Hauraki Farmers Urged To Enter Dairy Industry Awards

A Ngatea sharemilker is urging farmers not to let the big wet put them off entering the Dairy Industry Awards.Hauraki farmers urged to enter Dairy Industry Awards

A Ngatea sharemilker is urging farmers not to let the “big wet” put them off entering the Dairy Industry Awards.

Kylie and Michael Cox were named the Auckland/Hauraki Farm Managers of the Year in 2013.

Since their win, the highly motivated couple has progressed to a 900-cow lower order sharemilking position at Ngatea.

They also contract milk 500 cows as part of an equity partnership on a family farm at Miranda.

“This has been our most challenging season yet,” Kylie Cox said.

“The endless rain has affected milk production and mating, and has also been really tough on staff.”

Mrs Cox hopes the miserable weather doesn’t deter potential entrants.

“All of the entrants will be in the same situation, copping with sodden paddocks and poor pasture utilisation,” she said.

“Even judges have had sections of their farms flood.”

Mrs Cox credits the Dairy Industry Awards with fast-tracking the couple’s progression.

“The competition helped us expand and secure a bigger job, plus we learnt so much about our business.”

Kylie Cox is a member of the organising committee for the 2017 awards and is convening the dairy trainee category.

The Dairy Industry Awards has categories for new entrants to dairying, managers and farmers who are self-employed.

“The awards are a fantastic opportunity to network, focus on your goals and critically analyse your business,” said regional convenor Rosemarie Costar.

Entries close November 30th.

Background

There are three categories for the Dairy Industry Awards:

• Share Farmer of the Year

• Dairy Manager of the Year

• Dairy Trainee of the Year

The Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, Fonterra Farm Source and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.