Tributes for a top farmer
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has acknowledged the tragic passing of Morrinsville farmer Jeff Bolstad.
Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year winner Stephen Overend needed a little pushing to enter the Dairy Industry Awards.
The first-time entrant was encouraged to enter the Awards by previous entrants.
“My wife pushed me along as this is something that is very much out of my comfort zone.”
He ended up winning the title, $7,125 in prizes plus three merit awards: he is farm manager on Theland Farm Group’s 266ha, 930-cow property at Hororata.
Overend (36) is currently studying towards a diploma in financial planning agribusiness management and holds PrimaryITO Level 3 and 4 in team management and effluent management.
He entered the dairy industry five and a half years ago and has worked for the past two and a half years as a manager.
Overend has learnt to deal with the challenge of stress through good nutrition and exercise. He’s proud that he has a low staff turnover rate and is thankful for the strong support from experienced and knowledgeable operations and technology teams.
Hilton farm manager Salem Christian, 22, was second in the Dairy Manager category, winning $2,250 in prizes and two merit awards. He was the 2018 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year.
He currently works for Brian and Ingrid Bolt on their 240ha property, milking 900 cows, Salem counts winning 2018 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year as one of his biggest successes.
Christian enjoys working outside with cattle and is making the most of the progression opportunities the dairy industry presents.
Hororata farm manager Tessa Goes placed third and won $2,000 in prizes and two merit awards. Goes works on the Theland Purata Farmgroup 173ha, 590-cow property.
As New Zealand marks International Day of Rural Women today, women from across the horticulture sector are calling attention to the crucial role they play in building a more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient industry.
Listed rural trader PGG Wrightson chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown have been voted out by shareholders.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
DairyNZ has appointed Dr Jenny Jago to a newly created leadership team role - science partnerships & impact advisor - as part of a strategic refresh of the organisation's science leadership.
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
When I interview Rachel Cox, she is driving - on her way to her next meeting.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.