Finalists named for Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

Frances Beeston, Jo Sheridan and Lara Sutton have been selected to compete for the title by a judging panel comprising Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) trustee Jenna Smith, 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Donna Cram and representatives from Fonterra, Rural Leaders, and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

Smith says the 2025 award nominations showcase a breadth of talent from across the dairy industry.

“It’s fantastic to see nominations that reflect the strength and diversity of our network – whether it’s hands on farmers, emerging leader, or rural professionals driving progress behind the scenes,” Smith says.

“Many of the nominees brought together community values, environmental care, commercial insight, and industry expertise – highlighting the depth of skill within the dairy community,” she adds.

Smith says the judges were seeking women who, through their commitment and passion, have made significant contributions to their community and the wider dairy sector. She says the three women demonstrate a deep understanding for the sector’s potential and could articulate the role they intend to play in that landscape.

The winner of the competition will be named on 1 May at a gala dinner in Hamilton.

The three finalists:

Frances Beeston

Ashburton-based dairy farmer and rural advocate Frances Beeston grew up on dairy farms across New Zealand, developing a passion for the industry from a young age.

Throughout her career, Beeston has held various roles across the sector, including as a contract milker and equity partner. She now oversees multiple family farm businesses.

She also serves on the Rural Women New Zealand Board and is a member of the LIC Shareholder Reference Group. Beeston is passionate about mental health and wellbeing in the rural sector, working with organisations like the Rural Support Trust to provide support to farmers.

Since 2018, she has been the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust’s wellness and Mycoplasma bovis coordinator.

“Frances has consistently shown up for her community and the wider sector,” says Smith.

“She has a deep understanding of her ‘why’ and her people-centric passion stood out to the judges.”

Jo Sheridan

Jo Sheridan has proven to be a dedicated leader within the dairy industry, known for her passion for sustainability, education, and community engagement.

Sheridan grew up on a dairy farm in South Taranaki, developing an appreciation for agriculture which led her to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Soil Science from Massey University.

Jo Sheridan.

She has over 24 years of experience in the industry, holding various roles at DairyNZ and serving as an independent industry consultant.

Currently, she is the demonstration manager at Owl Farm, a role she took on in 2019, overseeing a 140ha dairy farm, focusing on sustainable practices, farmer education and youth engagement.

Smith says Sheridan demonstrated passion, authenticity and a strong realistic view of how she can continue to make a positive impact on the sector.

“The judges were left with a clear impression of Jo’s energy and passion for the sector,” she adds.

Lara Sutton

Herd-owning Waikato sharemilker Lara Sutton manages 300 cows on 138 hectares while balancing her professional career and family life.

Sutton, who holds degrees in law and accounting, is a chartered accountant and qualified solicitor in addition to her dairy sector work.

She is also strategy & commercial partnerships manager at DairyNZ.

Lara Sutton

Smith says Sutton left the judges with a clear sense of her ability to connect and lead.

“Her demonstrated ability to continue to challenge herself has seen her seize opportunity and develop significant process and progress in the dairy industry,” she says.

Sutton is passionate about sustainable farming, mentoring young professionals and creating opportunities for those entering the industry.