First-Farm Buyers Braden and Brigitte Barnes Secure Ownership with Award Support
Braden and Brigitte Barnes have taken the leap into farm ownership to purchase their first farm with support from the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award.
Hills has been a national committee member since 2019 and is a long-time supporter of the awards.
With husband Michael, she won the Manawatū Farm Manager of the Year title in 2013 and she is currently an equity partner milking 850 cows plus dry stock alongside her husband.
"We were involved with the Awards programme as entrants before progressing to hold various roles within the Manawatū regional committee and for the past three years I have been the national dairy trainee team leader," says Hills.
"The Awards have been a journey of growth since first entering.
"Through the Awards programme, you gain so much satisfaction watching others grow and go on their own journey of progression through the dairy industry," she says.
"I have so much enthusiasm for the Awards programme, working alongside many others who make the Awards possible and ensuring the programme remains relevant, creating connections and providing value to our entrants throughout the various stages of their careers."
NZDIA Trust chair Richard McIntyre farewelled outgoing chair Amber Carpenter and thanked her for her dedication, time and passion for the Awards over the years.
