| 61 nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards » Greenacre and Ballinamore Farms Regional title and five merit awards Karen Phelps Winners of the Share Farmer of the Year Award for the Central Plateau Region at the 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards Navdeep Singh and Jobanpreet Kaur have their eyes firmly set on farm ownership by 2035. They currently milk 1,230 cows across 391 hectares at Atiamuri, operating as 25 per cent sharemilkers and 75 per cent contract milkers for farm owners Mark and Donna Keaney. Along with the regional title the couple claimed five merit awards. The couple had previously been runner up in the Share Farmer of the Year title two years prior. “We had a young family so we took a break so winning the regional title this year was a wonderful journey and a great achievement,” says Navdeep. Navdeep, who holds a diploma in agribusiness, grew up in an agricultural family in Kurukshetra City in the Indian state of Haryana, where, as he recalls, farming was always part of daily life. He arrived in New Zealand in 2013 as a dairy assistant and, through what he describes as hard work and learning from great mentors, worked his way up with Jobanpreet to herd-owning sharemilking. Jobanpreet is actively involved in the farm’s day-to-day operation and also works part-time as a pharmacy technician. The couple have two young children - Ekam, aged four, and Arzoi, aged two. They currently milk 1,230 cows across 391 hectares at Atiamuri. “We love the career progression opportunities with dairy farming in New Zealand. If you work hard you can progress from starting in the industry to running your own farm one day. That pathway has really encouraged us to get to where we are,” says Navdeep. The pair’s five merit awards reflect a broad commitment to excellence across the business. The Ecolab Total Farm Hygiene and Innovation Award recognised the couple’s focus on staff training around shed hygiene, with an emphasis on ensuring every team member follows correct procedures without taking shortcuts. The Federated Farmers Leadership Award highlighted their dedication to developing staff with one team member, who joined four years ago as a farm assistant, supported onto a pathway towards a management role and will begin contract milking in partnership with the couple on another farm next year. The couple supports DairyNZ discussion groups and encourage staff to complete Primary ITO courses. Environmental progress was equally evident. The Dickie Direct Environmental Sustainability Award acknowledged a 20-unit reduction in nitrogen application, achieved by applying it less frequently and at the right times. The couple are also overseeing approximately 10 hectares of riparian planting around wetland areas and streams, with a further three hectares planned and a goal to complete all riparian planting by 2028. sales@bikeforce.co.nz www.bikeforce.co.nz 177 Lake Road, Rotorua. (07) 348 9171 Kids bikes, Scooters) parts, accessories and servicing. New and used sales (Quad bikes, Farm bikes, Dirt bikes, Road bikes, B I K E F O R C E R OTO R UA MOTO R CYC L E S I S YO U R L O CA L SUZUKI, BETA AND SURRON DEALERSHIP The LIC Animal Wellbeing, Recording and Productivity Award recognised breeding work that has already reduced bobby calf numbers from 46 per cent to 28 per cent, with heifer replacement lifting from 22 per cent to 30 per cent this season. The ASB Business Performance Award reflected a disciplined approach to financial management,observing changes step by step and measuring their impact including purchasing a herd and completing their first season as lowerorder sharemilkers. “We are very appreciative that our farm owners trust us and give us opportunities to grow and improve the farm,” says Navdeep. “Support like that is so important and has really helped us to learn, develop skills and progress.” In order to reach their goal of farm ownership they are focused on continuing to build their skills and growing equity via multiple contract milking operations. Entering the awards will help them on that path. “It challenged us to review every part of our business and the experience and industry connections will help us keep progressing.” Navdeep Singh and Jobanpreet Kaur have their eyes firmly set on farm ownership by 2035. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
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