Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says ASB's sponsorship could not have come at a better time.
"More importantly, their resources and expertise in the dairy industry will help us achieve our goals of educating and driving what's important for the sustainability of dairy farming in New Zealand," says Congdon.
Aidan Gent, ASB general manager rural banking, says the next generation of farmers is crucial to the future prosperity of New Zealand's food and fibre sector, and the NZ Dairy Industry Awards are a fantastic recognition of dairy farmers.
"We are excited to be supporting them on their mission to celebrate the breadth of talent coming through the dairy industry as an integral part of New Zealand's economy.
"ASB has a proud history of supporting some of New Zealand's largest farmers, from the first steps of their farming career to where they are today - helping them to grow, diversify and future-proof their businesses, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of the journey for the next generation."
NZDIA Trust chair Paulette Johns says they are looking forward to the value ASB will bring to regional and national events "through discussions with entrants about what is important to them when lending to dairy farmers, through the tailored feedback they provide following individual on farm judging observations and through amplifying our efforts to share the great stories from our exceptional finalists with a wider audience".
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The partnership also highlights ASB's ongoing commitment to supporting the dairy sector and driving excellence in one of New Zealand's most vital industries.
In addition to ASB, NZDIA welcomes training provider, Dairy Training Limited (DTL), who joins as an all-region sponsor, strengthening its support for entrants in the awards programme.
Long-term national sponsor Ecolab has agreed to continue its sponsorship for the next three years, solidifying its commitment to the dairy industry. They have been a highly-engaged sponsor since 1986, actively participating in all regional committees.
Ecolab's support has grown consistently over the years, with a special interest in the dairy trainee programme.
DeLaval returns as an all-region sponsor, further bolstering the awards programme and experience for entrants.
The awards programme includes New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year and Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award categories and is supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC, and Trelleborg, along with industry partners DairyNZ, Fonterra and MediaWorks.
Entries for the 2025 NZ Dairy Industry Awards opened on 7 October and will close on 8 December. Dairy farmers at all level are encouraged to entre to benefit from the learning experience, grow their careers and businesses, and connect with others in the industry. More information can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
