aged 40 and have a goal to own a 360-400 cow dairy farm within 10 years. “In the meantime we’d like to stay 50% sharemilking and buy a 200 cow farm where we can put a manager on and provide a stepping stone for our staff.”

Second place in the Waikato sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Taupiri 50% sharemilker Aaron Price, aged 27, who won $13,400 in cash and prizes, and third went to Otorohanga 50% sharemilkers Dan and Michelle Brice, who won $4100.

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.

The 2013 Waikato Farm Manager of the Year, Gary McFarlane, is keen to help new and young people progress in the dairy industry. Aged just 25 years himself, Mr McFarlane won $13,400 in cash and prizes at the awards dinner.

It was the third time the Cambridge farm manager had entered the awards, doing so to further his skills, knowledge and involvement in the dairy industry. He is currently managing a 900 cow farm for Kevin and Gillian Monk.

He says the farm’s strength is its use of technology. “I have some of the highest quality technology offered to me to make this farm run efficiently, like pasture monitoring programmes, protack, in-shed cow identification, weight identification on silage wagon and so on which all work together on a daily basis to achieve farm goals.”

He says the farm also provides opportunities to learn and grow within the business. “Every opportunity has been offered to me and the other two staff to attend courses and further our knowledge in the dairy industry. It has made me realise that a key target of mine is to help young and new people in the industry to achieve their goals.”

Mr McFarlane’s own goals are to achieve herd ownership within three years and to operate any business he runs or owns at the highest profit margin.

Second place in the 2013 Waikato Farm Manager of the Year went to Tokoroa contract milker James Heke, who won $5600 in prizes, and third went to Morrinsville contract milker Clem Schollum, who won $4000 in prizes.

After gaining confidence and pride from previously entering the awards, the 2013 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year, Thomas Herbert, says a short term goal is to increase his farming knowledge and to network with others in the industry.

Mr Herbert, aged 23, is a farm assistant for Mike and Sue Visser on a 1000 cow Te Awamutu farm owned by a Maori syndicate, the Haurepo Trust. He won $6500 in cash and prizes.

He starts a 50% 230 cow sharemilking position next season, so says he will be focusing on reducing debt and meeting production targets through planning, budgeting and using available tools and resources. His goal is to expand to a 450 cow position in three years and ultimately achieve farm ownership.

“I am extremely motivated and passionate about the dairy industry and am very thankful to get into the final and have the opportunity to be recognised in the industry for further opportunities.”

Second place in the dairy trainee contest went to Matamata assistant Daniel Duncan, who won $2600 in prizes.  Matamata trainee Stephanie Broomfield placed third, winning $1300 in prizes.

Waikato Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Andrew and Michelle McPherson, will host a field day on April 4, while Waikato Farm Manager of the Year, Gary McFarlane, will host a field day on the Cambridge farm he manages on March 21. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Effluent and Irrigation Design First Time Entrant Award – Andrew & Michelle McPherson  
• Blackman Spargo Legal Audit Award – Aaron Price  
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Andrew & Michelle McPherson 
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Mark & Cathy Nicholas 
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Mark & Cathy Nicholas 
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Aaron Price  
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Aaron Price  
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Aaron Price   
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Aaron Price 
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Andrew & Michelle McPherson  

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• NRM Most Promising Farm Manager Award – Nic Coppard
• Anexa Animal Health Livestock Management Award  – James Heke 
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Clem Schollum 
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Gary McFarlane  
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Gary McFarlane 
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Kaylea Pamment 

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Daniel Duncan 
• The Dairy Exporter Farming Knowledge Award – Tara Miller 

Winning the 2013 Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title has proved a natural progression for Russell and Nadine Meade.

The couple won the 2010 Bay of Plenty Farm Manager of the Year title and set about developing innovative and flexible investment opportunities to achieve farm business ownership.

Now 50% sharemilking 220 cows for Barbara Sullivan at Whakatane, the couple took home cash and prizes in winning the top prize worth $16,600 at the awards dinner held at the Awakeri Events Centre last night.

The other big winners in the 2013 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards were Chris Mexted, winner of the Farm Manager of the Year title, and Thomas Chatfield, the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The Meades say participating in the dairy awards offers considerable benefits. “One of the many benefits we perceive this competition offers us is in motivating us to constantly examine our business to ensure that it is a sustainable, productive and competitive operation.

“It also gives us recognition within our region and helps improve and publicise our dairy farming reputation.”

While Russell Meade has been in the industry most of his life, having grown up on a dairy farm, Nadine Meade has embraced the industry since the couple met in 2006. While she still works off-farm, for Carter Holt Harvey, her management skills are pivotal to the farm’s operation.

“We believe the greatest strength that our business has is our complementary skill set. This makes it easy to align responsibilities and ensures that all aspects of our business are attended to and are managed by the best person for the job.”

The couple plan to continue to increase their business equity growth and to reach their goal of farm ownership.

Second place in the Bay of Plenty sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Whakatane 21% sharemilkers Brett and Natasha Grindrod, who won $7600, and Te Puke 22% sharemilkers Jeff and Ryn Going were placed third, winning $3000.

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.

The 2013 Bay of Plenty Farm Manager of the Year, Chris Mexted, is keen to experiment, innovate and make changes to lift farm business performance.

The 23-year-old is also an avid user of rural professionals and advisers to assist him to achieve his goals. Mr Mexted, who won $10,700 in prizes, is managing a 435 cow Whakatane farm for Bruce and Judy Woods.

In his first full season in the industry, he entered the awards for the first time to make progress, network, build his reputation, and have some fun.

Runner-up in the Bay of Plenty farm manager contest was Edgecumbe farm manager Glen Penny, who won $3700, and third was Galatea farm manager Shaun Bicknell, winning $1800. 

Changing career has proved successful for 2013 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year, Thomas Chatfield, a former physiotherapist.

Mr Chatfield, aged 27 and in his first season in the industry, won the title and $4500 in prizes. He is working for Rhys Watkins on his parent’s 500 cow Whakatane farm. He entered to benchmark himself against others in the industry.

“Being new to dairying I wanted to check that I was performing as well as I felt like I was.”

Second place in the dairy trainee contest went to Edgecumbe trainee Sam Thompson, who won $300, and third-place getter was Murupara assistant Cameron Luxton, winning $200. Both Mr Thompson and farm manager runner-up Glen Penny work on the same farm.

Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Russell and Nadine Meade, will host a field day on March 27, while Bay of Plenty Farm Manager of the Year, Chris Mexted, will host a field day on the Whakatane farm he manages on April 3. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Blackman Spargo Legal Audit Award – Jeff & Ryn Going   
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Brett & Natasha Grindrod  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Brett & Natasha Grindrod  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Brett & Natasha Grindrod  
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Russell & Nadine Meade   
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Jamie & Angela Lanauze   
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Russell & Nadine Meade    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Russell & Nadine Meade  
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Russell & Nadine Meade   

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Business Results Group Most Promising First Time Entrant Award – Andrew & Sarah White  
• Dairy Production Systems Livestock Management Award  – Silke Hackbarth  
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Chris Mexted  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Chris Mexted   
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Glen Penny  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Chris Mexted  

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Aran Sealey  
• Planwise Farming Knowledge Award – Josh Cozens   

The 2013 Central Plateau Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Garth and Nicola Thomson, learnt that persistence does pay off, after placing second in the contest last year.

The couple won $15,300 in cash and prizes by taking out the premier contest at the Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua last night. The other major winners were Blair and Andrea Muggeridge, the region’s Farm Managers of the Year, and Todd Adamson, the 2013 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“We found that entering the awards had refined and enhanced our focus within the industry, our farming operation, and us personally,” Garth and Nicola Thomson said. “We also gained information that was pertinent to our business and applied this easily to our farming business.”

The couple 40% equity farm manage a 370-cow farm at Atiamuri and plan to increase their equity stake within the business. “Our goal is to operate a sustainable and simple economic farm business.”

Second place in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Rotorua 23% sharemilkers Alistair and Sarah Coatsworth, who won $8300 in prizes, and third went to Reporoa 50% sharemilkers Johan and Theona Blom, winning $5400.

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.

The 2013 Central Plateau Farm Managers of the Year, Blair and Andrea Muggeridge, are good at growing grass to feed the farm’s large herd.

The couple, who won $10,000 in cash and prizes, are managing a 1000 cow Reporoa farm for Trevor and Harriet Hamilton.

“We run a fertiliser programme (based on soil tests) that allows us to grow 15 tonnes of grass a hectare compared to the average farm in the region growing 11 tonnes. The owner also has a run-off for silage and buys in palm kernel to fill in any gaps and enable us to milk until the end of May. We need the supplement as we have a high stocking rate.”

It was the second time the Muggeridges had entered the awards, saying they benefited from the opportunity to have their business analysed. Their goal is to invest in land, either on their own or in partnership.

Runner-up in the farm manager contest was Tokoroa farm managers Johan and Sebil Van Der Merwe, who won $5100 in prizes, and third went to Rotorua farm manager Todd Halliday, who won $2500.

The 2013 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year, Todd Adamson, has fallen for the right girl. Mr Adamson, aged 24, is currently second-in-charge on the 400 cow Atiamuri farm owned by the parents of his fiancée, Amy Driver. He plans to take over as farm manager on Gary and Trish Driver’s farm in the coming season.

The qualified electrician won $5500 in prizes.

“I entered the awards for the first time to further my knowledge in the dairy industry, challenge myself in the competition and to meet other like-minded people in the way of contestants and sponsors.”

Mr Adamson says he plans to complete more industry courses to help him progress in the industry. After managing, he would like to progress into contract milking or lower order sharemilking and work towards herd and farm ownership.

Second place in the dairy trainee contest went to Taupo farm assistant Reece Cox, who won $2400, and third was Rotorua assistant Wade Sutton, who won $800 in prizes.

Central Plateau Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Garth and Nicola Thomson, will host a field day on April 10, while Central Plateau Farm Managers of the Year, Blair and Andrew Muggeridge, will host a field day on the Rotorua farm they manage on April 3. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• BlackmanSpargo Legal Audit Award – Alistair & Sarah Coatsworth  
• Piako Tractors Lower Order Sharemilker Award – Alistair & Sarah Coatsworth
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Alistair & Sarah Coatsworth  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Johan & Theona Blom  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Ross & Karla Shaw  
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award –  Garth & Nicola Thomson  
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Brad Snowdon   
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Todd & Liz Portsmouth    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Johan & Theona Blom   
• Westpac Business Performance Award –  Garth & Nicola Thomson  

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• The Vet Club Rotorua Animal Health Management Award – Johan & Sebil Van Der Merwe
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Johan & Sebil Van Der Merwe  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Todd Halliday   
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Blair & Andrea Muggeridge  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Blair & Andrew Muggeridge  

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award –  Tristan Cassin 
• T H Enterprises Ltd Farming Knowledge Award –  Reece Cox 

The 2013 Taranaki Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Rachel and Kenneth Short, have become the first family to claim two generations of success in the awards.

Back in 1987, Mrs Short’s parents Barbara and Louis Kuriger won the Taranaki Sharemilker of the Year title. The Taranaki region was the first to hold a regional sharemilker competition and in 1990 the competition became nationwide.

The Shorts and Kurigers are now farming in partnership, with the Shorts 20% equity partners and 25% variable order sharemilking 450 cows for Shortland Farm Ltd Partnership at Opunake.

They won $18,600 in prizes at the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards in Hawera last night. The other major winners were Michael Kavanagh and Rowena Duncum, the region’s Farm Managers of the Year, and Daniel Regtien, the 2013 Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Rachel Short began farming in 2004, with Kenneth Short joining her in 2007 while retaining some building employment until 2010.

“One of our strengths is being able to control the cost of production, so we can achieve a system that is profitable and sustainable at all payouts.

“We also have a strong focus on good pasture management. Being a grass-based system, use of pasture is a key to high profits.”

The couple’s future goals are to increase their equity stake to 100%, to maintain an environmentally sustainable farm and to allow flexibility so they can take time away from the farm.

Second place in the Taranaki sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Hawera 50% sharemilkers Bryce and Amanda Savage, who won $9000, and Meremere 50% sharemilkers Ben and Belinda Price were third, winning $4800 in prizes.

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.

Opunake contract milkers Michael Kavanagh and Rowena Duncum won the 2013 Taranaki Farm Managers of the Year title and have set their sights on moving up the dairy farming ladder. They won $7400 in prizes.

“We can’t wait to get our own ‘piece of dirt’ but know it’ll be a hard slog and is a way off yet! We are also dedicated to improving our knowledge base with a view to being up there with the best in our field in achieving efficient production. Along the way, we hope to build a good reputation both as good employees and employers.”

It was the first time the couple, milking 360 cows for Craig and Lucy Bradley, had entered the awards. They have been farming five years, including a year in Wales.

“It was an incredible experience and made us appreciate just how innovative New Zealand farming is!”

Second place in the Taranaki farm manager contest went to New Plymouth contract milkers Sergio Valverde-Nandin and Kaelee Alexander, who won $2400. Third was Midhirst manager Carey Duggan, winning $2100.    

The 2013 Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year, Daniel Regtien, has a list of goals and has demonstrated he can achieve them. Mr Regtien, aged 25, won a DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarship that assisted him to obtain a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

He is currently senior farm assistant on the 350 cow Westpac Taranaki Agricultural Research Station at Hawera, owned by Fonterra. He won $4400 in prizes.

“I did not grow up on a farm, but I have developed a passion for the industry and that drives me to learn and develop new skills so I can progress my dairy career.”

His goals include gaining more practical experience, going on an overseas experience, to become a dairy farm advisor or consulting officer and to invest in a dairy farm.

Stratford farm assistant Peter Templeton, aged 21, placed second in the dairy trainee contest winning $500. Third went to Stratford trainee Jayden Harvey, aged 19, who won $1400.

Taranaki Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Rachel and Kenneth Short, will host a field day on April 11, while Taranaki Farm Managers of the Year, Michael Kavanagh and Rowena Duncum, will host a field day on the Opunake farm they manage on April 4. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Reeves Middleton Young Innovation Award – Warren & Mary Patterson
• Taranaki DIA Variable Order Cup – Aaron & Olivia Waite 
• Abacus Group Ltd Strategic Management Award – Bryce & Amanda Savage
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award –  Rachel & Kenneth Short  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award –  Bryce & Amanda Savage  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Ben & Belinda Price   
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Ben & Belinda Price    
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Warren & Mary Patterson    
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Rachel & Kenneth Short     
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Josh Cooper & Alex Smith    
• Westpac Business Performance Award –  Rachel & Kenneth Short   

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• NZ Farmers Livestock – Livestock Award –  Ben Carter
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Leighton Swan   
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Carey Duggan    
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Michael Kavanagh & Rowena Duncum   
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Sergio Valverde-Nandin & Kaelee Alexander    

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award –  William Harris  
• New Zealand Dairy Exporter Farming Knowledge Award –  Jayden Harvey
• Promising Future – Industry Acknowledgement Award – Kane Hughes  

Entering the 2013 Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year contest has made its winner, Richard McIntyre, better at what he does.

Mr McIntyre, who won $13,500 in cash and prizes, says he entered the Dairy Industry Awards to have his farm business analysed, with weaknesses highlighted and solutions found. “Essentially, it makes us better at what we do.”

The other big winners were Michael and Raewyn Hills, the 2013 Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua Farm Managers of the Year and Nic Verhoek, the Dairy Trainee of the Year. All winners are farming at Feilding and were announced at the region’s awards dinner held at Awapuni Racecourse, near Palmerston North, last night

Mr McIntyre, aged 31, is 29% sharemilking 430 cows for Richard and Sally Hogg. He says his business strengths are its focus on animal health and welfare, and human resources.

“We place a high value on the welfare of our stock through the implementation of farming policies, high levels of stockmanship and observation,” he says.

“My experiences, both positive and negative, in the past have made human resource management a focus and consequently a strength in our business. It is important to us that the working relationship with staff is positive and the environment we strive to create is focused on working together as a team.” 

Married to Emma, Mr McIntyre says the couple plan to progress to 50% sharemilking or an equity partnership and then increase in scale to either diversify or become farm owners.

Feilding 22% sharemilkers Duncan and Kim Fraser were runner-up in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest, winning $10,000 in prizes.

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.

The 2013 Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua Farm Managers of the Year, Michael and Raewyn Hills, went one better this year to claim the title and $9000 in prizes. The couple, who are managing a 700 cow farm for Brian and Alison, and Peter and Sharon Hills, were runner-up in the same contest last year.

“We gained heaps of benefits from our experience last year, particularly through the knowledge we gained from others and the feedback from judges specifically for our business.”

The couple are pleased with the production they do for the type of land farmed and say the dairy operation supports a bull beef, export heifer and calf rearing operation on additional farms, providing learning opportunities.

The Hills plan to progress to farm ownership through equity partnership opportunities.

Second place went to Bunnythorpe contract milker, Amy Lowe, aged 24, who won $4000, and third were Palmerston North contract milkers Shaun and Helene Kelly, winning $2150 in prizes.

In his first season in the dairy industry, 2013 Dairy Trainee of the Year, Nic Verhoek, says he found participating in the dairy industry awards a great process and introduction to the industry.

“It’s my first year as a dairy farmer so I see real benefits for progression, networking and knowledge building. Regardless of the result, I’d be interested to be involved in the awards in the future.”

Mr Verhoek, aged 27, won $6200 in prizes. He is an assistant on Kevin and Anna Citanovrch’s 1400 cow farm at Feilding. His goal is to progress in the industry.

Ashhurst assistant Dustin Mayo was runner-up in the dairy trainee contest, winning $750, and third went to Tokomaru assistant Renae Flett, who won $1500.

Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Richard McIntyre, will host a field day on April 9, while Farm Managers of the Year, Michael and Raewyn Hills, will host a field day on April 18. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Naylor Lawrence and Associates Best Financial & Farm Records Award – Shane Edwards & Sherree Drysdale
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Richard McIntyre  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Duncan & Kim Fraser  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Duncan & Kim Fraser  
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Duncan & Kim Fraser   
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Duncan & Kim Fraser    
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Duncan & Kim Fraser    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award –  Shane Edwards & Sherree Drysdale 
• Westpac Business Performance Award –  Shane Edwards & Sherree Drysdale  

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Bell Booth Best Livestock Award  –  Amy Lowe
• Hobsons & Associates Grass Roots Award – Kyle Falconer
• McDougalls Future Aims & Attitude Award – Sam Ebbett 
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award –  Michael & Raewyn Hills 
• Fonterra Best Practice Award –  Ian Powell & LeAnne Blakelock  
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Kyle Falconer  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Michael & Raewyn Hills  

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Nic Verhoek  
• Horizons Regional Council Farming Knowledge Award – Renae Flett  

Pahiatua farmers Shaun and Kate Mitchell can finally claim the 2013 Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title after entering seven times and placing runners-up last year.

The couple won $16,400 in cash and prizes at the region’s Dairy Industry Awards dinner at Copthorne Solway, in Masterton, last night. The other big winners were Bart and Tineke Gysbertsen, the 2013 Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Farm Managers of the Year, and Ken Ahradsen, the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The Mitchells say they have entered the awards multiple times due to the benefits of the feedback they have received. “It’s helped us to get a better understanding of our business and goals. The awards has also brought us out of our comfort zone and given us an opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded people.”

The couple are 26% sharemilking 440 cows on a Fonterra-owned farm. They say their strengths are in stock and pasture management.

“We are passionate about our animals and enjoy working with them. We are focused on keeping quality on a grass based system where there are challenges with stony soils and by being on a Fonterra farm.”

The couple are both aged 30 and have four young children. Their goal is to own a self-contained farm and milk once-a-day.

Second place in the Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Norsewood 50% sharemilkers Jason and Catherine McGrory, who won $6700, and Dannevirke 50% sharemilkers Scott and Aimee Charmley were third, winning $7000 in prizes.

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.

The 2013 Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Farm Managers of the Year, Bart and Tineke Gysbertsen have been dairy farming for 23 years and are committed to the industry.

The Gysbertsens contract milk 670 cows for Bruce and Tina Patrick at Masterton and won $9200 in cash and prizes. It was their second time entering the contest, doing so as they found the feedback invaluable.

The couple has eight children. Their daughter Alice, aged 18, is also in the industry and competed in the awards, winning a merit award in the trainee contest.

The Gysbertsens’ goal is to start a calf rearing business, build equity and buy a larger block of land for drystock farming.

Featherston farm managers Rowan McGilvary and Jay Harris were second and third in the farm manager contest, winning $4600 and $1500 in prizes respectively. Both men work for Peveral Industries.

The winner of the 2013 Dairy Trainee of the Year, Ken Ahradsen, could claim to have inside knowledge as he farms for the region’s dairy awards convenors, Clarence and Elise Stolte.

Mr Ahradsen, aged 23 years, manages a 500 cow herd for the Stoltes at Carterton and won $4700 in prizes. He entered the awards as he finds the judges feedback valuable and is motivated to find opportunities to lift performance. “Any recognition and credibility gained from winning an award will also help me progress to achieve my goals.”

He has purchased a drystock block and plans to develop it and run a dairy heifer operation. His goal is to step up to farm managing this coming season and progress to sharemilking.

Second place in the trainee contest went to Woodville assistant manager Tyne Stafford, who won $1750. Third went to Dannevirke herd manager Kyle Paton, winning $250 in prizes.

Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Shaun and Kate Mitchell, will host a field day on April 4, while Farm Managers of the Year, Bart and Tineke Gysbertsen, will host a field day on the Masterton farm they manage on April 11. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Harvest Electronics Innovation Award – Scott & Aimee Charmley
• MacDougalls Best Lower Order Sharemilker – Shaun & Kate Mitchell
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Jason & Catherine McGrory   
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Scott & Aimee Charmley   
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Clint Worthington   
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Shaun & Kate Mitchell    
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Scott & Aimee Charmley      
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Scott & Aimee Charmley     
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Shaun & Kate Mitchell   
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Shaun & Kate Mitchell    

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• BEL Group Most Promising Farm Manager Award  –  Nick Bertram
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award –  Bart & Tineke Gysbertsen  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Dale & Sherryn Marshall    
• RD1 Farm Management Award –  Rowan McGilvary  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – John Wyatt   

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Tyne Stafford   
• Dorrington Poole Farming Knowledge Award – Alice Gysbertsen   

The goals of the 2013 Southland Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Don and Jess Moore, are to optimise production and maximise profit to reach farm ownership and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

The Moores, who won $18,400 in prizes, aim to achieve this by growing their business using sustainable farming and human resource practices.

The other big winners at the 2013 Southland Dairy Industry Awards held at the Invercargill Workingmen’s Club last night were Daniel and Emma Todd, the region’s 2013 Farm Managers of the Year, and James Warren, the Southland Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Don and Jess Moore, aged 28 and 26, are in their second season 50% sharemilking 950 cows for Jeff and Edith, and Bruce and Sue Cunningham at Gore. They have been on the farm five years, spending two years managing, and a year lower order sharemilking before progressing.

A former deep sea fisherman, Mr Moore, aged 28, won the 2010 Southland Farm Manager of the Year title. The couple say there are many benefits to entering the awards.

“It makes you look at your business through a microscope and delve into the how, why and where too in every aspect – from the day-to-day running to our goals for the future. We also enjoy the opportunity to network with some of the stand-out leaders within the dairy industry, as that is what makes this industry so strong.”

The couple say communication and maximising low cost production are strengths. “On a large farm, it’s important that people are kept well informed. For this reason we focus on keeping up communication and having systems that assist us to do this so that everyone knows what they are responsible for.”

Second in the Southland sharemilker/equity farmer contest were Tokanui equity farm managers Chris and Lynsey Stratford, who won $10,400, while Winton equity sharemilkers Andres Patino and Jorgelina Leiva were third, winning $5200.

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.

The 2013 Southland Farm Managers of the Year, Daniel and Emma Todd, want to grow their livestock numbers quickly and profitably so they can progress to 50% sharemilking within four years.

The couple, who won $9150, contract milk 377 cows for Rob and Karen Duthie at Rimu. “Our contract milking position is enabling us to grow our livestock numbers, and thus helping us to grow our equity and reach our goals faster.”

The Todds say they work well as a team, as they are able to use their individual skills and expertise to the businesses’ advantage. Daniel Todd, aged 25, has a practical farming background while Emma Todd, aged 26, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is an Associate Chartered Accountant.

“Our hands on practical farming experience mixed with accounting, taxation and human resource management skills have been a successful combination for us, enabling us to focus on the parts of the business which we love to do and giving us more time together as a family.”

The couple had entered the awards once before, saying it forced them to step out of their comfort zone. “We loved the challenge and the ability to network with other farmers and industry representatives.”

Runner-up in the farm manager contest was Gore farm manager Don Mananes, who won $5700, and Lochiel contract milkers Craig McGregor and Megan Edgley were third, winning $2400.

The 2013 Southland Dairy Trainee of the Year, James Warren, says there are great opportunities to progress in New Zealand’s dairy industry for those that work hard.

Mr Warren, aged 28 years, is an assistant on a 1000 cow farm owned by Avondale Dairies, Tony and Vicki Miles, at Winton. He won $7400 in prizes.

He was encouraged to enter the awards for the first time. “I was hesitant to apply at first, but when I entered I realised it was a good opportunity for me and it took me out of my comfort zone.  It was a great way to meet people as I am new to the province.”

After graduating from Massey University, Mr Warren travelled overseas. He worked on a cattle ranch in Canada and dairy farms in Ireland before returning to New Zealand last year.

“I came home to fulfil my dreams of farming.” His goals are to progress through the industry and ultimately achieve farm ownership.

Second place in the Southland trainee contest went to Roslyn Bush assistant Mark Barclay, who won $2200 in cash and prizes. Third was Winton trainee Josh Lavender, who won $800 in prizes.

Southland Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Don and Jess Moore, will host a field day on April 18, while Southland Farm Managers of the Year, Daniel and Emma Todd, will host a field day on April 23. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Karen Vreugdenhil Memorial Encouragement Award –  John & Joanna O’Callaghan  
• Terry Bently Animal Husbandry Award – Tamburayi Makoni & Doreen Mapfumo   
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Don & Jess Moore  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Tamburayi Makoni & Doreen Mapfumo  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Chris & Lynsey Stratford  
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Don & Jess Moore   
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Andres Patino & Jorgelina Leiva   
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Chris & Lynsey Stratford    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Chris & Lynsey Stratford  
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Don & Jess Moore   

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Claude Wuest Memorial Encouragement Award  – Michael Hand   
• Newtek Pacifier Best Livestock Award – Sven Buhre
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Marty & Amy Heath  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Don Mananes   
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Don Mananes  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Daniel & Emma Todd  

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – James Warren  
• Winton Stock Feed Farming Knowledge Award – Mark Barclay  

By winning the 2013 Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year title, Ben Sanders has made huge steps towards achieving his goal of farm ownership by the age of 40.

The 25-year-old Clinton herd manager is focused on growing his asset base by increasing cow numbers, which he then leases.

Mr Sanders was the celebrated winner at the 2013 Otago Dairy Industry Awards dinner at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha last night April 6, winning $8400 in prizes, and will be the region’s sole representative at the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Wellington next month.

Earlier this year, organisers revamped the region’s awards format as entries in the Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year and Otago Farm Manager of the Year contests were disappointing. Awards were also made to Shaun Thomas, for Highly Commended Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, and Neil Molina, judged the Best Otago Farm Manager of the Year.

Working for Brendon and Kate Anderson, Mr Sanders has had an interesting career to date. After graduating from Lincoln University he worked on a large cattle station in Western Australia and has also spent time working on a cropping farm and drystock farm. “I decided it was time to come home and change the cowboy hat for a pair of redbands and an apron.”

He says it is the second time he had entered the dairy awards. “I found it great for meeting like-minded people at your level in the industry. It is also a really challenging competition, where you have to know all aspects of dairying as well as your own personal goals and career path.”

Tapanui farm assistants Scott Stiven and Sean Culling were placed second and third respectively in the dairy trainee contest, winning $2800 and $1500 in cash and prizes.

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.

The Highly Commended Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Shaun Thomas, is 50% sharemilking 470 cows for David and Christine Benny at Balclutha.

Mr Thomas, aged 26, says his goals are to position himself to buy into a farm within six years and to help others in the industry. “I want to continue to train and develop young people to be able to succeed in the dairy industry.”

Neil Molina is the Best Otago Farm Manager of the Year, managing a 2300-cow Ranfurly operation, Concept Holdings, for Greg and Kelly Kirkwood.

Mr Molina, aged 40, says he works with great people with a great business strategy. “Greg and Kelly have superb financial management skills and run an efficient business operation. Concept Holdings is surrounded by people who care and treat them as if they are their own. People are empowered and are happy.”

Greg and Kelly Kirkwood won the Otago Sharemilker of the Year contest in 2008.

Further details on the winners can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Westpac Business Performance Award –  Chris & Kathryn Peat  

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Neil Molina  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Thomas & Martina Jaeger   

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award –  Scott Stiven 
• The Dairy Exporter Farming Knowledge Award – Ben Sanders   

Three entrants in the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have won farm bikes worth $4000, just for entering.

All those that entered the awards before December 1 last year and progressed through the judging process were eligible for the Early Bird Prize Draw to win one of three Honda XR125 Duster farm bikes valued at $4000.

The draw took place on Friday April 5 and one bike was drawn from early entrants in each contest – the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“It’s a generous incentive and has certainly helped to get entries in early and dissipate the late rush of entries,” national convenor Chris Keeping says. “Every farmer needs a good bike!”

There were 428 entrants eligible for the prize draw, up from 381 the previous year, and 566 entrants in total in the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

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 AgITO.

Southland Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year entrants Steve Henderson and Tracy Heale, of Winton, received their new bike at the region’s awards dinner on Friday night April 5.

The other winners were:
Dairy Trainee of the Year, Central Plateau – Reece Cox, Taupo
Farm Manager of the Year, West Coast/Top of the South – Hayden George, Dobson

Mr Cox was placed runner-up in the region’s trainee contest while Hayden George will learn if further reward will come his way when the region holds its awards dinner on Thursday April 11.

Visit this website for more information on the awards programme, including details on the regional awards winners and subsequent field days.

The 2013 Canterbury/North Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Morgan and Hayley Easton, are using their knowledge to achieve their farming goals.

“Both Hayley and I are well educated in fields supportive of an agribusiness career, which we think is important when running large-scale dairy farms today,” Morgan Easton says. “Large dairy farms are big businesses with significant turnover and numbers of people employed. We feel the knowledge gained from our education has undoubtedly helped us achieve our farming goals to date.”

The other major winners at the Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards dinner held at Hotel Ashburton last night were Richard Pearse, the Farm Manager of the Year, and Adam Caldwell, the Dairy Trainee of the Year. Coincidentally Mr Pearse employs Mr Caldwell as an assistant on the Ashburton farm he manages.

Judges said the sharemilker/equity farmer contest was tight, and they were extremely impressed with the calibre of entrants and farming businesses they are operating.

Morgan and Hayley Easton, aged 30 and 27, have spent the past five years developing the 365ha Oamaru property owned by David and Clare Easton and where they 50% sharemilk, increasing cow numbers from 450 to 1350 in that time.

It was the first time the couple, who won $18,600 in prizes, had entered the awards. “We wanted to have most of the development done before we entered and have the farm both running and looking the way we wanted.” 

Mr Easton holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, as well as a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics, obtained while on a Fulbright Scholarship at Purdue University in the USA. Hayley Easton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Management from Leeds University and worked as an assistant accountant until the couple’s first child was born last year.

The Easton’s goal is to purchase a farm within five years. To help achieve this they run an expanded artificial insemination programme to increase young stock and improve herd breeding worth. They also plan to take on a second sharemilking position within two years.

Dorie 50% sharemilkers Andrew and Hayley Slater were placed second in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest, winning $9000, and Culverden lower order sharemilkers Nigel and Gina Gardner were third, taking home $7500 in prizes.

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.

The 2013 Canterbury/North Otago Farm Manager of the Year, Richard Pearse, wants his reputation in the industry to be based on honesty and integrity.

Mr Pearse, aged 30, won $10,700 in prizes and is contract milking 955 cows for Graham and Jane Thomas at Ashburton. He is committed for two more seasons with the Thomas’ and then plans, with partner Susan Geddes, to progress to sharemilking or equity partnership.

“We highly value our reputation in the dairy industry and as we are looking to progress further we believe that having a good image is crucial to our success.”

He also values the input of those around him like staff, farm owners and rural professionals. “We aim to ensure – through good communication – that people feel appreciated and involved in both the running of the farm and the business side of it as well.”

It was the first time he had entered the awards, after beginning his dairy farming career in Balclutha in 2000 and progressing.

Second place in the region’s farm manager contest went to Temuka contract milkers Hamish and Jill Johnson, who won $5900, and third were Ashburton farm managers Jason and Paula Strawbridge, winning $2600 in prizes.

The 2013 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year, Adam Caldwell, has made a winning start to his dairy farming career. The 23-year-old is in his first season in the industry and won $4700 in prizes to claim the title. He is also employed by the region’s winning farm manager Richard Pearse on the Ashburton farm owned by the Thomas’.

Mr Caldwell completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University before entering the industry and aims to become a farm owner.

“Entering the dairy awards has given me the opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded people in the agricultural sector, as well as the chance to explore my personal knowledge of the dairy industry and improve my communication and interview skills.”

The dairy trainee runner-up was Rakaia farm assistant Jonathon Brown, who won $500, and third was Oxford production manager Pat Murphy, winning $250 in prizes.

Canterbury/North Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Morgan and Hayley Easton, will host a field day on April 30, while Canterbury/North Otago Farm Manager of the Year, Richard Pearse, will host a field day on April 23. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Canterbury/North Otago DIA First Time Entrant Award – James & Ceri Bourke   
• Plucks Engineering Ltd Innovation Award – Brent Nish
• Riverside Veterinary Services Ltd Animal Husbandry Award – Brent Nish
• Environment Canterbury Water Efficiency Award – Michael & Nicola Smith  
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award –  Nigel & Gina Gardner 
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Nigel & Gina Gardner  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award –  Morgan & Hayley Easton 
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Nigel & Gina Gardner   
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Andrew & Hayley Slater   
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Morgan & Hayley Easton    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Michael & Nicola Smith  
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Morgan & Hayley Easton   

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• Canterbury/North Otago DIA Most Promising Farm Manager Award – Chris Eden 
• T H Enterprises Ltd Leadership Award  – Richard Pearse  
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Stephen Hyde  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Hamish & Jill Johnson    
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Hamish & Jill Johnson  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Richard Pearse  

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award – Glen Trayner  
• Canterbury/North Otago DIA Farming Knowledge Award – Brad Fallaver  

It is the second time the 2013 West Coast/Top of the South Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Peter and Helen McLaren, have won one of the region’s top farming awards.

In 2008 the couple claimed the region’s Farm Manager of the Year title. Last night they went one better to win $19,000 in cash and prizes. “Entering the awards in 2008 gave us a lot of confidence in knowing that our farm systems are working and it also enabled us to pursue further opportunities and go 50:50 sharemilking,” the McLarens said.

The other major winners at the region’s Dairy Industry Awards dinner at Shantytown, Greymouth, were Blue Benseman, the Farm Manager of the Year, and Sam Riley, the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Peter and Helen McLaren, aged 51 and 47, are 50% sharemilking 525 cows for Peter and Margaret Brooker at Maruia. They started their dairy farming career with the Brookers in 2000, as assistant managers before progressing to a manager role. They also have another 50% sharemilking position of 550 cows on a nearby farm for Rob and Jane MacBeth.

They say their strengths are teamwork and cost control. “We have set up a low cost farming system that gives us a very good financial return. Being able to control farm working expenses enables us to pursue further opportunities as they arise.”

The couple’s goal is to purchase a farm, milking up to 500 cows within three years, while retaining their two sharemilking positions. 

Second place in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest went to Whataroa 50% sharemilkers Chris and Carla Staples, who won $8500. Greymouth equity farm managers Kelvin and Heather McKay were third, winning $4900 in prizes.

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.

The 2013 West Coast/Top of the South Farm Manager of the Year, Blue Benseman, would like to be a positive role model to farmers.

The 53-year-old farm manager on Landcorp’s 1050-cow Bassets Dairy Unit at Westport won $11,200 in prizes. It was his first time entering the awards, believing they would have a positive influence on his career and relationship with colleagues.

Mr Benseman says Landcorp offers great training and support, as well as opportunities for career advancement. He spent four years in the dairy industry when he left school and returned six years ago. His goals are to progress to operations manager and farm business manager within Landcorp and to also rear some beef cattle on lease land.

“I’d like to be a positive role model for future generations of farmers using my leadership skills.”

Runner-up in the farm manager contest was Moana farm manager Hayden George, who won $4000, and Takaka farm manager Adam Boaz was third, winning $3500.

The 2013 West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Trainee of the Year, Sam Riley, is assisting on a 780 cow Tapawera farm owned by Steve and Kerry Semmens. The 23-year-old won $4200 in prizes.

“I am really passionate about farming and love the financial side of it. I also love learning new skills.”

Mr Riley began dairy farming as a 16-year-old, but left after a year to take up a building apprenticeship. On completion of the apprenticeship, he travelled overseas for a year before returning to New Zealand and the dairy industry in 2012. He is moving to a contract milking position with 600 cows for the next two years, with plans to double production on the high input system farm.

It was his first time in the awards competition. “I entered for the networking, confidence building, to put me out of my comfort zone and for the training opportunities.” He was also keen to develop his leadership and human resource management skills.

Second in the trainee contest was Maruia assistant Glen Fishburn, who won $2500, and third was Dobson trainee Phil Botting, winning $250 in prizes. 

West Coast/Top of the South Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Peter and Helen McLaren, will host a field day on April 30, while the region’s Farm Manager of the Year, Blue Benseman, will host a field day on April 24. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on this website.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards:
• Cuffs Accountants and Business Advisors Strategic Planning Award – Peter & Helen McLaren   
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Peter & Helen McLaren  
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Chris & Carla Staples  
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Christopher & Siobhan O’Malley  
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – Christopher & Siobhan O’Malley   
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Ant & Suzi O’Malley   
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Kelvin & Heather McKay    
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Chris & Carla Staples  
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Peter & Helen McLaren   

Farm Manager Merit Awards:
• TB Free New Zealand Livestock Management Award  –  Rochelle Roberts 
• AgITO Human Resource Management Award – Blue Benseman  
• Fonterra Best Practice Award – Adam Boaz   
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Hayden George  
• Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award –  Paul Awaikera 

Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
• DairyNZ Practical Skills Award –  Rhys Martelli 
• Essential Nutrition Ltd Farming Knowledge Award –  Glen Fishburn 

The finalists lining up in the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are evidence of the huge opportunities and varying pathways available to progress in the dairy industry.

The 34 finalists in the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions are now all known after the completion of 12 regional award programmes last week.

“The finalists have a range of backgrounds and experience in the industry, but are all working hard and achieving great results in their various positions. This is helping them to progress their career and grow their equity to take the next step in the dairy industry,” national convenor Chris Keeping says.

“The range of positions they hold also demonstrates the way the dairy industry has evolved to create opportunities for people to enter and progress at their own pace and in their own way.”

Mrs Keeping says the finalists hold positions from farm assistants, herd managers, farm managers, contract milkers, lower order and 50% sharemilkers, to equity managers and equity partners. “Some are in an equity partnership and are then lower order sharemilking for that partnership. It really is now whatever works!”

She says other trends among this year’s group of finalists appear to be a much greater emphasis on managing people within their business – or the human resource aspect to farming – and having good communication between all stakeholders.

“Having a sustainable farm and farming environmentally friendly has become the new norm among the finalists, just like having sound financial performance systems in place.”

Mrs Keeping says the finalists include a set of brothers, a seven-time dairy industry awards entrant, and a number with university and trade qualifications. The smallest herd size among the finalists is 220 cows, while the largest is 1400 cows.

The finalists will converge on Wellington for the national awards dinner on May 24. Before then, many will host on-farm field days and also prepare for national judging, which takes place in mid-May.

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.

Further information on the finalists and on-farm field days can be found on this website.

The finalists are:

New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year:
Northland – Ian & Tim Douglas (brothers)
Auckland/Hauraki – James Courtman
Waikato – Andrew & Michelle McPherson
Bay of Plenty – Russell & Nadine Meade
Central Plateau – Garth & Nicola Thomson
Taranaki – Kenneth & Rachel Short
Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa –Shaun & Kate Mitchell
Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua – Richard McIntyre
West Coast/Top of the South – Peter & Helen McLaren
Canterbury/North Otago – Morgan & Hayley Easton
Southland – Don & Jess Moore

New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year:
Northland – Niall & Delwyn McKenzie
Auckland/Hauraki – Michael & Kylie Cox
Waikato – Gary McFarlane
Bay of Plenty – Chris Mexted
Central Plateau –Blair & Andrea Muggeridge
Taranaki – Michael Kavanagh & Rowena Duncum
Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa – Bart & Tineke Gysbertsen
Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua – Michael & Raewyn Hills
West Coast/Top of the South – Blue Benseman
Canterbury/North Otago – Richard Pearse
Southland – Daniel & Emma Todd

New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year:
Northland – Jake Thomson
Auckland/Hauraki – Mathew Whittaker
Waikato – Thomas Herbert
Bay of Plenty – Thomas Chatfield
Central Plateau – Todd Adamson
Taranaki – Daniel Regtien
Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa – Ken Aradsen
Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua – Nicholas Verhoek
West Coast/Top of the South – Sam Riley
Canterbury/North Otago – Adam Caldwell
Otago – Ben Sanders
Southland – James Warren

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is succeeding in its goal of recognising excellence among farmers as they progress in the dairy industry.

Three of the 11 finalists in the 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year competition are past entrants and regional winners in the New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year contest.

National convenor Chris Keeping says it is an exciting development in the awards programme, which has run in its current format since 2006 when the sharemilker/equity farmer, farm manager and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions were brought together.

“We always envisaged the awards would be used as a mechanism for people to advance their dairy farming career by participating in each stage of the awards programme – from trainee to farm manager and then sharemilker/equity farmer,” Mrs Keeping says. “We thought entering the awards would help them gain in recognition and reputation to take the next step in their dairying career and make them sought after by employers and business partners.”

West Coast/Top of the South finalists Peter and Helen McLaren won the region’s farm manager title in 2008. In 2010 Bay of Plenty finalists Russell and Nadine Meade won the region’s farm manager title and competed against Southland’s Don Moore for national honours. “While none of them were successful at the national level, the experience will be valuable as they prepare for this year’s finals,” she says.

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.

The 11 finalists in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest also include eight couples, two brothers farming in partnership and two males. It is the second time four of the finalists have competed in the awards, the third time for two finalists and it is the seventh time entering for one. Four finalists are first time entrants.  

“They’re also a pretty young group – with just one finalist aged over 40 years old and six aged 30 or less.”

Mrs Keeping says five are traditional 50% sharemilkers, three hold lower order sharemilking positions, and three are equity managers or equity partners. The herd sizes range from 220 cows to 1350 cows.

“Add to the mix a range of tertiary and trade qualifications and industry experience, and it’s going to be a really interesting challenge for the judges to pick the winner,” she says.

The 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Wellington on May 24.

View this website for more information on the finalists.

The 11 finalists competing for the 2013 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year title are split between contract milkers and farm managers – as well as age, experience, and farm size.

Judging begins next week for the finalists comprising four males and seven couples, and involves a two-hour farm visit covering financial planning, human resource and farm management. The final component of the judging, an interview, will take place in Wellington prior to the winners being announced at the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards on May 24.

Winners in the 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year will also be announced and nearly $150,000 in prizes will be given away.

National convenor Chris Keeping says it is the eleventh year of the farm manager contest, which had also become a dual between contract milkers and farm managers.

The finalists this year include five contract milkers and six farm managers. A contract milker is self-employed and paid on a specific dollar value per kilogram of milksolids (such as $1/kgMS) to oversee the farm production system. They are responsible for some of the farm expenditure and may also contribute some equipment such as a bike. A farm manager is responsible for the financial and physical performance of the farm, including recruiting and managing any staff.

“One of the great aspects of the dairy industry is that there are a number of ways people can develop their farming skills and knowledge and build their equity to take the next step in their career.”

Mrs Keeping says most of the finalists (eight) are aged under 30 years old and one, Bay of Plenty’s representative Chris Mexted, is only in his first full season dairy farming.

The oldest finalist, the West Coast/Top of the South’s Blue Benseman, is 53 years old and is also managing the largest herd at 1050 cows. Mr Benseman is one of four finalists who had entered the awards for the first time. It is the second time five had entered and two finalists are third time entrants, including Auckland Hauraki representative Kylie Cox. Mrs Cox has entered the dairy trainee contest twice before but is entering the farm manager contest for the first time with husband Michael, an experienced builder.

The finalists are:
• Northland – Niall & Delwyn McKenzie, aged 34 and 32, farm managers, 320 cows
• Auckland Hauraki – Michael & Kylie Cox, 25 and 24, contract milkers, 620
• Waikato – Gary McFarlane, 25, farm manager, 900
• Bay of Plenty – Chris Mexted, 23, farm manager, 435
• Central Plateau – Blair & Andrea Muggeridge, both 29, farm managers, 1000
• Taranaki – Michael Kavanagh & Rowena Duncum, 27 and 26, contract milkers, 360
• Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa – Bart & Tineke Gysbertsen, 42 and 40, contract milkers, 670
• Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua – Michael & Raewyn Hills, 27 and 26, farm managers, 700
• West Coast/Top of the South – Blue Benseman, 53, farm manager, 1050
• Canterbury/North Otago – Richard Pearse, 30, contract milker, 955
• Southland – Daniel & Emma Todd, 25 and 26, contract milkers, 377.

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.

The winners of the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will be rewarded with a record prize pool, receiving more than $150,000 in cash and prizes.

The 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year will be announced in Wellington on Friday May 24. More than 600 people will attend the annual awards dinner.

“The prize pool is the most generous ever,” national convenor Chris Keeping says. “It is great to be able to present such great prizes, although most of our entrants take part in the awards for the other intangible benefits – like meeting new people, gaining confidence and getting some tips to improve their farm business management and performance.”

Mrs Keeping says the 34 finalists – the winners of regional competitions around the country – represent the best from the record 566 who entered the 2013 awards.

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.

The 11 finalists in the sharemilker/equity farmer competition are competing for a prize pool of $86,000 while the 11 finalists in the farm manager contest will compete for a prize pool of just under $50,000. A further $15,000 will be contested for by the 12 dairy trainee finalists.

Tickets to the event have now sold out. 
 

The 12 finalists in the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition will meet in Canterbury next week to take part in a study tour around the region.

Aged from 23 years to 28 years, the study tour is designed to increase the trainee’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the dairy industry and demonstrate what opportunities are available as they progress.

The 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will announce winners of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year as well as the trainee contest in Wellington on May 24. More than $150,000 in prizes will be given away.

National convenor Chris Keeping says the study tour will take trainees on farm visits, including to a robotic farm and the farm of 2011 Canterbury/North Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Rob and Debbie Mackle. A range of guest speakers will discuss the different pathways available to progress in the industry as well as the growth of dairying in Canterbury and the impact of irrigation.

During the tour, which begins on Monday <May 20>, the trainees will also participate in practical judging competitions and team building exercises. An interview, to be conducted once the trainees arrive in Wellington, is the final component of the judging – as the trainees have already produced DVDs.   

For the first time since the inaugural New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition, there are no females among the regional finalists.

“We’re a little shocked by the result, as the girls have done so well in the past few years and the number of female entries was good.”

Mrs Keeping says three females competed in the 2012 final, with four competing in 2011 and two females in both 2010 and 2009. “Hopefully this result will provide some strong motivation for the girls to step up next year.”

The trainees are assisting on farms with herd sizes ranging from 350 cows to 1400 cows and have a range of backgrounds, including two with trade qualifications (electrician and builder) and one is a former physiotherapist. Another three hold Bachelor qualifications and one holds a Diploma qualification.

“They’re certainly a tight and interesting bunch in a number of aspects, so the tour will provide an opportunity for them to build friendships, challenge each other and consider their future pathway in the industry.”

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.

More information on the trainee finalists can be found on this website. 

The winners of the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will attend the National Agricultural Fieldays in their first ambassadorial role since winning the national titles in Wellington last month.

The 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Don and Jess Moore, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year, Richard Pearse, and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, James Warren, will attend Fieldays opening and spend time with awards sponsors.

National convenor Chris Keeping says attending Fieldays next week will also enable them to investigate the latest farming innovations.

“The Fieldays is a huge mecca for New Zealand’s farming industry, so it’s a great opportunity for our winners to meet heaps of people, learn about the latest technology and innovations that may help them on farm, and share their experiences with interested people.

“Our awards sponsors really enjoy the opportunity to have our national winners’ visit their Fieldays site to meet key personnel and see the range of products and services on offer.”

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.

The 45^th National Agricultural Fieldays open at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, on Wednesday June 12.