Woodford told Dairy News that it was also a privilege to stand alongside others from agriculture and agribusiness who have previously received the award.
"I have also been humbled by all the nice comments I have been receiving since the Honours List was announced.
"I am also aware that there are a lot of other people who equally deserve to be recognised."
Career Shaping New Zealand Agribusiness
Woodford was Professor of Farm Management and Agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years through to 2015.
He is now principal consultant at Agrifood Systems Ltd.
He's a regular media commentator on the agribusiness sector.
Agriculture in a Strong Position
Woodford says the current state of New Zealand agriculture and agribusiness is that the sector is overall in good stead.
"The major players are more efficient and in much better stead than ten years ago.
"However, there is a need for everyone in the sector to use the current record prices within animal-based industries to build financial resilience."
Preparing for Long-Term Global Change
Woodford says we "are very much in a changing world" and we too will need to change.
"In less than 20 yeears, all our major markets will be exhibiting major population declines. China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand are already exhibiting population declines.
"Other countries will soon follow, with all major markets already exhibiting birth numbers below replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. In that emerging world, our agribusiness industries will have to look very different than now."
