Tuesday, 29 May 2018 11:55

Got ladder, will climb

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Simone Smail.

Dairy Trainee of the Year Simone Smail wants to keep climbing the industry ladder.

The 24-year old herd manager says she is excited about the future following her win at the Dairy Industry Awards in Invercargill.

“I’m so excited… I cannot wait to keep climbing the ladder,” she told Dairy News.

Smail says farm ownership is a long-term goal that “may take a while, but it’s certainly a goal”.

She won the dairy trainee title in her third attempt, winning $10,600 in prizes and the DeLaval Communication and Engagement Award.

Smail is herd manager on an Invercargill City Council farm, working for Steve and Tracy Henderson on the 780-cow, 310ha property at Invercargill.

Dairy trainee head judge Chris Withy says Smail presented herself well, was at ease in the environment and gave considered, accurate answers.

“She is an excellent example of someone who hasn’t grown up in a farming environment but has developed an obvious love of the land and the stock she works with.”

“Simone shows that anyone can go dairying and succeed if they work hard.”

More like this

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.

Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards

Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).

No regrets choosing cows over boardroom

Winning the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year still hasn't sunk in for Thomas and Fiona Langford.

Winners showcase dairy innovation and sustainability - DairyNZ

DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the industry-good organisation is proud to be an ongoing industry partner of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, providing judging expertise and facilitating field days.

Langfords crowned Share Farmers of the Year

As the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards night unfolded, it became evident that Waikato’s Thomas and Fiona Langford were the frontrunners for the biggest prize of the night – the 2025 Share Farmers of the Year award.

Featured

FAR Urges Maize Growers to Check Crop Maturity Early for Optimal Silage Quality

With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.

IrrigationNZ warns RMA reform may miss water needs

Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.

Zespri Expands RubyRed™ Kiwifruit to 16 Markets as Volumes Surge

More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.

Rural Communities Receive Wellbeing Boost

The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.

Pork Prices Hold Steady as Food Costs Rise Across New Zealand

New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.

Jessica Kilday wins BrightSIDE dairy scholarship

The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.