Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:59

Passion for farming delivers award

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners James and Debbie Stewart. 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners James and Debbie Stewart.

James and Debbie Stewart from Dairylands in Manawatu impressed judges and took out  the 2024 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.

The couple received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Gala dinner in Queenstown last night.

 The prestigious award, which received more than twenty nominations across all regions this year, was created to recognise and celebrate dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainability and who are passionate about the four pillars of Responsible Dairying – people and community, finance, environment and animal welfare.

“We were left with one big question following our time with Debbie and James – what more could anyone do to demonstrate the notion of ‘responsible dairying’?” says head panellist Michael Hide.

“Their passion, professionalism and leadership within the industry across all aspects of their business is beyond impressive and only surpassed by their dedication to giving back to their local community.”

The selection panel noted that all of the National Nominee farms were uniquely different and achieving great things in their own ways.

“It was truly inspirational for us as the national selection panel to see the amazing things that they’ve all been doing in their businesses.”

The panellists were impressed with the Stewarts outward understanding of the dairy industry, its importance to New Zealand and the importance to build their own story and brand.

“They are supporting the future of people within the sector and this can be seen in their significant staff retention and in the way people are stimulated by working in an ‘open air office’.

“James and Debbie are aware of their roles as ambassadors for the dairy industry and their community engagement is evident with the farm designed from an ‘Open Farm’ perspective,” says Hide.

The couple embrace the past and plan for the future with 3km of streamside planting and a walkway, with an intergenerational feel.

“James and Debbie don’t do things by halves, they have a strong, consolidated business but are by no means resting on their laurels.”

More like this

Tributes for a top farmer

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has acknowledged the tragic passing of Morrinsville farmer Jeff Bolstad.

Play by the rules

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government is always working to ensure that our food exporters are treated fairly under trade agreements signed with other countries.

Great stewards of the land

James and Debbie Stewart of Dairylands in the Manawatū are no strangers to taking home the silverware.

New chair for NZDIA

Manawatū farmer Raewyn Hills is the new chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards national committee.

Featured

Support welcomed for southern farmers

Federated Farmers says it welcomes the announcement of extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago after the region was hit by severe wet weather.

Tatua’s $10.50/kgMS tops, again!

Waikato-based milk processor Tatua has announced a final 2023-24 season payout of $10.50/kgMS for its farmer shareholders, again topping the payout stakes among NZ milk processors.

Will silver turn to gold for state farmer?

Tucked away in a remote part of the central North Island, staff at a Pāmu (Landcorp) farm are working hard to solve one of the biggest challenges facing the dairy and beef sectors.

National

Machinery & Products

Can-Am pushes the boundaries

Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance in its Outlander line-up of ATVs with the launch of the new 850…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Gun-shy

OPINION: Listening to the hysterical reportage of gun law reforms being pushed through by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee,…

Beware groupthink

OPINION: Massey University has long been, and still is, a core part of the NZ farming scene, training the next…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter