DairyNZ Farmers Forum underway
Over 300 farmers and rural professionals have gathered in Hamilton for the first DairyNZ Farmers Forum for this year.
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.
“Our industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important that we take the time to showcase the innovation, and the leadership of our sector,” Campbell says.
“The awards are a chance to celebrate the best of the best in New Zealand dairy.
“I want to congratulate everyone who put themselves forward for the regional and national awards.”
The 2025 Share Farmers of the Year Award went to Fiona and Thomas Langford from the Waikato, who also won the DairyNZ - People and Culture Award. The judges were impressed with their overall excellence across the board, including driving positive staff culture, and use of data and technology on farm.
Dairy Manager of the Year was Martin Keegan from Taranaki, who also won the DairyNZ People and Leadership Award.
He was praised by judges for his attention-to-detail across animal welfare and his drive for learning, particularly about mastitis management, breeding and reproduction.
The Dairy Trainee of the Year was Pieter Van Beek from Hawke's Bay/Wairarapa who was described by the judges as insightful and who was able to clearly articulate his goals and ability to achieve them.
Alex Diprose won the DairyNZ Practical Skills Award, while also taking third in the Dairy Trainee of the Year category.
Waka Dairies Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa won the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award while Steve and Amy Gillies took out the ASB Alumni of the Year Award.
The Fonterra and ASB First Farm Award was jointly won by Braden and Brigitte Barnes from Canterbury/North Otago, Cameron and Margaret Bierre from the Waikato, and Reece and Natasha Cox from the Central Plateau.
“It was great to be there in person on Saturday night to celebrate all the finalists,” Campbell says.
“I have every confidence that all the finalists can take both their individual businesses and the sector forward as a whole.”
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
OPINION: The Free Speech Union is taking this one too far.
OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is…