New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards - Media Releases

Canterbury Winners Dominate NZ Dairy Awards

Canterbury won the trifecta at the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, with its regional representatives winning all three titles.

It is the first time one region has claimed all three titles. Enda and Sarah Hawe won the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Mick O’Connor won the New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and Nathan Christian won the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The winners were announced at Auckland’s Sky City Hotel in front of 680 people last night.

“It is quite a feature and it has blown us away really to have the three winners from the same region. It also underlines the strength and powerhouse the Canterbury region has become in terms of dairy farming, and the opportunities that creates for young people to progress their dairy farming careers,” national convenor Chris Keeping says.

In another twist both the Hawes and Mr Christian are employed by the same Ashburton farming family, Richard, Jan, Ben and Shannon Johnson.

The Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.

While Canterbury was dominant, the finals judges noted other trends among this year’s group of 36 finalists representing 12 regions throughout New Zealand.

Judges say it is clear the changing nature of farm ownership structures is having an impact on finalists in how they are planning their future goals, there was greater consideration of environmental concerns and public perceptions of dairy farming, and finalists had developed strong support networks to help them progress their career.

“There is an acceptance that farm ownership isn’t the only way to enjoy participation in a vibrant industry. The finalists are thinking about security for their family and about enjoying a more balanced lifestyle.”

Judges say the change in ownership structures through equity partnerships and corporate farming had opened different career pathways and opportunities. “The finalists believe that farm ownership is no longer the only way to achieve security in the industry,” judges say.

“The finalists are also concerned about the way the industry is perceived publicly and they are prepared to do something about it. It’s not just about milk production and making money, the finalists are aware of environmental issues and looking after New Zealand’s global reputation.”

Judges also say the people advancing the best in the industry have great relationships with farm owners and a good support network with mentors around them.

The attention to detail that 2012 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Enda and Sarah Hawe give to every facet of their business is impressive, head judge Andy Ewen says.

“They are both really enthusiastic about the industry. Enda is Irish and has come over here and made every post a winner.”

The Hawes, aged 33 and 29, have been lower order sharemilking (17.5%) 1400 cows and have secured a 50% 650-cow sharemilking position for the new season.

Mr Ewen says the couple has made huge progress since first entering the industry six years ago, amassing impressive equity growth over that time.

The only single man in the contest, John Butterworth, aged 24, representing the Central Plateau region, placed second. “The farm is one of 22 in the Rotorua Lakes catchment so he is extremely environmentally aware.” Mr Butterworth is 50% sharemilking 500 cows at Mamaku.

Third went to Otago representatives, James and Helen Hartshorne, aged 34 and 33. “They love what they are doing and work tremendously well as a team.”

The Hartshornes, who are 50% sharemilking 540 cows at Tapanui, both studied agriculture in the United Kingdom and came to New Zealand in 2000 with nothing and have made great progress in the industry.

There were also two Australians among the sharemilker/equity farmer finalists – Northland’s Lucy Heffernan and Taranaki’s James Van Den Brand.

The 2012 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year, Mick O’Connor, aged 31, was a standout on-farm performer in the competition, head judge Leo van den Beuken says. Mr O’Connor is contract milking an 840-cow Dairy Holdings property at Dunsandel.

“Mick is making the best use of the tools available to him to get the required results for all aspects of his farm, including his pasture management, record keeping of livestock, and health and safety. He had plans in place for the next few years, including going onto a 400-cow 50% sharemilking position.”

Second place went to Waikato contract milker Thomas White, 23, who has a Diploma in Agriculture from Massey University.

“Thomas is on a family farm close to the Putaruru township. The town looks down on the farm and there are lots of eyes watching him, so he has a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that he is farming responsibly. He was also doing very good production per cow and per hectare,” Mr van den Beuken says.

Mr White is progressing to a 50% sharemilking position off the family farm in the coming season.

Third place went to Auckland Hauraki representatives and career changes, Paul and Amy Koppens, both aged 32. “Not only have they had to contend with split calving, but the farm has two run-offs associated with it that they have to manage.”

Paul Koppens was a drainlayer for 11 years and Amy Koppens worked as a property manager and also had her own wedding planning business. They are now contract milking 240 cows.

The 2012 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, Nathan Christian, aged 22, is an outstanding young man who is focused and determined to achieve dairy farm ownership, says head judge Don Seath.

Mr Christian has a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture from Lincoln University and has competed in the Coast to Coast multisport event. He has a goal of farm ownership by 2020.

“I would have a high level of confidence in the fact that he will achieve the goals he has set himself in the future. He is a very mature balanced person who works hard and manages to achieve activities off the farm as well,” Mr Seath says.

“The trainee competition is gaining traction and I believe the trainees coming into the competition are better prepared than in the past – certainly they are receiving some good schooling from their supporters and advisors.”

Southland farm assistant Robert Ankerson, 23, placed second in the trainee contest, demonstrating strength in industry issues. “Robert was outstanding really for someone that young in his ability to show a wider representation on effluent disposal and environmental issues for the industry,” Mr Seath says.

Third place went to West Coast /Top of the South representative Michael Shearer, 19. “What separated Michael from the others was his confidence and ability to express himself.”

Full Results:
NZ Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year:
1st – Enda & Sarah Hawe, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $39,970 in prizes
2nd – John Butterworth, Central Plateau, $22,000 in prizes
3rd – James & Helen Hartshorne, Otago, $13,380 in prizes
Merit Awards
• DairyNZ Human Resources Award – Scott & Alicia Paterson, Auckland/Hauraki
• Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Enda & Sarah Hawe
• Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Richard & Amy Fowler, Bay of Plenty
• Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – John Butterworth
• LIC Recording and Productivity Award – James & Rebecca Van Den Brand, Taranaki
• Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – James & Helen Hartshorne
• Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Barry & Nicky McTamney, Waikato
• Westpac Business Performance Award – Enda & Sarah Hawe
• DairyNZ Interview Award – John Butterworth

NZ Farm Manager of the Year:
1st – Mick O’Connor, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $26,920 in prizes
2nd – Thomas White, Waikato, $11,000 in prizes
3rd – Paul & Amy Koppens, Auckland/Hauraki, $3000 in prizes
Merit Awards
• DairyNZ Human Resource Management Award – Hannes & Lyzanne du Plessis, Southland
• RD1 Farm Management Award – Mick O’Connor
• Westpac Financial Planning & Management Award – Mick O’Connor
• Fonterra Interview Award – Thomas White

NZ Dairy Trainee of the Year:
1st – Nathan Christian, Canterbury/North Otago, winning $7500 in prizes
2nd – Robert Ankerson, Southland, $3000 in prizes
3rd – Michael Shearer, West Coast/Top of the South, $2000 in prizes.

Dairy Trainee Finalists Begin Study Tour

The 12 finalists in the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition begin a study tour of the Waikato today, visiting farms, participating in team building exercises, taking part in judging components and learning how to set and achieve goals.

“The trainee tour is packed full of activities giving the trainees an opportunity to get to know each other, learn more about the industry and have some fun. It’s become a highlight of the trainee’s experience in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards,” national convenor Chris Keeping says.

The winner of the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year contest will be announced at the national awards dinner in Auckland on Saturday night. The winners of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year and New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year titles will also be announced, with nearly $140,000 in cash and prizes given away.

Mrs Keeping says the study tour begins tonight with a judging component. During the following two days the trainees will participate in a team building and initiative exercise, visit the farm of 2011 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Jason and Lisa Suisted, visit a robotic farm, the LIC bull farm, and hear positive and realistic examples of achieving goals from past winners of the awards.

“These 12 finalists represent the best from about 220 entrants in the trainee competition from throughout the country.

“Our judging process tests the trainee finalists on their general farming knowledge and skills while the awards programme gives those passionate to progress in the industry with an opportunity to prove their abilities to themselves and prospective employers.

“Despite their young age, our finalists are committed to the dairy industry and are focused on how they can prosper.”

She says the finalists comprise three women and nine men and range in age from 19 years to 31 years. They vary in their dairy farming experience. Three finalists are in their first season in the industry while the most experienced, Northland herd manager Benson Horsford, has been in the industry seven years.

Six entered the awards for the first time, while for the other six it is their second time entering the awards.

“Many trainees enter the awards to raise their profile and progress their career, but they also enter to meet other trainees and have a bit of fun. We try to make the social functions associated with the awards enjoyable and plan the study tour to challenge and stimulate them.”

The 2012 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year finalists:
• Auckland Hauraki – Kylie Dunlop, aged 31, assistant 600 cows, Mercer
• Bay of Plenty – Brandon Law, 19, assistant 185 cows, Whakatane
• Canterbury North Otago – Nathan Christian, 22, assistant 800 cows, Ashburton
• Central Plateau – Emily Fiddis, 25, assistant 830 cows, Tokoroa
• Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dyana Barnes, 23, assistant 670 cows, Featherston
• Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shane True, 21, assistant 570 cows, Kiwitea
• Northland – Benson Horsford, 28, herd manager 340 cows, Maromaku
• Otago – Richard Lang, 28, assistant 600 cows, Stirling
• Southland – Robert Ankerson, 23, assistant 920 cows, Winton
• Taranaki – Mark Duynhoven, 25, assistant, 700 cows, New Plymouth
• Waikato – Mark Jacobs. 25, herd manager 400 cows, Cambridge
• West Coast Top of The South – Michael Shearer, 19, assistant 310 cows, Nelson.

Dairy Awards Final Sells Out

Nearly 700 people will attend the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards annual awards dinner, where the winners of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions will be announced.

National convenor Chris Keeping says final judging is underway for the 36 finalists representing 12 regions across the country. The finalists converge on Auckland next week for a series of activities and to participate in the final judging component, an interview.

“It’s a really exciting time for the finalists, especially once the pressure of final judging is off. They really enjoy the opportunity to meet each other and spend time together while doing activities out of their comfort zone. It’ll be a time they cherish for years to come.”

Mrs Keeping says the winners will be announced at the national awards dinner at Sky City Auckland Convention Centre on Saturday May 12 and take home nearly $140,000 in cash and prizes. TV3 news presenter Mike McRoberts is Master of Ceremonies for the sellout awards dinner, with 680 people expected to attend including many of the industry’s farming and political leaders.

She says the finalists will visit Fonterra’s offices and learn more about the co-operative’s activities, visit the Auckland fish market, go on a wine tour and visit the Viaduct Basin. The dairy trainee finalists join the group a little later, as they have a study tour in the Waikato, however all finalists will be placed into groups to compete in ‘Amazing Auckland’ an amazing race style event.

“It’s going to be a real fun time culminating in the naming of our national winners at the dinner.”

A wait list has been established for those still seeking tickets to the dinner. Visit this website for more information.

It's Contract Managers Versus Farm Managers

Contract managers outnumber farm managers in the quest to win the 2012 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year title and $43,000 in cash and prizes.

National convenor Chris Keeping says there are eight contract managers and four dairy farm managers in the running, with a farm manager paid a salary to manage the dairy farm and a contract milker paid an agreed amount to manage the farm as well as pay some costs associated with running the farm dairy.

“The farm manager contest attracted nearly 160 entrants. It is great that the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards programme is attracting such a high level of interest from people committed to the industry.

“These people want to lift their own skills and knowledge to lead to improved business performance on dairy farms throughout the country – that’s got to be great news for the wider dairy industry,” Mrs Keeping says.

The 12 finalists include seven males and five couples. “The finalists have a range of backgrounds and also vary in age by 21 years, with the youngest finalists aged 23 and the oldest is one of two aged over 40.”

She says the oldest, Central Plateau finalist Ian Nelson, is also managing the largest herd of cows, at 950 cows, and is one of three finalists working for a corporate dairy farmer. The finalists’ herds range in size from 222 cows, with seven herds containing less than 500 cows, up to 950 cows.

It is the third time one of the finalists has entered the awards, while it is the first time nine had entered.

“All the finalists have entered the awards for similar reasons – to learn more about themselves, to meet people, to gain ideas to improve their business and to progress their dairy farming career.”

The winner of the New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year title will be announced at the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards gala dinner in Auckland on May 12. The New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year titles will also be awarded and more than $140,000 in cash and prizes given away.

The 2012 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year finalists:
• Auckland Hauraki – Paul & Amy Koppens, contract milking 240 cows, Pukekohe
• Bay of Plenty – Grant Clark, contract milking 450 cows, Waimana
• Canterbury North Otago – Mick O’Connor, contract milking 840 cows, Rakaia
• Central Plateau – Ian Nelson, farm manager 950 cows, Reporoa
• Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dean & Rochelle Jones, contract milking 615 cows, Masterton
• Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Matt Johnson, farm manager 222 cows, Foxton
• Northland – Steve & Donna Griggs, contract milker 480 cows, Waipu
• Otago – Gareth & Angela Dawson, farm manager 560 cows, Clinton
• Southland – Hannes & Lyzanne du Plessis, contract milking 650 cows, Edendale
• Taranaki – Thomas Higgins, farm manager, 360 cows, Hawera
• Waikato – Thomas White, contract milker 394 cows, Putaruru
• West Coast Top of The South – James Deans, contract milker 330 cows, Dobson.

More information on the finalists can be found on this website.

Diversity Within Sharemilker Finalists

The finalists in the 2012 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year contest are a mix of experienced and new dairy farmers, and small, medium and large-scale operators. There are some migrants to New Zealand, is one man competing against 11 couples, and one equity farm manager competing against 11 sharemilkers.

National convenor Chris Keeping says the 12 regional New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards competitions always discover some talented and interesting finalists to contest for the national titles.

“This year’s finalists are a high calibre group focused and confident in achieving their goal of owning a stake in the dairy industry. They are young, ambitious and growing their businesses at great rates,” Mrs Keeping says.

The winners of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions will be announced in Auckland on May 12. They will compete for about $140,000 in cash and prizes.

The 12 finalists in the sharemilker/equity farmer contest will compete for cash and prizes worth more than $80,000. Whakatane farmer Bryan Power, DairyNZ consultant Miranda Hunter and Westpac banker Andy Ewen will spend two hours on each finalist’s farm judging them on aspects ranging from hygiene, pasture and financial management to leadership. New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards trustee and farmer Alister Body will join the judging panel for its final component, an interview.

The finalists are dominanted by traditional 50% sharemilkers, with nine of the finalists operating with 50% contracts. Central Plateau sharemilker John Butterworth is the only single man, and he is also the youngest in the group at 24 years, although 10 of the finalists are aged less than 35 years.

The oldest among the finalists, West Coast Top of the South representatives Paul and Debra Magner are the only equity farm managers and came into the industry nine years ago after Paul Magner previously worked as a geologist and Debra Magner worked as a rural banker.

The Magners are also operating the biggest dairy farm in the finals, with the Hokitika property milking 1470 cows and expanding. Northland representatives Miles Harrison and Lucy Heffernan have the smallest herd, with 240 cows.

Ms Heffernan is from the United Kingdom, as are the Otago finalists James and Helen Hartshorne and Canterbury North Otago finalist Enda Hawe, while Taranaki finalist James Van Den Brand is Australian.

“With such diversity it is going to be really interesting to see who comes out on top!” Mrs Keeping says.

The 2012 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year finalists:
• Auckland Hauraki – Scott & Alicia Paterson, 50% 630 cows, Paeroa
• Bay of Plenty – Richard & Amy Fowler, 50% 345 cows, Te Puke
• Canterbury North Otago – Enda & Sarah Hawe, 17.5% 1400 cows, Ashburton
• Central Plateau – John Butterworth, 50% 500 cows, Mamaku
• Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – William & Sally Bosch, 50% 330 cows, Martinborough
• Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shaun & Liza Connor, 50% 242 cows, Shannon
• Northland – Miles Harrison & Lucy Heffernan, 50% 240 cows, Wellsford
• Otago – James & Helen Hartshorne, 50% 540 cows, Tapanui
• Southland – Billy & Sharn Roskam, 50% 910 cows, Winton
• Taranaki – Rebecca & James Van Den Brand, 45% 380 cows, Hawera
• Waikato – Barry & Nicky McTamney, 50% 275 cows, Otorohanga
• West Coast Top of The South – Paul & Debra Magner, equity farm managing 1470 cows, Hokitika.

More information on each of the finalists can be found on this website.

Dairy Awards Finalists Compete for Cash and Confidence

The 36 finalists in the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will compete for more than $140,000 in cash and prizes at the national awards.

“The national winners will take home some excellent prizes and, while they are pleased to win these, most of our finalists are motivated to enter and do well in the awards to boost their confidence and farm business performance,” national convenor Chris Keeping says.

“A key outcome from participating in the awards is the opportunities presented to progress in the industry. Our entrants are able to take the next step in their career through the feedback they receive from judges, people they meet at the awards dinners, from raising their profile and reputation, and from gaining increased confidence in their ability.”

Mrs Keeping says the final of 12 regional awards contests was held in Southland last weekend to confirm the 12 finalists in each of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

She says many of the finalists will be hosting field days in the next two weeks and preparing for national judges visits. The judges spend two hours on the farm of the sharemilker/equity farmer and farm manager finalists. An interview will be held once the finalists have gathered in Auckland for the awards dinner on May 12, and is the final judging aspect used to determine the winner.

The dairy trainee finalists will go on a study tour containing judging components.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.

The 2012 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year finalists:

Auckland Hauraki – Scott & Alicia Paterson
Bay of Plenty – Richard & Amy Fowler
Canterbury North Otago – Edna & Sarah Hawe
Central Plateau – John Butterworth
Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – William & Sally Bosch
Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shaun & Liza Connor
Northland – Miles Harrison & Lucy Heffernan
Otago – James & Helen Hartshorne
Southland – Billy & Sharn Roskam
Taranaki – Rebecca & James Van Den Brand
Waikato – Barry & Nicky McTamney
West Coast Top of The South – Paul & Debra Magner

The 2012 New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year finalists:

Auckland Hauraki – Paul & Amy Koppens
Bay of Plenty – Grant Clark
Canterbury North Otago – Mick O’Connor
Central Plateau – Ian Nelson
Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dean & Rochelle Jones
Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Matt Johnson
Northland – Steve & Donna Griggs
Otago – Gareth & Angela Dawson
Southland – Hannes & Lyzanne du Plessis
Taranaki – Thomas Higgins
Waikato – Thomas White
West Coast Top of The South – James Deans

The 2012 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year finalists:

Auckland Hauraki – Kylie Dunlop
Bay of Plenty – Brandon Law
Canterbury North Otago – Nathan Christian
Central Plateau – Emily Fiddis
Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dyana Barnes
Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shane True
Northland – Benson Horsford
Otago – Richard Lang
Southland – Robert Ankerson
Taranaki – Mark Duynhoven
Waikato – Mark Jacobs
West Coast Top of The South – Michael Shearer

More information on the finalists and field days can be found on this website.