DairyNZ Farmers Forum returns with events in Waikato, Canterbury & Southland
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
Dairy Women's Network opened nominations for the 2016 Dairy Woman of the Year Award this week.
CEO Zelda de Villiers is urging the industry to support the award – now in its fifth year - saying it's more important than ever to unite and celebrate as an industry.
"The New Zealand dairy industry is in the midst of a very challenging time. In the work we do across the country with dairying women, we've certainly seen how tough financial times can create a ripple effect of negativity throughout families and communities," says de Villiers.
"But what we've also noticed is that dairying women, in particular, are making an enormous positive impact on their families, their communities and the wider industry through their resilience and perseverance.
"The positive influence and impact these women make for the industry and for New Zealand does not fluctuate with payout. And that is something we should celebrate."
Sponsored by Fonterra, the Dairy Woman of the Year award recognises an outstanding woman who has significantly contributed to the dairy industry with passion, drive, innovation and leadership.
The main prize for the winner is a 12-month Breakthrough Leaders' Programme delivered by Global Women valued at $25,000.
Maury Leyland, managing director – people, culture & strategy, at Fonterra said, "The drop in global dairy prices is making it a difficult year for farmers.
"Despite the tough conditions there is still a lot of innovative work going on in our rural communities that will help build resilience and strength into our industry.
"The Dairy Woman of the Year Award is a real opportunity to take some time to recognise and celebrate those who are making a difference in business and their communities."
The Dairy Woman of the Year is announced annually at the national Dairy Women's Network conference, which is on May 4-5 in Hamilton.
The current Dairy Woman of the Year is Katie Milne – a position she holds alongside her role as Federated Farmers national board member.
Visit www.dwn.co.nz Nominations close March 1.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.