Jo Sheridan is Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Hawke’s Bay dairy consultant Rachel Baker, Tararua district mayor Tracey Collis, and Southland dairy leadership coach Loshni Manikam are in the running for the coveted dairy award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony during Dairy Women’s Network’s conference in Rotorua on Thursday 22 March.
Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers says the three finalists highlight the wide scope of skills and expertise evident among women in New Zealand’s dairy industry.
“The role of women in this industry is unique and un-paralleled, and we’re proud to recognise and celebrate their success,” says de Villiers.
“The skills and experience Rachel, Tracey and Loshni bring to the dairy industry range from local government and leadership development through to board and governance expertise.
“These women show an unwavering commitment to progressing the dairy industry internationally, yet still retain their links and involvement at a grass roots level in their home regions and communities.”
Jo Finer, Fonterra’s general manager NZ industry affairs, says Fonterra is once again proud to support the Dairy Woman of the Year programme as it enters its eighth year of sponsorship.
“No other award in New Zealand recognises and encourages specifically the capability and success of women in the dairy industry,” says Finer.
