Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
Awards general manager Robin Congdon says more entries were received than last year and notably more Share Farmer of the Year entries, which are traditionally harder to come by.
Waikato came out on top with 66 entries across all three categories, then Canterbury/North Otago with 54 entries, followed by Southland/Otago achieving 39 entries.
The national awards night will be held in Hamilton in May.
Meanwhile nominations to a national award that flushes out dairy farmers promoting sustainable dairying are open until March 20th.
The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award was introduced by NZDIA to recognise those 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.
Congdon 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 effect on the environment.”
“We want to hear about the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis. This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community.”
Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa farmers Nick and Nicky Dawson won the 2020 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award and received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy.
The Dawsons impressed the panel of judges with their genuine commitment and passion.
Nomination forms are available at dairyindustryawards.co.nz, with entries closing March 20th. From those nominations, three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel of judges.
