DAIRY NEWS MARCH 13, 2018
DAIRY AWARDS – REGIONAL FINALS // 9
l industry awards MANAWATU
SHARE FARMER OF THE YEAR THE 2018 Manawatu Dairy Industry Awards Share
Farmer of the Year winners Richard and Wendy Ridd say being part of a progressive industry was the key to leaving their roles as a contractor and a veterinary technician, respectively. “We both love working outside and with animals, and the farming lifestyle enables us to create for our family,” they say. The Ridds are in their third season 50:50 sharemilking 410 cows on a 209ha Ashhurst property owned by Richard’s parents Andrew and Caroline Ridd. After enduring the low payout in the first year, they have focused on equity growth through herd value and debt reduction.
DAIRY MANAGER OF THE YEAR THE 2018 Manawatu Dairy Manager of the Year is Angela Strawbridge. She won $6500 in prizes. Strawbridge (37) is herd manager for Stewart Dairylands, on James and Debbie Stewart’s 180ha, 420 cow property in Bunnythorpe. She sees pasture management as fundamental to their system of being free-range, having grass-fed animals and working with the natural environment in producing cost-competitive feed. “It is a privilege and great responsibility to be able to make a living from the land,” she says. “Great care and good management are needed, with ongoing education to limit farming’s footprint.”
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TRAINEE OF THE YEAR THE 2018 Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year is Samuel White (22), a farm assistant on Colin MacMillan’s 150ha Palmerston North farm. He won $6305 in prizes. Despite being born and raised in the city, White has always had an affinity with the land. He is passionate about the environment and believes it is possible to succeed on farms and care for the planet. “I want to get myself into a position where I can have an influence on farm practices, and intend to continue my learning through the various courses available.” The Manawatu Dairy Industry Awards field day will be held on March 22 at 710 Ashhurst Road, Palmerston North.
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