Amazing travels in Ag sector

Whanganui sharemilker Belinda Price was named winner of the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award at a gala event in Taupo in early April.

"It's still sinking in, I must say. It's a bit of an honour and a privilege to be nominated and to be successful against the other amazing finalists as well," Price told Rural News of her win.

She says she started in the industry when she started having children.

"My husband wanted to buy a dairy farm and I was a travel agent," she says of her beginnings in the industry.

She says she followed this start by doing a course in agribusiness management so she could understand the industry and how to run a business within it.

"It's such an amazing industry and we've just grown hugely, and there's so many opportunities to access, to grow yourself and to network and to meet amazing people."

She says that women looking to get into the industry should "100% do it."

"The women in the industry are totally amazing," she say, adding that a lot of the women she's worked with on her farm have come from other industries and have done well.

"They have all gone so well, they all still keep in touch with me," she says.

Looking ahead to the future, Price says she will "soak up the opportunity" she's been given.

"I really want to help people, continue on my journey to mentor and to guide and to develop people. So, I think that's... where my passion lies and where I'd like to continue to head."

As the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Price receives a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience, or a combination of all three.