40 | nzdairy DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS » Basil Dairies / Jesse and Sharon Bagley Triumphant return First-time entrants win Alexia Johnston Nicki Woodlock A return to the farmland is paying off for Alex Diprose, who has been named the 2025 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year. The accolade, presented at the NZ Dairy Industry Awards, was a moment of validation for Alex, who was originally from a dairy farm in Southland. After initially pursuing an office-based career after university, Alex soon realised his hear belonged in the outdoors. “I found myself constantly staring out the window, wishing I was outside,” he said. A return home one summer helped reaffirm that farming was the right path — and he has not looked back since. That was when it “clicked,” he said. “It felt natural, and my days were more fulfilling.” He said the NZ Dairy Industry Awards put his skills and knowledge to the test and gave him a chance to benchmark himself against others across the sector, while representing Basil Dairies. “The whole process felt pretty natural and the questions and tasks were closely tied to real dayto-day dairying, which made it all feel relevant and enjoyable to complete,” he said, of the competition process. “I didn’t go in expecting to win or anything, I was just grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself off the farm.” Alex entered the awards while completing a dairy training course, encouraged by both his tutor and supportive employers. While he did not top any single area, it was his consistent performance that led to overall success. Kaitaia’s Jesse and Sharon Bagley were named winners of the 2025 Northland Share Farmer of the Year at the region’s annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands in Waitangi on the 15th March. The first-time entrants were thrilled to be selected for the top prize and are thankful to all the Dairy Industry Awards sponsors. They have received a wealth of titles and prizes, including: the Honda Health and Safety Award, with a prize of a Honda Brushcutter; the Trelleborg Sustainable Pasture Award, with a prize of $1,500 worth of Trelleborg tractor tires; the ASB Business Performance Award, which includes Ecolab products worth $2,000; two Bushbuck jerseys and $500 in cash; plus $4,000 in cash from the NZ Dairy Industry Awards. Share Farmer of the Year Awards entrants are assessed on a range of factors including people and culture, farm hygiene, health & safety and bio security, financial and business acumen, pasture and feed, livestock management, and farm environmental and sustainability. Jesse and Sharon were genuinely shocked to win and are looking forward to the next judging round in April and are excited about the nationals. As regional winners they now progress to the national final in May where they will be judged by a judging team to determine the national New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year and placegetters. Jesse believes that; “Having a good understanding of pasture and cows, business, and health and safety”, were their strengths that enabled them to win Northland Share Farmer of the Year. The Bagley’s are share farmers at Te Rarawa Iwi Farm, Tupehau - where they are equity 50/50 share milkers and contract milk to the 50/50 business. Husband and wife team - Jesse and Sharon Bagley were both brought up on dairy farms as kids. Jesse and Sharon met aged 17 and have been farming together since. Sharon & Jesse Bagley. “After the results came out, I was told that I didn’t place first in any one area - but I was consistently second across the board,” he said. “I think having a reasonable understanding across all areas of dairying made the difference.” Alex credits a wide range of mentors and employers for his development, particularly his parents. “The ongoing support and knowledge I’ve gained from them is something I feel really privileged to have.” Passionate about both people and the planet, Alex takes a holistic view of dairying. “Animal welfare and the environment are also core passions of mine. We have a responsibility to care for the land and livestock while we’re here, and that’s something I take pride in.” Now preparing to take the next step in his career, Alex and his partner are set to enter a contract milking role next season - their first time running a business together. With hopes of progressing to 50/50 sharemilking and eventually farm ownership, Alex is keeping an open mind about the future. “That’s the general direction we’re aiming for, but I try not to plan too far ahead. I prefer to stay prepared and open to new opportunities that may arise during the journey.”He encourages those starting out in dairying to get involved, ask questions, and embrace learning. “Once you feel confident, don’t be afraid to ask for more responsibility. That was a turning point for me - it made me feel more valued and connected to the bigger picture of how the farm operates.” Now with a prestigious industry award under his belt, Alex is focused on the future, honing his skills and perfecting his ability as a successful dairy farmer. “We work really well together for the most part”, says Jesse. The Bagley’s believe that the key to be a good farmer is; “A can do attitude. To be willing to adapt to change daily. And, a love for land and the animals”. When asked about the challenges of farming, Jesse said, “everything can be a challenge and things can go wrong, you problem-solve your way out of it. Weather is the biggest challenge as you can’t control it”. When asked about what makes them good dairy farmers the Bagely’s said that; “You are constantly learning. We both learnt a lot as kids being on farms. We both learnt a good work ethic. We both love being with animals and the land”. Passionate farmers the Bagley’s love the lifestyle, the variety and the multifaceted nature of the job. They love looking after the animals, fixing equipment, living and working outdoors, not commuting, and enjoy the peace and quiet on the farm. Jesse says that; “Animals come first before anything’. The born and bred dairy farmers say that; “Farming is in our blood”, and have a long-term goal of progression into farm ownership. 0800 284 3838 | anexa.co.nz KEEP YOUR FARM MOO-VING. JOIN THE CLUB NOW. The Anexa team provides friendly and professional veterinary care for your farm and pets. Founded by farmers in 1923, our Anexa Vet Club has a proud history in helping farms feel legen-dairy by offering: • Vets who are specialised in herd health e.g., advanced mastitis advisers, healthy hoof advisers, and body condition score assessors certified. • A team of technicians to help with a range of animal-health jobs e.g., bolusing, teatsealing, disbudding, and milk sampling. • An on-farm product and delivery service. • An in-house lab for fast and efficient test results. • Tailored and practical on-farm training and clinic workshops to improve your farm’s health and productivity. CHARTER D ACCOUNTANT E P. 07 862 9090 www.hoogeveen.co.nz | office@hoogeveen.co.nz Specialists in Farm Accounting • Cashflow Budgeting • Fonterra Shareholding Advice • Farm Sale & Purchase Advice • Equity Partnerships • GST • Livestock Valuation Options • Income Equalisation · Livestock · Bulk Cartage · Water · Readymix Concrete · General Cartage 09 406 0087 | mangonuihaulage.co.nz MANGONUI HAULAGE Livestock - Logs - Ready Mix - General Kaitaia / Mangonui / Waipapa Proudly supporting Jesse and Sharon Bagley For accounting services call us on 0800 438 393 or visit www.sumpters.co.nz Tax Compliance Corporate Governance Maori Organisation and Iwi Services Specialised Advisory Services FarmAccounting and Agribusiness Commercial Property Management Waikato NZDIA winners Dairy Trainee of the Year Alex Diprose, Share Farmers of the Year Thomas and Fiona Langford, Dairy Manager of the Year Zac van Dorsten.
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