Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
2024 West Coast/Top of the South Share Farmer of the Year award winners, Michael and Cheryl Shearer.
The major winners in the 2024 West Coast/Top of the South Share Farmer of the Year award, Michael and Cheryl Shearer were happy to complete the trifecta.
He was named 2014 Taranaki Farm Manager of the Year and in 2012 he placed third in the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition after winning the West Coast Top of the South regional title.
Michael says he "really wanted to tick the box of winning all three categories".
"Success in the awards has definitely provided us with opportunities we otherwise would not have had.
"We also really enjoy the networking it provides, and it really does give you confidence both personally and in what you are doing on farm."
The Shearers cite their financial discipline and low-input, once-a-day system as their business' greatest strengths. They run a tight ship that is sustainable and profitable in all payouts and say the once-a-day system allows for time out of the shed and off the farm.
"It's important to be able to give your mind a rest from the farm as this helps to keep your head and thoughts clear and remind you what is really important."
The Shearers are 50/50 sharemilkers on Russell Andrews' 225ha Reefton farm milking 500 cows. They won $8,000 in prizes and four merit awards. Entries for the 2025 NZDIA are now open.
West Coast Top of the South Regional Manager Anna Derks says all entrants eligible to win a trip to the Bay of Plenty for the National Final Gala dinner in May 2025. For more information visit the NZDIA website.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.
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