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

Awards to boost farm ownership goals

Two new Awards have been developed for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme that will help some farmers on their journey to farm ownership.

Workers a big part of the farming business

"We couldn't do this without our team. They are integral to everything." That's the first thing that Te Awamutu dairy farmers Jayson and Stacey Thompson have to say about their team.

Sharemilker completes the trifecta

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.

Featured

Pāmu farm opens gate to urban visitors

For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.

National

Machinery & Products

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dodgy!

OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter