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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES NOVEMBER 2012
NZ Dairy Industry Awards open by Denise Gunn
Entries for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards opened on November 1 giving entrants an opportunity to benchmark themselves and their farm business. Split into three categories: New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year; New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year; and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, the competition encourages excellence in the dairy industry. Entrants must first compete in one of 12 regional competitions with winners progressing onto a national final. Organisers met in Rotorua recently to finalise the 2013 awards programme. The regional competitions are organised by volunteers. National convenor Chris Keeping said the awards are reliant on the volunteer effort of past winners and entrants to give their time and skills to manage their regional competitions for the awards. “Most of our regional convenors volunteer to take on the role as they see it as an extension to their participation
in the dairy industry awards and an opportunity to develop new skills and to network with peers and industry representatives. “In saying that, the awards would be lost without the huge voluntary effort the convenors — and their committees — give.” Winners of the 2011 Waikato Sharemilker/Equity Farmer title and National Sharemilker Equity Farmer of the Year, Jason and Lisa Suisted, will be convening this category and the Farm Manager of the Year section in their region. The couple’s win was their third time entering the competition. Lisa said the process of entering helped them to evolve as business owners and their farming operation went from strength to strength.
“The competition as a whole gave us confidence in networking and meeting new people, and working together as a team to diversify our strengths. “It assisted us with the process of taking the goals and dreams that we already had and helping us action these with solid plans and achievable timelines.” Lisa said the Dairy Industry Awards are much more than just a competition. “They really help you fast track your
career by assisting you with ideas to develop or expand your business. “They have a real added value of connecting you with professionals in the industry who are volunteering their time to help you achieve success in your farming career. “It’s free to enter and the benefits you will come away with are indisputably worthwhile.” Entries for the 2013 awards programme are accepted online at www. dairyindustryawards.co.nz
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The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards encourage excellence in the dairy industry
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