Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year (continued)

Merit Awards

Merit Awards are a highlight in each region and all entrants are eligible for these. Judges are looking for entrants who excel in the area where a merit award is to be given. Following is a list of the Merit Awards supported by our national sponsors that are available in each region:

DairyNZ - Human Resources Award
Ecolab - Farm Dairy Hygiene Award
Federated Farmers of New Zealand - Leadership Award
Honda - Farm Safety and Health Award
LIC - Recording and Productivity Award
Meridian Energy - Farm Environment Award
Ravensdown - Pasture Performance Award
Westpac - Business Performance Award

In most regions there will be additional merit awards supported by regional sponsors.

Regional Dinners

Regional Dinners are held in March/April each year. All entrants are encouraged to attend as they are always great evenings. Of course you could be the recipient of a Merit Award or a placing, but if not, the night still provides a great opportunity to mix with your fellow entrants, peers, sponsors and judges.

Field Days

A Field Day is held on the property where the regional winner farms a few weeks after the award ceremony.

This gives everyone an opportunity to see for themselves what makes a 'winner' and to learn from them. Entrants are once again encouraged to make the most of this opportunity.

National Final

All regional winners go on to compete for the title 'New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year'.

Regional winners are visited on farm by the national judges. This consists of a two hour judging period using the same judging criteria as in regional rounds.

The regional winners meet together a few days before the National Final for a time of getting to know each other, some fun and relaxation. On the day prior to the National Final Dinner, the regional winners have a short interview with the judging panel. This completes their judging process.