48 | nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards New Zealand dairy industry’s finest celebrated Karen Phelps The New Zealand dairy industry’s finest were celebrated at the Energy Events Centre at Rotorua in May and attention is now turning to entries opening for next year’s competition. “The judges noted that people entering dairy farming can look to this year’s finalists and be encouraged by the multiple pathways, diversity in ownership structure and life-changing opportunities that exist in the dairy industry,” says National Communications Manager Sheryl Haitana. “The winners this year sent a powerful message to anyone considering entering.” More than 640 farmers and industry leaders marked a year of outstanding achievement under the theme Te Puna o te Mana. Scott and Stacey Mackereth from Southland/ Otago were crowned the 2026 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, Lauren McConnachie from Canterbury/North Otago took out the Dairy Manager of the Year title and West Coast/Top of the South’s Mark Ready was named Dairy Trainee of the Year. Contract milking 1,400 cows on 464 hectares at Edendale for Fortuna Group, Scott and Stacey impressed judges with both their operational scale and their resilience. Head judge and dairy farmer Robert Ervine praised the couple’s complementary strengths. “Scott is very data driven and wears multiple hats, overseeing multiple operations and managing multiple staff who are all driven to perform every day, and Stacey is very grounding - she’s the glue,” said Robert. In the Dairy Manager of the Year, Lauren McConnachie’s win reflected her exceptional ability to simplify complexity at scale, managing 2,170 cows on 563 hectares at Purata for the Theland Farm Group. “She’s operating at scale, managing multiple people and she’s able to convert the complex into simple steps for her team,” the judges noted. Mark Ready’s Dairy Trainee of the Year title came with particular praise for his planning and follow-through. At just 23, he has already saved to purchase his first line of cows. “Mark set himself a plan and he’s implementing it,” the judges said. “He’s surrounded himself with good employers and has made strong relationships, he’s not going to be easily knocked down.” Other winners were Tony Dodunski from Canterbury/North Otago who took home the Fonterra Responsible dairying award; Alvaro Luzardo and Ximena Puig who were named ASB Alumni of the Year and there were three equal winners of the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award: Johno and Tania Burrows, Jonathon and Stacey Hoets and Marc and Nia Jones. The awards continue to shape careers and drive excellence throughout New Zealand dairying. The evening also featured a rare presentation of the Services to the Dairy Industry Award to industry giant Jim van der Poel, who was recognised for more than four decades of his contribution to farming, governance and national leadership. Jim was overwhelmed to receive the prestigious award. “I’m a great fan of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards because they celebrate success within the industry,” said Jim. “They also recognise and identify really good people coming through and offer learning opportunities for them.” With the programme directly involving more than 6,000 people annually across 11 regions Sheryl says the awards continue to shape careers and drive excellence throughout New Zealand dairying. Expressions of interest for the 2027 competition can be registered via the awards website ahead of entries opening in October. TIVE RETRACTING VER SYSTEMS s feed or fertiliser dry h system for easy access as or steel cladding options time and cuttewas 2 788 oofs.co.nz oofs.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
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=