Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
Public speaking, feed budgeting, interviews, farm finances and explaining goals are among the many things entrants in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards learn, says the awards executive chair Rachel Baker.
“Building people capability is the core purpose of the awards,” she says.
“By providing a platform for entrants to learn about farming and themselves, connect with others and achieve their goals we are helping to fast-track the development of many farmers each year.
“Many of our past and current entrants are in leadership roles in dairy and their communities.”
Volunteer farmers and national sponsors ensure this opportunity is available year after year.
The awards were created by farmers 30 years ago, starting with the NZ Sharemilker of the Year (now Share Farmer of the Year), then two more categories -- Dairy Manager of the Year (formerly Farm Manager of the Year) and Dairy Trainee of the Year -- have since been added. People on work visas were this year allowed to enter the dairy manager and dairy trainee categories.
Regional winners for 2019 will be judged again soon in the NZ share farmer, dairy manager and dairy trainee categories to be announced at the National Awards in Wellington on the May 11. Regional results and national awards tickets are available at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
The awards are sponsored by Westpac, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown, DairyNZ and Primary ITO.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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