NZ Dairy Industry Awards 2023

Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award nominations open until March 31

DAIRY INDUSTRY • AWA RDS •

HAWKE’S BAY WAIRARAPA REGION

Masterton venue for Hawke’s Bay Wairarapa Dairy Awards

With a theme combining royalty and the dairy industry, the 2023 Hawke’s Bay Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards dinner promises to be an evening not to be missed.

One of the highlights of the dairy industry calendar, the winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner at Masterton’s Copthorne Solway Park on Thursday 23rd March, with categories for Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year, and Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The three winners of each category will then go on to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards national ÿ nal, with national winners announced in Auckland on Saturday 13 May.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards attracts farmers from across the country, working in all levels of the dairy industry.

The three categories give entrants the chance to challenge themselves, earn a regional or national title and

to share in substantial regional and national prize pools.

Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa

Regional Manager Jennifer Read says the regional awards dinners are always a night of celebration, and not just for the winners. “The regional dinners not only focus on the regional winners and those in other categories, but provide another opportunity to meet, network and socialise with like-minded people who live and breathe the dairy industry.”

“It’s also an opportunity for the volunteers and sponsors to be acknowledged. They provide invaluable support in so many ways to the entrants and the Awards in general. Plus, it’s a chance for everyone to relax and have some fun!”

New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards General Manager Robin Congdon says entering one of the categories remains one of the best ways people can raise their proÿ le and reputation, as well as learn more about the industry to progress their career.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from entrants is how much they learnt during the process and how glad they are they entered,” he says.

“Entrants tell us that they really had to sit down and look at their business and how they were doing things on the farm and why.”

“Entering the Awards really is a learning journey – about the industry, about your business and about you as a farmer,” says Robin.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian, Ravensdown and Trelleborg, along with industry partners DairyNZ, MediaWorks and Rural Training Solutions NZ.

To purchase tickets for the Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards dinner and for more information on the New Zealand Dairy Awards visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

While New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards regional ÿ nalists are being named during 11 award dinners being held around the country next month, nominations to a national award that acknowledges dairy farmers who demonstrate innovation and passion in their approach to sustainable dairying remain open until March 31st.

The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award recognises dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.

Entry for this award is by nomination only via dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

The 2023 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award farmer could come from any of New Zealand’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership who demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities are eligible to enter.

Robin Congdon, New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards

General Manager, says that is important to showcase the good work farmers are doing within the industry as it does not always get the exposure it deserves. “We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have a positive e° ect on the environment.”

“This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community, or to nominate themselves.”

“This Award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through” he says.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and Trelleborg, along with industry partners DairyNZ, MediaWorks and Rural Training Solutions NZ. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information.

The 2022 National winners - 2022 Dairy Trainee of the Year Peter O’Connor, 2022 Share Farmer of the Year Will Green, 2022 Dairy Manager of the Year Jaspal Singh - All from Canterbury North Otago

Craigmore Agri Relationship Partner Caroline Amyes receiving the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award on behalf of Craigmore Farming Services at the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards

DAIRY INDUSTRY

Entering the Awards programme has created an excellent network within the industry and we received valuable feedback from judges.”

Why enter the Dairy Industry Awards?

Learn.

Be rewarded Improve your career prospects and upgrade your business skills. Be rewarded for your hard work with prize money, recognition and industry exposure.

When do I enter?

Entries open at the beginning of October and close around the middle of December.

sets you apart.

Running a farm is your business

We don’t turn up at your farm in a new Swanndri and pretend we know everything about running your farm. That’s your job.

Get your Farm Owner and/ or Farm Employer permission if entering the Share Farmer

or Dairy Manager of the Year categories.

Dairy Trainee of the Year entrants do not require their Farm Employer’s permission to enter but we do ask that you have their support.

What happens next?

Regional judging takes place between January and March, and Regional Awards Dinners in February and March, Dairy Industry Awards Field Days in March and April.

National judging takes place in late April/early May, and the National Awards Dinner in May.

Share Farmer of the Year

You are eligible if you are a Percentage Sharemilker, Contract Milker, Equity Farmer or Lessee.

You must be a New Zealand Citizen, New Zealand Resident or hold a New Zealand Work Visa at close of entries.

Preliminary Judging is onfarm and up to one hour 45

minutes. Five minute intro, 25 to 35 minute presentation (entrants will be provided further information which will clearly outline what to cover). Followed by a 50 to 60 minute farm tour and interview. The judges will ask questions as they go that will cover the judging criteria. Five entrants progress from prelims to the ÿ nal round of judging.

Finals judging will be structured in a similar way to prelims. Five minute intro, 25 to 35 minute presentation expanding to include personal and ÿ nancial planning and management. Followed by a 50 to 60 minute farm tour and interview, then up to 10 minutes of judges’ questions, ÿ ve minutes industry awareness and perception questions, and ending with a ÿ ve minute compliance/ declaration section.

The judges in your category are experienced in the ÿ eld of farming and want to know about you and your farming career. Entrants receive a written Feedback Report from their judges, with ÿ nalists receiving a report from each of their judging rounds.

Regional winners then progress to the National Final in May where they are judged by a national judging team to determine the national winner and placegetters.

National judging follows the same structure as the regional ÿ nals with a little more time, up to two hours in total, with a 5 minute intro, 20 minute presentation, up to one hour 20 minute farm tour, followed by 10 minutes where judges can asks questions, and ending with declaration and compliance questions.

Dairy Manager of the Year

You must be currently employed on a dairy farm in a full-time position, and remain so until the conclusion of the National Awards Dinner, have no equity in any dairy farming business, and not be selfemployed.

You must be a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand resident, or hold a New Zealand work visa at close of entries.

Judging takes place on-farm and may be no more than 1 ½ hours. If it’s all done in less time, that’s ok!

Five entrants will progress to the ÿ nal round of judging. Finals judging takes place onfarm and may be no more than 1 ¾ hours. Again, if it is done in less time, that’s ok.

Entrants receive a written Feedback Report from their judges, with ÿ nalists receiving a report from each of their judging rounds.

Regional winners progress to the National Final. In April/May they are judged by a national judging team to determine the national winners and place getters. National ÿ nals judging is on-farm and follows the same format as regional ÿ nals.

There is also a formal interview during the national ÿ nals’ week.

Further information will be provided to regional winners following their regional awards dinner.

Dairy Trainee of the Year

You must be aged 18-30 years at the close of entries, currently employed on a dairy farm in a full-time position, and remain so until the conclusion of the National Awards Dinner, have NOT been employed for more than three years on a dairy farm from the age of 18 either continuously or in total as at 1st June, be a New Zealand Citizen, New Zealand Resident or New Zealand Work Visa holder.

Skills Day judging involves six hands-on practical challenges. Tasks will be made up from a variety of levels and include a general knowledge task and fun task.

Six entrants will progress to the ÿ nals round. All entrants will receive feedback at the conclusion of each Practical Challenge and at the conclusion of all Skills Day judging will receive a feedback graph.

There will be a 30 minute interview, plus all ÿ nalists will be required to present a CV to the Interview Judges. Entrants will receive written feedback for this round of judging.

Regional Winners then progress

to the National Final in May where they are judged by a national judging team to determine the national winner and placegetters.

Merit Awards

Merit Awards are keenly sought after, and are presented to those entrants who excel in a speciÿ c area. Why not target one or more right from the start!

Regional Awards Dinners

Each region holds an Awards Dinner where the Merit Awards are presented and the Dairy Trainee of the Year winner is announced. These dinners are a fantastic night out and an excellent way to mix with fellow entrants, peers, sponsors and judges.

Regional Field Day

The Dairy Industry Awards Winners Field Day will be held on the property of the Share Farmer of the Year winner. The winners from the Dairy Trainee of the Year and Dairy Manager of the Year categories will be required to attend the Field Day and give a presentation. For more information on the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards go to www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

We specialise in knowing everything about managing your finances and providing you with all of the information you need to make decisions.

2022 Hawke’s Bay Wairarapa winners (from left) Dairy Trainee of the Year Jacob Stolte, Share Farmers of the Year Kerri and Jono Robson, and Dairy Manager of the Year Amarjeet Kamboj

- Manoj Kumar

& Sumit Kamboj, 2021 New Zealand & Hawkes Bay / Wairarapa Share Farmers of the Year.

DAIRY INDUSTRY • AWA

RDS •

HAWKE’S BAY WAIRARAPA REGION

Responsible dairying to create solutions for the future

The winners of the 2022 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award are extremely passionate and excited about the New Zealand dairy industry and were humbled to receive the award.

Craigmore Agri Relationship Partner Caroline Amyes says receiving the award at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards National Gala dinner was a great recognition of the awesome work their farming leaders and teams are doing every day and shows that they are on the right track.

“It is a re˜ ection on the passion and skill of the farmers in our team as well as the Craigmore farming group,” she says.

“Our goal is to help create solutions that will continue to

set us up for a positive future.”

Craigmore Farming Services is comprised of 22 dairy farms and one sheep and beef property from Culverden down to Middlemarch with a highempowerment management model where there is a high level of trust with their people.

“We understand that every farm has its own personality and system it can run, made up of its topography, climate, infrastructure, soils and so on,” explains Caroline.

“Each individual also has their own personality, interests and system they like to run, and where the two crossover is the sweet-spot for performance.”

Supported by a performance committee who provide coaching and support, each

farming leader identiÿ es their passions and interests which are then used in controlled on-farm trials for new initiatives and technologies.

“Our size allows us to wear this risk and our aim is to share our learnings from each trial, helping to create solutions for New Zealand agriculture,” says Caroline.

Current trials include o˛ -crop winter grazing with deferred pasture, round bales and self-feeding stacks, Halter cow management system, SmaxTec in rumen animal health monitoring bolus, biological stimulants for soil health, stream health assessments, biodiversity planting, people 360 review process, soil carbon monitoring and community planting projects.

Sustainable vision guides 2022 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer winners

The winners of the 2022 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year say everything they do is to a high standard, for the good of the industry and themselves.

Jono and Kerri Robson were named the 2022 Hawke’s Bay/ Wairarapa Share Farmers of the Year at the region’s annual awards.

To capture all the data in the trials and initiatives, Craigmore are developing a Social License to Farm programme, which focuses on seven pillars; Green House Gas Emissions, Water, Soil, Biodiversity, Animals, People & Community, Business.

“Under each pillar we have long-term goals and key objectives we are working towards, and each of these trials is helping us work towards achieving these long term targets,” explains Caroline. Responsible Dairying for Craigmore means helping to create solutions for the future of the New Zealand dairy industry through highly engaged and talented teams who have the space and support to meet their own personal, career and life goals.

“It means having thriving and stable communities, healthy ecosystems, and positive environmental outcomes with happy and healthy cows in ÿ nancially-viable and sustainable businesses that create a return for our investors and shareholders,” says Caroline.

“The Awards programme does an exceptional job of recognising and developing our future leaders and we would also like to recognise the great work the other two ÿ nalists are doing. We are proud to be supporters of the Canterbury region and now winners of this award.”

More information on the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Other major winners were Amarjeet Kamboj, the 2022 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Manager of the Year, and Jacob Stolte, the 2022 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The Robson’s are 50/50 herd-owning sharemilkers on Dean Nikora and Alexandra Stewart’s 119ha, 350-cow Waipukurau property. They won $10,586 in prizes and six merit awards.

Jono and Kerri entered the Share Farmer category twice previously, while Jono was also a past entrant in the Dairy Manager category. They say entering the Awards programme has had many beneÿ ts, primarily the increased focus on

their business and business practices.

“We enjoyed the relationships and other networking avenues that the Awards opened up for us, and found it inspiring to meet industry powerhouses at the Awards dinners.

“The Awards helped us recognise the purpose and direction that was best for our business and the feedback provided by the judges was invaluable and knowledgeable.”

The couple have been in the dairy industry for ten years together, with Jono a variable sharemilker in the South Island prior to meeting Kerri.

Jono enjoys the variety of work farming o˛ ers and ÿ nds the pathway to become your own boss very appealing.

“Kerri and I chose farming due to the lifestyle it created for us and our children. I love how our children invent fun from work!”

Kerri had no farming experience prior to meeting Jono.

“I’m now involved in all

aspects of the farm from the physical work to networking to the agribusiness side of things.”

“I love the life farming provides and the experiences our kids are fortunate to live.”

The Robsons are excited to be part of the future New Zealand dairy industry and feel key points would be around animal management technology, breeding improvements and the use of cows’ diets to minimise environmental impacts.

“We see ourselves as the new generation coming through and strive to be leaders in the industry who will drive it forward in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.”

With that in mind, the couple are changing the way they approach newcomers to the industry.

“We are here to employ, support and train newcomers because we want a successful succession journey within the industry. It’s our vision that others see the industry in the

light we see it.”

Future farming goals include purchasing a dry stock block to create a waste-free closed system and diversifying into beef animals from their dairy stock.

“We are going to use animal management technology to manage multiple farms, successfully.”

“We intend to remain prominent players in the industry through consulting roles, agribusiness avenues and to keep the gateway open for incoming sharemilkers on our own farms.”

2022 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners Craigmore Farming Services represented by Stuart Taylor and Caroline Amyes.

2022-Hawkes Bay Wairarapa Share Farmers of the-Year Kerri and Jono Robson

We understand that every farm has its own personality and system it can run, made up of its topography, climate, infrastructure, soils and so on,” explains Caroline.