| 11 nzdairy DAIRY AWARDS » National winners ‘Driven, genuine, focused’ couple shine The 2023 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year are described as a power couple who are driven, genuine and focused dairy farmers. Hayden and Bridget Goble from Taranaki were named the 2023 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, Canterbury/North Otago’s Jack Symes became the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year and Bill Hamilton from Northland was announced the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year. They shared prizes from a pool worth over $220,000. Share Farmer category head judge, John Numan says Hayden and Bridget impressed the judges with the strength of their partnership. “Their goals are aligned and they are genuinely passionate about the community in which they farm, and caring for the environment. There is power in their partnership.” Hayden graduated from Telford in 2005 with a Diploma in Agriculture and enjoys the combination of running a business whilst securing his family’s future. Bridget is a doctor, with a specialty in Emergency Medicine. The couple are 20% VO equity partners together with Bridget Mooney, Kevin Goble and Diane Goble on their 200ha, 565-cow New Plymouth property. The judges were impressed at Bridget’s on-farm technical knowledge and application. “She’s a busy full-time doctor, but she is boots-in and we enjoyed seeing how she makes a positive contribution to their business,” said judge Michele Cranefield, ANZ Senior Manager. “There is a power in their connection and balance of their partnership and they both have a genuine passion for the industry.” To win the national title and in excess of $69,000 in prizes, the Gobles demonstrated strengths in all areas of farming and also won three merit awards: the Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award, the Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award and the Ecolab Interview Award. The 2023 Dairy Manager of the Year is Jack Symes from Canterbury/North Otago who stood out as a an intelligent, humble and personable farmer who is focused on quality all-year round. “Jack is the full package,” says head judge Renee Rooney from Lake Brunner. “He gets the grassroots basics right, through to in-depth technical knowledge, including financial acumen.” “He’s analysing all the time and is thorough with his decision-making and does everything to a very high standard.” Jack is farm manager on Judy and Brian Symes’ 160ha, 630-cow property at Southbridge. He won the DeLaval Livestock Management Award, the Fonterra Dairy Management Award, the Ravensdown Sustainable Pasture Award and the NZDIA Personal Planning and Financial Management Award and over $24,000 in prizes. The first-time entrant grew up on a dairy farm and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) from Lincoln University. The 2023 Dairy Trainee of the Year was awarded to Bill Hamilton from Northland who is described by the judges as a conservationist at heart who enjoys and is succeeding at dairy farming. The Dairy Trainee judges say Bill is strong across all fields and is an excellent all-round farmer. “He is consistently strong across all areas and stood out to the judges in all sections of judging,” says judge Mark Laurence from DairyNZ. “He was very strong in the practical skills.” DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS® since 1908 Ph: 0508 4 BBENG www.brownbros.co.nz 11/21 Call us today to see how Lowara’s premium pump range can assist with your dairy water requirements. Lowara has all your dairy water pumping solutions. Vat Wash & Cooler Pumps Washdown Pumps Pit Pumps Water Supply Pumps C Series e-NSC Series DOMO Series e-SV & e-HM Series Reliable, high performance, quality materials, and the widespread Lowara support network make these pumps an ideal selection for your water supply requirements. Bill is farm assistant on Richard and Sharon Booth’s 395-cow, 174ha property at Titoki, employed by Andrew and Vicky Booth. The judges say Bill is practically capable and also very aware of broader issues in the industry. “He has solid, competent technical knowledge,” says head judge James Courtman. The 24-year-old has overcome a significant head injury obtained during university years and is grateful he is back and handling life on-farm. Bill holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in Agriculture from Massey University and enjoys the combination of practical outside work, the challenges, and the opportunities to progress his understanding and knowledge of the dairy industry. 2023 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year: • Winner Hayden & Bridget Goble, Taranaki • Runner-Up Aleisha Broomfield, Waikato • Third Jonathon & Stacey Hoets, Canterbury/North Otago 2023 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year: • Winner Jack Symes, Canterbury/ North Otago • Runner-up José Hamber, Manawatu • Third Finja Philips, Auckland/ Hauraki 2023 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year: • Winner Bill Hamilton, Northland • Runner-up Brayden Johnston, Canterbury/North Otago • Third Sarah Powell, Manawatu 2023 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award: • Cameron Henderson, Canterbury/North Otago 2023 NZDIA National winners (from left): Bill Hamilton – Dairy Trainee of the Year; Bridget and Hayden Goble – NZ Sharefarmers of the Year; Jack-Symes – NZ Dairy Manager of the Year.
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