Dairy Awards secures future for 2014 winner

 "I am pretty happy as we know that we have got job security in the dairy industry. We are 100% going 50:50 sharemilking. Entering the dairy awards has made our dreams become reality," Bertram says.

Bertram entered the awards twice before winning, and is quick to remind people that in his first year entering he did not even make the top six in the regional farm manager competition.

"I entered as I wanted to go out and prove that I was a pretty good manager, and I did find it tough to get a good manager's job when I first went looking."

Since winning, Bertram has joined the Hawkes Bay Wairarapa regional awards committee and has the job of contacting potential entrants and encouraging them to enter.

"I have convinced at least a few people that are umming and erring about it. People don't want to enter when they are first year managers on a farm. I tell them to go with the attitude to learn what the dairy awards are all about. Don't take it too serious, do your best, but don't put pressure on yourself."

He says it is most important that they enjoy the experience.

Entry to the Dairy Awards is free and applications are now being accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for the 2015 programme.

Awards include the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year.

All entries close on November 30.

Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information on the awards.