Katie Milne, Dairy Woman of the year finalist

 "I'm not surprised at Katie's selection, as she has been a passionate advocate for farmers for a long time and has made some real progress for all of us at both a provincial and national level."

Milne has been involved with Federated Farmers since 1991, when as a 23 year old she went along to a provincial meeting with some concerns about the RMA's impact on her ability to farm. Since then, she has moved up the ranks and is now in her third year as a Federated Farmers Board Member and in her sixth year as the Federation's West Coast provincial president.

She also sits on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), and is in the Farmer Mental Wellness Strategy Group, that looks at improving farmer wellbeing. She has been instrumental in getting various environmental projects off the ground in the Lake Brunner area.

"Her can do attitude, and ability to break down barriers by communicating at all levels, makes her incredibly influential in the agri-political space," says Rolleston.

"She is a practical, no nonsense farmer with a bright outlook on life and this resonates through her advocacy with the Federation."

Milne says she is humbled by the nomination, and to be in the same category as PGG Wrightson Animal Nutritionist, Andrea Murphy, Dairy Director, Wilma van Leeuwen, and Demonstration Farm Director, Elaine Cook.

"More and more, woman are entering the dairy industry and it is important we have representation at a national and provincial level. I am passionate about having my feet on the ground, on the West Coast, and connecting the provinces with the national decision makers."

"Whether you are male or female, we have farming in common and my goal is to make that as easy as possible for all of us." She says.