Herd-i is joining the fold of the biggest nationwide celebration of excellence in the dairy sector as a new all-region sponsor of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
As an all-region sponsor, the Kiwi agri-tech company will present the Herd-i Health & Safety Merit Award in the Dairy Manager of the Year (DMOTY) category, at each of the 11 regional award evenings.
This recognises the Dairy Manager of the Year entrant in each region who demonstrates excellence in health and safety management, systems and practices within their farming business or role.
NZDIA Trust Chair Paulette Johns says the sponsor partnership with Herd-i is a valuable addition to the awards programme.
“We are delighted to bring Herd-i into our family of sponsors at an all-region level. Herd-i technology puts eyes on every cow’s Body Condition Score or Lameness score to allow farmers to act early and make more informed decisions. That focus on cow health sits right at the heart of what good dairy management is about.
“This award shines a light on the managers who are doing the fundamentals exceptionally well: creating safe, productive and sustainable workplaces and recognises competitors who show strong leadership and commitment to health and safety on-farm. Those are exactly the skills the industry needs in its next generation of leaders.
“Having an all-region sponsor willing to present the same award across all 11 regions gives real consistency and profile to our all-region sponsors, and visibly bolsters the importance of health and safety at a manager level within our farms.”
It means every Dairy Manager entrant, wherever they farm, gets assessed against the same standard, Paulette says.
Herd-i Chair Peter Mitchell says the sponsorship is an opportunity to support dairy farmers across the country and celebrate the people contributing to the future of the industry.
“We’re proud to join other industry leaders in supporting an awards programme that brings people together from across the regions to share ideas, learn from one another and recognise what is being achieved on farm,” Peter says.
“New Zealand farmers have played a big part in Herd-i’s journey by using our technology in real farming conditions and sharing their honest feedback with us. Supporting the Awards is another way for us to give something back and stand alongside the people who have helped shape our business.
“Our team is looking forward to getting out into the regions, meeting entrants and celebrating their achievements.
“We’re proud to sponsor an award that recognises excellence in health and safety. Herd-i’s focus is on improving dairy herd health and productivity, and we believe looking after people and animals goes hand in hand with running a successful dairy business.”
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC, Power Farming along with industry partners Fonterra, DairyNZ and The Country.
Entries opened for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards on 5 October. To enter visit dairyindustryawards.co.nz
