| 3 nzdairy Excellence in farming recognised in 2025 The 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winners and finalists represent a group of people who are acutely aware of environmental issues and the dairy industry’s role in farming responsibly, with use of technology and data interpretation driving environmental benefits through improved systems. In front of more than 620 people at Mt Maunganui’s Baypark Stadium Thomas and Fiona Langford from Waikato were named the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, Martin Keegan from Taranaki became the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year and Pieter Van Beek from Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa was announced the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year. Tom and Fiona Langford also won the CowManager Experience cow monitoring system for two years, while Waka Dairies from Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa were the recipients of the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award. This year, two new awards were introduced - the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award and the ASB Alumni of the Year Award - to celebrate and reward those continuing to contribute to the dairy industry. Braden and Brigitte Barnes (Canterbury/North Otago), Cameron and Margaret Bierre (Waikato) and Reece and Natasha Cox (Central Plateau) each received the Fonterra First Farm Award, with Steve and Amy Gillies from Waikato winning the ASB Alumni of the Year award. All winners receive prizes from a pool worth over $900,000, which drives implementation of best practice and provides winners with the means to invest in the dairy industry and secure the pathway to farm ownership for some of our best farmers. Share Farmer category head judge, Steve Canton from DairyNZ says Tom and Fiona Langford impressed the judges with their overall excellence across the board. “Tom and Fiona are very focused on the detail,” he says. “They both come from corporate lives and they have brought that experience into a lot of their systems and processes.” The 2025 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year is Martin Keegan from Taranaki, who has been on a quick journey into the dairy industry and has committed to extensive learning and taking on every learning opportunity he can. Head judge Janine Swansson from DairyNZ noted Martin excelled across all aspects of the farm with high-level knowledge and excellent practical farming skills. “We were impressed with his attention-to-detail across animal welfare and how highly he values them – he was so detailed on every aspect and DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Thomas and Fiona Langford from Waikato were named the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, Martin Keegan from Taranaki became the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year and Pieter Van Beek from Hawke’s Bay / Wairarapa was announced the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year. learning about mastitis management, breeding and reproduction.” The first-time entrant won the DairyNZ People & Leadership Award, the CowManager Livestock Management Award, the Personal Planning & Financial Management Award and over $16,000 in prizes. The 2025 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year was awarded to Pieter Van Beek from Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa who is described by the judges as an insightful young man who was able to clearly articulate his goals and ability to achieve them. The Dairy Trainee judges say Pieter has a good knowledge of the industry and looks to older farmers for career advice and mentorship. “He soaks up their advice like a sponge,” says judge Frank Portegys from DairyNZ. “He was able to communicate clearly around industry issues and the impact of some of those,” says head judge Johanna Wood from Manawatu. “He has a broad knowledge and he’s a hard worker.” The first-time entrant is farm assistant on Wilfred and Rachel Van Beek’s 120ha, 330-cow farm at Greytown. Waka Dairies, represented by Michael Phillips, Russell Phillips and Andrew ‘Bubbles’ Evans in Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa, were named the 2025 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award recipients and received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy. The prestigious award was created to recognise and celebrate dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainability and who are passionate about the four pillars of Responsible Dairying – people and community, finance, environment and animal welfare. “We had the privilege of visiting three exceptional national nominees for this year’s Award,” says head judge Pete Morgan. “Each demonstrated a strong connection to their community, a proactive approach to managing their environmental footprint, and a clear sense of purpose driving their farm operation.” “Waka Dairies operate a highly progressive, future-focused business that achieves outstanding performance across all areas of the farm. Their operation sets a benchmark for the sector - showcasing a broad, integrated approach to sustainability and excellence in dairying.” E RETRACTING ER SYSTEMS eed or fertiliser dry system for easy access or steel cladding options me and cut waste co.nz .co.nz COST EFFECTIVE RETRACTABLE ROOFS 0800 262 788 info@slidingroofs.co.nz www.slidingroofs.co.nz 100% NZ MADE COAST SLIDING ROOFS • Can be retro tted to existing concrete wood or block bins • Unique space saving sectional design • Canvas or steel cladding options • Winch system for easy access • Keeps feed or fertiliser dry • Kitset options available MAJOR WINNERS 2025 SHAREFARMER OF THE YEAR: Thomas & Fiona Langford – Waikato DAIRY MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Martin Keegan – Taranaki DAIRY TRAINEE OF THE YEAR: Pieter Van Beek – Hawke’s Bay / Wairarapa FONTERRA RESPONSIBLE DAIRYING AWARD: Waka Dairies – Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa (represented by Michael & Russell Phillips) ASB ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD: Steve & Amy Gillies – Waikato FONTERRA & ASB FIRST FARM AWARD (three equal winners): Braden & Brigitte Barnes – Canterbury / North Otago Cameron & Margaret Bierre – Waikato Reece & Natasha Cox – Central Plateau
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