38 | nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Andrew Verway and Ros McCann Former veterinary tech Ros McCann wins Emma Bailey One of her favourite days of the year is judging her old school’s pet day - it is this love of animals that has seen Ros McCann being named a regional winner of the 2025 Dairy Trainee of the Year. The West Coast/Top of the South Dairy Trainee of the Year winner is a farm assistant on Andrew and Lisa Verwey’s 400ha 830-cow farm in Blackball. She took home $5,675 in prizes and three merit awards and was delighted by the win. At the nationals on May 10 she also won the Federated Farmers General Farming Knowledge Award. “I was runner up (dairy trainee) two years ago and then I got a flat tyre on the way to skills day last year that stopped me from competing. I tried really hard, spent late nights studying things I may come up against in judging and feel very grateful my hard work paid off,” the 27 year old said. “The farm I work on is very picturesque with amazing views, bordered by a river and bush which makes for great hunting and fishing. I work for Andrew and Lisa Verwey who are the best bosses. We usually have four full time staff members and run a six on two off roster so one of us is always on days off.” Making sure the cows are in their prime is important for the former veterinary technical assistant for West Coast Vets. “I’ve brought many skills from my vet tech career into my role including all the animal health procedures and knowledge, my people skills and the organisation skills I gained. “I have probably over 30 pet cows that love a good scratch and I love giving them names. We keep slightly over 200 replacements which are mostly grazed off the milking platform.” She is heavily involved in culling, purchasing and selling and all breeding decisions. “The cows and genetics are my passion and he (Andrew) is phenomenal at nurturing that and I guess sees my knowledge and potential in this particular area.” While busy on the farm she still makes time to go back to Awahono School in Ahaura, Grey Valley to judge pet day. “Pets day was easily my favourite day of the year. I still absolutely love it now. I won the senior trophy for most pet day points scored throughout my primary schooling years. My love for animals started long before school and was probably fuelled by my animal loving parents. “Any pets you can think of, my sister and I have had them all.” Despite her busy schedule she still fits in being the vice-chair for the West Coast Young Farmers Club and is a committee member for Grey Valley rugby club, which her dad also played for and managed. She has had to scale back her involvement with LandSAR but supports her partner Simon getting ready for searches. Ros with partner Simon at the awards. “The cows and genetics are my passion and he (Andrew) is phenomenal at nurturing that and I guess sees my knowledge and potential in this particular area.” Simon & Debbie Lawn: 027 228 4385 Agricultural Services General Aerial Services Hunting & Fishing 03 732 3668 | office@ahaurahelicopters.co.nz 96 Ahaura-Kopara Road, Ahaura, West Coast • Plant & yard upgrades • Backing gates • Water pumps & tanks • Teat spray systems • Farm ef uent systems • Registered machine testing • Galv pipe & steel • Rubberware & hose OR COME IN AND SEE US AT 15 HAU HAU ROAD, HOKITIKA E westlanddairysheds@xtra.co.nz She is keen to get into management in the male dominated industry. “I love to be under-estimated and prove people wrong.”
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