Skellerup is strengthening its commitment to the future of New Zealand dairy, joining the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) as a new all-region sponsor in its first major dairy sponsorship in many years.
NZDIA Trust Chair Paulette Johns says it’s a standout opportunity to partner with Skellerup, a company with a history stretching back to 1910 and a long-standing connection with the dairy industry.
“Skellerup has been part of life on New Zealand dairy farms for generations, and we’re delighted to welcome them into our family of sponsors at an all-region level.
“We are excited to go into this partnership and work alongside a company that has such a strong passion for dairy farming and are out every day working alongside our farmers.
“Having the support of companies that are such household names really shines a light on the role our awards programme plays in the wider sector. Their backing strengthens our ability to keep evolving and delivering a high-standard of programme, one that continues to celebrate excellence and develop the next generation of dairy farmers.”
As an all-region sponsor, the company will present the Skellerup Farming Knowledge Award in the Dairy Trainee of the Year category at each of the 11 regional award evenings in 2027.
The award recognises the Dairy Trainee entrant in each region who shows the strongest understanding of farm systems, practices and the technical knowledge behind running a successful dairy operation.
“The Farming Knowledge Award goes to the heart of what the Dairy Trainee category is about. It’s where young people starting their dairy careers build the foundations they’ll draw on for the rest of their working lives. Rewarding knowledge at this early stage encourages our trainees to keep learning and asking questions,” Paulette says.
It’s valuable that legacy organisations like Skellerup are supporting the Dairy Trainee category, NZDIA General Manager Robin Congdon says.
“Many of these bright young stars progress through the industry very quickly and forming relationships with them at this stage of their career is insightful. They are also the emerging future leaders of the industry.”
“Skellerup has been part of New Zealand dairy farming for generations, but we’ve also focused on what comes next,” says Dino Kudrass Executive General Manager of Skellerup’s Agri Division.
“Dairy is becoming increasingly technical, and we see knowledge, innovation and a willingness to challenge convention as critical to its future. That’s why the Farming Knowledge Award really resonated with us.
“These trainees are the people who will be making decisions, adopting new technologies and shaping the dairy industry in the years ahead. As we invest in the next generation of our own dairy products and technology, we’re proud to also invest in the next generation of people who will use them.”
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC and Power Farming along with industry partners Fonterra, DairyNZ and The Country.
Entries are open for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. To enter visit dairyindustryawards.co.nz
