Pete Morgan and Ann Bouma are this year’s Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners, while Morrinsville farmer Jeff Bolstad was presented with a Lifetime Contribution Award at the awards ceremony in Hamilton.
The Responsible Dairy Award was introduced by the NZDIA and Fonterra to recognise dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainability and who are respected by their fellow farmers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.
In winning the award, Morgan and Bouma were presented with the John Wilson Memorial Trophy.
Award judge Charlotte Rutherford of Fonterra says there were three outstanding finalists in Pete and Ann, Chris and Desiree Giles and Philip and Donna Cram.
“For an award that is choosing ambassadors for the dairy industry, we couldn’t have been more spoiled for choice,” Rutherford says.
“Each and every one of them had strong links to the local and dairy community. It was encouraging and inspiring to see.
“Judging was quite challenging and we have looked at the industry-wide picture, as they could all be ambassadors.”
The judges described Morgan and Bouma as being very well-rounded, with a high-level of current knowledge, especially around climate change, their emissions profile and tracking that over time.
Pete and Ann farm at Pokuru in South Waikato, milking 625 cows across two dairy sheds on 265ha. They came to the dairy industry from careers in researching and as a veterinarian, looking for a lifestyle they wanted for themselves and their family.
“We found a home and a great adventure, a sound wealth path and became part of a community devoted to caring for each other, the land and animals to produce quality food to feed the world,” the winning duo says.
The judges noted that Pete and Ann know things will change and want to be prepared to change and that moral concern is shifting.
The pair are also enthusiastic and open to change.
“They look at what they do, analyse it and will do it differently if needed,” Rutherford says.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell congratulated the couple and also recognised the other finalists for the award.
“These farmers are driving positive change in our industry and are great role models, producing milk that is backed by the quality and sustainability credentials that customers now expect and need,” Hurrell says.
“People want to know that their milk is coming from farmers that care for the environment, animals, people and communities. Pete and Ann, along with the other finalists, are great examples of this in action.”
Dairy industry stalwart Jeff Bolstad was awarded the Lifetime Contribution to NZDIA Award in recognition for his long service and contribution to the dairy industry awards and wider agriculture sector.
Jeff Bolstad’s Lifetime Contribution Award was presented to him by NZDIA Trust chairperson Natasha Tere in recognition for his long service and contribution to the dairy industry awards and wider agriculture sector.
Tere says it was the first time such an award had been presented.
“It’s a prestigious honour that is awarded to an individual that has provided exceptional service to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards,” Tere says.
“We have chosen Jeff as he has been a bonding strength behind our organisation. He is a quiet achiever who has guided and mentored many entrants over the years.”
Bolstad is a former Federated Farmers Sharemilkers’ section chairperson and NZDIA executive member.
Tere described him as a guiding light, a father figure and confidante to many while on their awards journey.
“Jeff has no ego, just a pure love and passion for aspiring dairy farmers. He has dedicated so much time and energy to the awards programme over the years, through his involvement on the exec and behind the scenes guiding, encouraging and mentoring,” she says.
Upon receiving the award, Bolstad said “you get out what you put in”, when it came to serving the sector.
