CowManager Winners Say Tech Is a "No-Brainer" to Keep
The inaugural winners of the NZ Dairy Awards’ CowManager Experience prize say it will be a no-brainer to keep the technology in their farm business after experiencing the results.
Entries are open across eleven regions in the Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year categories, and close on 6 December.
Regional winners will compete for national titles at the National Awards Dinner in Christchurch on Saturday, 15 May 2027.
Entrants Gain Benchmarking and Networking
NZDIA General Manager Robin Congdon said the programme continues to spotlight the best of the New Zealand dairy industry.
He said entrant numbers were strong last year across the categories, and the awards have the backing of loyal national and regional sponsors.
"We are launching into our 38th year with real energy to drive and showcase best practice across the dairy sector," he said.
Congdon said farmers and businesses are in a good position to support the awards following a strong year.
"It's a great way to invest in your people and your business, and to help secure the future of New Zealand's strongest primary sector," he said.
He said entrants can benchmark themselves against the best in the industry and gain insights from the judges, which puts them in a better position to advance their careers.
Entrants also get networking opportunities and the chance to find mentors and make industry connections.
Prize Package Tops $1 Million
Congdon described the prize package of more than $1 million as "the cherry on top".
Power Farming is returning as a sponsor, offering the National Share Farmer of the Year runner-up the use of a KIOTI HX 140hp tractor for a year. LIC's GeneMark Genomics prize goes to the national winner of the LIC Animal Wellbeing Recording and Productivity Award, who will be able to DNA test the dams and replacement animals in their herd. CowManager will again award a two-year CowManager Experience in the Share Farmer of the Year category.
Honda is again offering early bird prizes to those who enter before 27 October. They are an EU22i Generator for Dairy Trainee, a WB20 Water Pump for Dairy Manager and an XR150L Motorbike for Share Farmer of the Year.
"Our national sponsors across the board continue to provide significant rewards for the top farmers coming through the awards programme," Congdon said. "We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support, which allows us to celebrate and reward the very best in our industry."
Special Awards
Nominations for the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award open in November. The award recognises leading farmers who showcase excellence, identify role models and best practice, and lift the overall standard in the dairy sector.
The Fonterra and ASB First Farm Award and the ASB Alumni of the Year Award are also on offer again. Entries for both open in the New Year.
The First Farm Award will be presented to three winners, who will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% for three years. It is open to farmers who have previously entered the Share Farmer of the Year category and plan to buy their first farm within two years. The award provides financial and strategic support to help them launch into farm ownership.
The Alumni of the Year Award is a collaboration between ASB and NZDIA that rewards alumni who have made significant contributions to the programme and the industry. The winner also receives up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% for three years. Entrants must be former NZDIA participants who have progressed to farm ownership or hold more than 50% equity in a farm business. Lending terms and conditions apply to both awards.
Congdon said the awards give young dairy farmers another reason to enter the Dairy Trainee, Dairy Manager and Share Farmer categories, as the opportunities and value of being an alumni member continue to give back in the future.
New North Waikato/Hauraki Region
A new North Waikato/Hauraki region will run its first awards programme this season. It takes in the Morrinsville district and continues to include Franklin and South Auckland. The regional committee will contact farmers and potential sponsors across the new area. Enquiries about entering or sponsoring can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The awards are run by volunteer regional committees, many of whose members are former entrants. Several committee representatives attended the NZDIA Conference in Rotorua in September.
Congdon said there has been strong progression through the committee ranks, with members stepping up into leadership roles. "Being part of a regional committee is a fantastic way to give back to the industry and grow your own skills," he said.
The West Coast/Top of the South region is seeking a second-in-command to work alongside this year's Regional Manager. Interested people can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How To Enter
Entries close on 6 December. Information on categories and prizes, and the entry form, are available at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC and Power Farming, along with industry partners Fonterra, DairyNZ and The Country.
