During a challenging time of low returns in the industry, these 33 national finalists are buoyant, optimistic and planning a strong future for themselves and their family in our industry. I can only wish them all the best.
There are two aspects of the awards programme that are a highlight for me this year.
In the middle of last year we announced the most significant changes in the history of the awards programme, including major changes to entry criteria in all three competitions. The changes aimed to enable more people to enter the awards and to make the competitions more even.
I’m confident we have made the right changes. While some tweaks might still be required I think we have achieved our aims and it has been a real highlight for me to see 2IC and herd managers, who might have been unable to enter the awards previously, entering and gaining the benefits.
I’m also in awe of the huge numbers of volunteers in our regional competitions that make our awards happen.
To me the volunteers – our regional managers, committees and judges – are the strength of the awards and are critical to their success.
We are hugely appreciative of the job these volunteers do. From an executive perspective, we are also doing all we can to make their life easier and more doable.
Thanks for your support of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
Gavin Roden
Chairman
New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Executive Committee
